Spatiotemporal Distribution Characteristics and Influencing Factors of Neolithic Ancient Sites in Henan Province Based on GIS

The research of prehistoric sites can help reveal the evolution patterns of ancient human life and provide a basis for cultural relic protection and civilization inheritance. This research employs statistical and GIS spatial analysis methods, including kernel density estimation, average nearest neighbor analysis, and standard deviational ellipse, to systematically analyze the spatiotemporal distribution characteristics and influencing factors of 362 cultural sites from the Neolithic Age in Henan Province, China. The findings are discussed in conjunction with existing research on subsistence patterns, social changes, and environmental evolution. The results indicate that: (1) Regarding spatiotemporal distribution, the core area of Neolithic sites in Henan Province is located at the Zhengzhou-Luoyang region. From the Peiligang Culture to the Yangshao Culture, a "single-core" distribution pattern is observed, which then gradually expands into a "multi-core" pattern by the Longshan Culture. The Dawenkou Culture is primarily distributed in the Zhoukou and Shangqiu regions, while the Qujialing and Shijiahe Cultures are centered in the Nanyang Basin, all with a relatively limited distribution range. (2) Regarding spatial aggregation and directional characteristics, the degree of site aggregation gradually increases from the Peiligang Culture to the Yangshao Culture and slightly decreases during the Longshan stage. The directional distribution weakens significantly from the Peiligang Culture to the Yangshao Culture and then strengthens slightly during the Longshan Culture, with the spatial orientation shifting from southeast-northwest to northeast-southwest and then reverting to the original direction. The distribution range of these three cultures gradually expands, with the centroid moving northwestward and then southeastward. The sites of the Dawenkou, Qujialing, and Shijiahe Cultures exhibit a uniform distribution pattern, with the Dawenkou Culture indicating strong directionality in a northeast-southwest orientation. The Qujialing Culture to the Shijiahe Culture demonstrate a significant increase in directionality, both oriented southeast-northwest, with the centroid shifting northwestward. (3) Regarding natural influencing factors, they reveal that the Yangshao Culture has a broader elevation distribution range compared to the Peiligang Culture, with an overall increase during the Yangshao stage and a decrease during the Longshan stage. Sun-facing orientation weakens initially and then strengthens, while river proximity gradually diminishes. The sites of the Dawenkou, Qujialing, and Shijiahe Cultures have a relatively narrow elevation range, with strong sun-facing orientation and river proximity, both of which gradually intensify in the latter two cultures. Overall, the six types of cultural sites are predominantly distributed in areas with a slope below 5°, and this trend gradually strengthens, with a significant correlation between elevation and slope. (4) Regarding human influencing factors, the formation of the Central Plains Culture during the Neolithic Age in Henan is the result of interaction and integration between local and surrounding cultures, reflecting cultural exchanges between the Yellow River Basin and the Yangtze River Basin. Meanwhile, the transition in subsistence patterns from foraging, fishing, and hunting to farming and livestock rearing significantly impacts social structure and civilizational development.