SPATIAL PATTERNS OF CLIFF ROCK ART IN GUANGXI’S ZUOJIANG RIVER BASIN: A GIS APPROACH
This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Abstract
From the perspective of landscape archaeology, the study of rock art extends beyond the symbolic interpretation of imagery to consider the broader environmental context shaped through interactions between ancient communities and their surroundings. This research focuses on the cliff rock art of the Zuojiang River Basin in Guangxi, examining how spatial distribution patterns reflect the dynamic relationship between people and landscape. Employing ArcGIS and archaeological survey reports, a comprehensive GISbased database of identified rock art sites is established. The analysis investigates key spatial variables—geomorphology, elevation, hydrology, viewsheds, cliff face orientation, and proximity to other archaeological sites—to understand their influence on the placement and significance of rock art. By quantitatively analyzing the spatial patterns of these sites, the study underscores the strong interrelationship between rock art and its environmental setting. The findings contribute not only to a deeper understanding of cultural landscape formation in the region but also offer valuable guidance for the conservation and sustainable management of cliff rock art in the Zuojiang River Basin.