Integrating MCR and multi-centrality analysis (MCA) for spatial prioritization of heritage networks: A GIS-based case study of Luoyang, China

Abstract In view of the insufficient quantification of compound-resistance mechanisms and network topology in studies on cultural-heritage networks in China’s ancient capitals, this study takes the Luoyang ancient-capital site group as its case and integrates the Minimum Cumulative Resistance (MCR) model – a geographic information systems (GIS) cost–distance framework on a natural–social resistance surface – with Multi-Centrality Analysis (MCA) – a graph-theoretic analysis of closeness, betweenness, and straightness centralities on the heritage network – to jointly examine diachronic corridors and synchronic structural roles of sites. This integration operationalizes the transformation from point-like heritage nodes to a linear network representation. Results indicate that (1) the Luoyang heritage network exhibits marked spatial heterogeneity, with high-closeness segments concentrated along the historical axis and high-betweenness nodes at transport-corridor intersections; and (2) a five-tier network map derived from centrality-weighted aggregation highlights high-value heritage segments extending along the Luo River basin, closely aligning with the compound-resistance–based topological model. The findings demonstrate the effectiveness of the MCR–MCA integration for cultural-heritage network construction, provide a quantitative basis for conservation and spatial planning in ancient capitals, and offer guidance for developing early-warning mechanisms for heritage protection.