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

Abstract Buddhist temples offer invaluable historical insights into the movement of people across different historical periods and their interactions with the environment. This study focuses on the examination of temple locations in Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, with two primary objectives: analyzing the spatial distribution characteristics of temples across periods to trace the development of temples and settlements, and exploring the relationships between temple locations in each period and physical environmental factors/landforms. To achieve these objectives, GIS tools, including average nearest neighbor (ANN) analysis, kernel density estimation (KDE), and standard deviational ellipse (SDE) analysis, are employed. The study reveals significant patterns. Temples exhibit varying concentrations and shifts over periods, primarily along the ancient trans-peninsular route, with the area around Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan emerging as a prominent center. Over time, temples were built at higher elevations and moving away from waterways. The preference for constructing temples on flat terrains is predominant. In the Sukhothai period (prior to 1349 CE), temples were often situated on flood-resistant sandbars. In the Ayutthaya period (1350 CE – 1767 CE), temples were strategically positioned on plains near waterways and trade routes. During the Thonburi period (1768 CE – 1781 CE), temples were primarily located at higher elevations. From Rattanakosin to present (1782 CE – present), temples expanded to higher elevations due to economic crop cultivation, population growth, and road network development. This study sheds light on the dynamic development of temples and their relationship with environmental factors, contributing to our understanding of historical human settlements and interactions with the landscape.