Geoheritage Conservation Enhanced by Spatial Data Mining of Paleontological Geosites: Case Study from Liaoning Province in China

Ying Guo (), Tian He, Juan Wang, Xiaoying Han, Yu Sun and Kaixun Zhang ()
Additional contact information
Ying Guo: Institute of Geology and Paleontology, Linyi University, Linyi 276000, China
Tian He: College of History and Culture, Linyi University, Linyi 276000, China
Juan Wang: Institute of Geology and Paleontology, Linyi University, Linyi 276000, China
Xiaoying Han: College of Mining Engineering, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063009, China
Yu Sun: College of History and Culture, Linyi University, Linyi 276000, China
Kaixun Zhang: Institute of Geomechanics, Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences, Beijing 100081, China

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 17, 1-31

Abstract: China boasts abundant geoheritage, including numerous paleontological geosites; however, many of these geosites are currently at high risk of degradation and face considerable challenges in protection and management. Using Liaoning Province as a case study, this study employs Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and spatial analysis to conduct the systematic data mining of provincial paleontological geosites. We quantitatively examine their spatiotemporal distribution patterns, identify key natural and socio-economic factors influencing their spatial occurrence, and pinpoint areas at high risk of degradation. Results reveal that the distribution of paleontological geosites across prefectural-city, regional, and geological time scales is highly uneven, leading to significant disparities in scientific research, resource allocation, and geotourism development. Significant spatial correlations are observed between the locations of these geosites and natural parameters as well as socio-economic indicators, providing a theoretical foundation for designing targeted conservation measures and precise management strategies. Based on these findings, the study proposes a multi-scale geoheritage conservation framework for Liaoning, which systematically addresses protection strategies across three distinct dimensions: at the prefectural-level city scale, through precise basic management, systematic investigation, and differentiated protection measures; at the regional scale, by enhancing collaborative mechanisms and establishing an integrated conservation network; and at the geological time scale, by deepening value recognition and promoting forward-looking conservation initiatives. This study not only offers tailored recommendations for conserving paleontological heritage in Liaoning, but also presents a transferable research model for other regions rich in paleontological resources worldwide, thereby bridging the gap between geoheritage conservation needs and practical solutions.

Keywords: geoheritage conservation; spatial data mining; paleontological geosite; GIS (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
References: Add references at CitEc
Citations:

Downloads: (external link)
https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/17/17/7752/pdf (application/pdf)
https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/17/17/7752/ (text/html)

Related works:
This item may be available elsewhere in EconPapers: Search for items with the same title.

Export reference: BibTeX RIS (EndNote, ProCite, RefMan) HTML/Text

Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:17:p:7752-:d:1736551

Access Statistics for this article

Sustainability is currently edited by Ms. Alexandra Wu

More articles in Sustainability from MDPI
Bibliographic data for series maintained by MDPI Indexing Manager ().