Government records and literati poems: understanding the layered evolution of Nanjing’s historic urban landscape, China

To address the challenges of fading local distinctiveness and homogenization in historic urban preservation, our paper proposes a comprehensive methodology that integrates spatial and textual analysis. The method reveals the layering mechanisms of historical landscapes from diverse subject perspectives. Nanjing, China, is taken as a research case. By applying GIS-based spatial analysis and KH Coder-assisted word frequency analysis to both government records and literati poems, we reveal differential perceptions of historic landscapes between these groups and analyze the resulting cultural diversity. The results show that (1) natural elements are the spatial substrate of landscape evolution, and the landscape layout shows a circular pattern that spreads from inside the city to the outside; (2) government records emphasize the sociopolitical structures and ideological frameworks, while literati poems focus on aesthetics and emotional expression, and both provide the landscape’s multidimensional cultural connotations. Our study provides a framework for contemporary historical landscape conservation. The generation of landscape distribution and imagery maps supports holistic conservation and restoration efforts. Furthermore, it offers a scientific foundation for landscape character management and thematic tour route design, thereby promoting the sustainable development of local scenery.