Measuring Spatial–Semantic Coupling in Historic Districts Using Space Syntax and the CLIP Model: A Case Study of the South Central Axis Core Area in Beijing

A novel diagnostic framework reveals complex spatial-semantic coupling in Beijing's South Central Axis, challenging assumptions of uniform 'decoupling' and identifying areas where high spatial integration fails to translate into visual or historical significance. The study combines Space Syntax analysis with the CLIP model's zero-shot semantic extraction, mapping 550 fine-grained sampling points across 6.6 km² to pinpoint 'idle spatial potential,' synergistic heritage cores, and hidden gems in hutongs. It also exposes a severe green island effect and structural contradictions between spaciousness and historical perception, offering scalable, data-driven insights for targeted micro-renewal in historic districts globally.

Li, Q., Yang, Z., Wu, X., Li, W., Liu, Y., & Jia, L. (2026). Measuring Spatial–Semantic Coupling in Historic Districts Using Space Syntax and the CLIP Model: A Case Study of the South Central Axis Core Area in Beijing. ISPRS International Journal of Geo-Information, 15(5), 203. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijgi15050203