A Research on the Spatio-Temporal Evolution Pattern and Driving Mechanism of China Traditional Rural Settlements

The study introduced two concepts (Intensity and Activity of rural construction land) and then divided different intensity and activity regions (High, Medium and Low) to analyze the temporal and spatial evolution driving mechanism of traditional rural settlements with a case study of FuPing County in Northwest China. The study found: The factors between spatial distribution and temporal evolution are different, the landform condition and the inheritance of culture determined the spatial distribution;the construction of industrial zones, distribution of roads and implement of policy promoted the temporal evolution of rural settlement. The internal driving force played more important role than external force in the evolution of traditional rural settlement, and there were different forms and carriers in different intensity and activity regions of rural settlement.