Quantitative spatial connectivity of karst industrial heritage sites: a case study of five Guizhou sites

Abstract

Industrial heritage clusters, as integral components of cultural heritage, have received global attention. This study examines their spatial distribution and connectivity within karst regions using fractal dimension and complex network analysis, with five Guizhou industrial heritage clusters as case studies. Key findings are: Their spatial morphology exhibits pronounced topographic dependency, manifesting through building agglomeration, heterogeneous planar configurations, and diverse morphological patterns; The architectural relics network demonstrates weak overall connectivity, characterized by structural fragility, low stability, and balanced redundancy; Individual clusters display limited medium/high centrality nodes, dominated by low/medium competitiveness. Coordinator roles constitute the primary network functions, with location and transportation emerging as critical determinants. Based on these insights, the study proposes integrated conservation strategies for industrial heritage preservation and systematic restoration, alongside hierarchical classification frameworks. These outcomes provide methodological references for the sustainable management of industrial and cultural heritage sites worldwide.