Spatial Patterns and Development Characteristics of China’s Postgraduate Education: A Geographic Information System Approach

Abstract

Using four types of publicly available datasets and ArcGIS software, the authors identify the spatial characteristics of postgraduate education in China at three scales: comprehensive economic zone, provincial, and city. They also employ geographically weighted regression and ordinary least squares to study the factors influencing the spatial pattern of postgraduate education in Gin at the city scale. The findings show that the number of postgraduate education institutions increases as the longitude of a city increases, but the number decreases from coast to inland. Second, postgraduate education institutions tend to group together in provincial capitals and megacities. Finally, GDP, per capita GDP, population size, local income, and total retail sales of consumer goods significantly impact postgraduate education development. The study contributes to the literature and provides insights for practitioners in promoting urban planning and infrastructure development.