Comparative Study on Spatial Forms of Ancient Waterside Towns Based on Google Earth Pro－Taking the Example of Qingmuchuan, Fenghuang and Houliu in Southern Shaanxi, China

: The purpose of this study is to address the problem of ancient towns dying out in developing countries, particularly China. Intensifying conflicts between human settlements and the natural environment are described, and guidelines are proposed for the development of waterside ancient towns in China’s southern Shaanxi Province in the interest of conserving cultural and natural heritage. The towns of Qingmuchuan, Fenghuang and Houliu were selected as representative examples due to their strong reputation among tourists.They have the characteristics of traditional southern Shaanxi towns, but each has a completely different layout, space and structure. The comparative findings of this research provide a point of reference for establishing guidelines to preserve the integrity of ancient towns worldwide. In this paper, we compare the geographical conditions with the layout and texture of the streets by Google Earth Pro. And we analyze the details of spaces along the river zones, architectural styles and building decorations in order to research the relationship between the natural environment and the human settlement conditions. We note the unfortunate common trend of commercial development steadily taking over the natural environment, particularly the rivers and unique elements of the old towns. Finally, we summarize the similarities and differences of the spatial forms among these towns and put forward proposals for the further development of ancient towns. This research is important for all regions which stand to lose their national treasures. Consequently, measures should be to taken to curtail hyper development before we lose our historicscenery.