WebGIS-Based Geospatial Information Visualization of Ancient Villages Along the Long March Trail

Abstract. This research employs GIS spatial analysis and historical archival methods to examine the distribution patterns and cultural significance of ancient villages along China’s Long March route (1934–1936). By developing a three-tier geospatial screening model, 150 core villages were systematically identified from a national inventory of 8,171 traditional settlements, establishing a multidimensional database integrating terrain features, ethnic compositions, and revolutionary event records. Spatial analysis reveals these villages’ critical role as unique spatial carriers of revolutionary history, demonstrating: terrain-adaptive distributions that facilitated military operations, multi-ethnic interactions preserving oral histories of soldier-civilian solidarity, and transhistorical overlaps with ancient military corridors. The study further proposes WebGIS-based digital narrative platforms to transform red heritage into interactive cultural resources. This integrated approach bridges historical geography and cultural heritage studies, providing empirical foundations for leveraging Long March legacy in rural revitalization through systematic preservation and innovative dissemination strategies.