Exploring visitors’ visual perception along the spatial sequence in temple heritage spaces by quantitative GIS methods: a case study of the Daming Temple, Yangzhou City, China

Abstract The Daming Temple, built during 457–464 C.E., is one of the developing ancient temple heritage spaces located in Yangzhou city, P. R. China. Over the past 60 years, variation in visitors’ spatial perception along the tour routes in the temple has occurred. This research attempts to reveal the changes in visitors’ visual perception along the spatial sequences at 3 different times (i.e., 1962, 1973 and 2022). A quantitative GIS-based method, which includes analysing the distribution of visitors’ spatial preferences and spatial configuration, is proposed. Digital landscape tools and quantitative estimation methods are used, including mapping within Rhinoceros software, the kernel density estimation (KDE) method within ArcGIS software and spatial syntax analysis within DepthMap software. Extracted geodata from 500 photographs of the heritage space taken by volunteer visitors are analysed within the GIS environment. Values of the mean depth (MD) at both levels of visibility and accessibility are calculated within the visibility graph analysis (VGA) model. Comparisons between the visual preferences of the visitors and the spatial configuration along the spatial sequence are conducted. The results indicate that the spatial sequence has a significant impact on visitors’ visual preferences and tour routes. The phenomenon of spatial sequence among dynamic temporal variations and the effects of narrative spaces along the spatial sequence are highlighted and explained, which reveal the relationship between visitors’ geospatial preference and the spatial configuration of the temple. Some suggestions are put forwards for further studies on the revitalisation and management of East Asian ancient temple heritage spaces.