Tracing human settlements: analyzing the spatio-temporal distribution of Buddhist temples in Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand

A prominent center for Buddhist temple development emerged around Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan, Nakhon Si Thammarat, with significant shifts in temple locations tied to historical periods and environmental factors. Temples were strategically positioned near waterways and trade routes during the Ayutthaya period (1350–1767 CE), while later periods saw a preference for higher elevations due to economic crop cultivation, population growth, and road development. This study reveals how temple distribution reflects human settlement dynamics and landscape interactions over time, using GIS tools like average nearest neighbor analysis, kernel density estimation, and standard deviational ellipse analysis.

Patnukao, A., Cheewinsiriwat, P., Bamrungkhul, S., & Vannametee, E. (2024). Tracing human settlements: analyzing the spatio-temporal distribution of Buddhist temples in Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand. GeoJournal, 89(2). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10708-024-11056-z