Multi-objective spatial reconstruction of rural settlements considering intervillage social connections

One of the key factors affecting rural settlements distribution is intervillage social connections. However, most of the current studies ignored the effects of social connections on the spatial distribution of rural settlements. This study proposed a multi-objective spatial reconstruction model for rural settlements based on the particle swarm optimization algorithm. The model considers intervillage social connections as one of the reconstruction objectives together with land-use quantity, spatial compactness, land-use suitability and relocation distance. Based on a questionnaire survey, the social connection strength between villages was measured from spatial and nonspatial aspects. The model was calibrated for the Chengui Township of Hubei Province in Central China. Five modeling scenarios for rural settlement reconstruction were designed according to potential development modes used in practice. A comparison of the reconstruction results of the different scenarios was performed to verify the applicability of the model and to analyze the joint interaction of the spatial objectives and social connections during the restructuring of rural settlements. The results indicated that five scenarios were effectively and robustly implemented using the proposed model. Social connections had a direct effect by guiding the restructuring direction of rural settlements. This study advances our understanding of the influence of social connections on rural settlement reconstruction and provides a useful exploratory tool for policymakers and rural planners in formulating reasonable reconstruction plans.