Page 153 - JCAU-7-2

Journal of Chinese
Architecture and Urbanism Tracing Minyue Kingdom’s roads with LCP

span extensive historical and spatial dimensions (van and Uhlmann (1998) demonstrated that paths generated
den Dries, 2016). Three key elements define cultural using the LCP model based on the Dijkstra algorithm
lines: transportation routes, their specific uses, and the significantly outperformed those generated with the
distinctive historical phenomena they encapsulate (Van O(EV) algorithm. Cohen et al. (2009) utilized the LCP
Tan, 1995). Transportation line heritage, particularly model to delineate Metropolitan Margins Green Corridors,
ancient roadways, represents a confluence of natural demonstrating the influence of distance on the LCP. Rees
and cultural landscapes formed through the interplay of (2004) utilized the LCP model to design a road network
human, economic, and cultural histories (Li et al., 2021; and conducted a comparative analysis with pre-existing
He et al., 2023). These routes are characterized by spatial footpaths in the mountainous regions of Wales, with a
flexibility and temporal fluidity, making them significant focus on route optimization. During the Minyue Kingdom
not only for historical and scientific inquiry but also for period, Fujian province was predominantly mountainous,
their cultural and touristic appeals (Huo et al., 2018; Jiang with some coastal plains. These topographical features
et al., 2023). significantly influenced transportation, agriculture, and
settlement patterns. Given that Fujian’s geographical
The term “ancient transportation routes” encompasses environment has remained relatively stable over time,
both tangible and intangible cultural heritage within a modern remote sensing imagery can be reliably employed
specific temporal and spatial context, including their to construct a cost surface model for reconstructing the
surrounding natural and cultural environments (Tan ancient pathways of the Minyue Kingdom. Numerous
et al., 2021). This study focuses on the tangible aspects, architectural and archaeological discoveries from this
particularly ancient roadways and their associated relic period, including postal stations, passes, fortresses,
sites, to provide insights into the intricate web of historical ports, docks, bridges, and other critical nodes, have been
transportation networks and their enduring legacy. documented (Wu, 2020). These important nodes can serve

Ancient transportation networks are functionally as “sources” in the LCP model (Li, 2023), allowing for the
categorized into three types: military routes, cultural trade generation of optimal paths to reconstruct the ancient road
routes, and ancient postal paths (Wei, 2015). During the networks of the Minyue Kingdom.
Minyue Kingdom, the establishment of ancient roadways The innovation in this study lies in applying the LCP
within present-day Fujian province was primarily driven by model not merely for path optimization but as a tool for
military needs (Li, 2021). Traditional research has focused historical reconstruction. Given that many ancient routes
on textual analysis and manual mapping of archaeological in Fujian are poorly recorded or entirely undocumented,
sites, often limited to single nodes such as postal stations this study identifies roads lacking historical records,
or fortresses. While being foundational, these studies lack those with limited information, and those thoroughly
systematic analyses of interrelated nodes and broader documented but amenable to further refinement through
transportation networks. spatial analysis. By doing so, the study reveals previously
To address these gaps, this study combines fieldwork unknown pathways and enhances understanding of
with digital methodologies, applying the LCP model ancient routes, providing specific data on locations,
to reconstruct the Minyue Kingdom’s transportation lengths, and connectivity that were previously unmapped
system. This approach integrates environmental context or insufficiently analyzed. For ancient routes still in use
with archeological data, offering a comprehensive view of today, the study offers a comparative analysis of historical
Fujian’s historical pathways and advancing digital heritage and contemporary pathways, highlighting the resilience
preservation. and longevity of Fujian’s transportation networks and
adding layers of historical context to current infrastructure.
2.2. Restoration methods for transportation lines
This approach not only brings new clarity to the Minyue
The LCP model in GIS is frequently utilized in research Kingdom’s transportation network but also demonstrates
across various fields, such as geography (Tang & Dou, the value of digital tools in heritage preservation. It
2023), environmental science (Bagli et al., 2011), contributes both a digital representation and a robust
archaeology (Hardt et al., 2023), and urban planning framework for assessing the evolution of historical routes.
(Balbi et al., 2021). These studies address diverse topics, By addressing historical gaps through rigorous GIS
including terrain analysis, natural resource management, analysis, this study highlights the significant role of spatial
transportation planning, environmental conservation, modeling in advancing the understanding of cultural
and hazard risk assessment (Murekatete & Shirabe, 2021; landscapes and supporting heritage preservation efforts in
Savary et al., 2022; Yu et al., 2003). For example, Boroujerdi ways traditional research methods have yet to achieve.

Volume 7 Issue 2 (2025) 3 https://doi.org/10.36922/jcau.4226