Spatial distribution characteristics and influencing factors of  Tujia traditional villages in the Youshui River Basin：A Multiscale Geographically Weighted Regression  Approach

Traditional villages embody important elements of agricultural civilization and ethnic cultural heritage, yet they face growing pressure from rapid urbanization. Understanding the spatiotemporal differentiation and driving mechanisms of these villages is crucial for their preservation and sustainable development. Taking 168 Tujia traditional villages (TTV) in the Youshui River Basin (YRB) as the study sample, this study employs the Nearest Neighbor Index, Kernel Density Estimation, and Multiscale Geographically Weighted Regression to systematically analyze their spatiotemporal distribution characteristics and influencing factors. The results of the study show that: (1) Spatially, the villages exhibit a "west-dense, east-sparse" pattern and form a structure characterized by "two primary clusters accompanied by several secondary clusters." Temporally, the formation spans a wide era with distinct differences in quantity and aggregation across historical periods, the spatial evolution of TTV demonstrates a clear dependence on the river system. (2) The MGWR model outperforms the classic GWR by identifying the specific spatial action scales (bandwidths) of different variables. Natural factors (slope) and historical factors (distance to Tusi administrative centers) operate as macroscopic stable factors, revealing the long-term effects of environmental backgrounds and historical institutions on spatial patterns. In contrast, social factors (urbanization rate and road network density) exhibit strong local spatial heterogeneity. (3) The study reveals a four-dimensional coupled driving mechanism where natural factors establish the physical foundation and "passive protection" barriers; livelihood factors reflect adaptive survival wisdom; historical factors exert a profound institutional anchoring effect; and social factors play a dual role of screening and reshaping under modern development. By quantifying the multiscale impacts of these four types of factors, this study provides a solid empirical basis for the differentiated preservation, refined management, and coordinated regional development of traditional villages in multi-ethnic areas.