GIS-Based Suitability Evaluation and Coupling Coordination Analysis of the Spatial Layout of Small-Scale Kindergartens in Rural Areas of Sichuan, China: A Case Study of ZJ County

Abstract

To optimize the spatial layout of small-scale kindergartens in rural Sichuan and promote the balanced allocation and co-construction/sharing of preschool education resources, this study takes small-scale kindergartens in the rural areas of ZJ County, Sichuan Province as a case. Based on POI data and employing analytical techniques including standard deviational ellipse, kernel density estimation, multi-factor weighted evaluation, and coupling coordination degree model, we examine their spatial distribution patterns and layout suitability, and further analyze the intrinsic coupling coordination relationships. The results indicate that the spatial distribution of kindergartens in the region exhibits a pattern of “single‑core agglomeration with peripheral dispersion”, with XC Town concentrating 44.4% of the county’s kindergartens, showing pronounced spatial polarization. In addition, population density, road density, and terrain slope jointly shape a suitability gradient for rural small‑scale kindergarten layout that is favorable in valley areas but poor in mountainous areas, and some high‑suitability settlement patches on the periphery exhibit supply‑demand gaps in preschool education resources. The spatial differentiation of coupling coordination degree is significant, with well‑matched conditions in the core urban area but generally low levels in peripheral townships. Further discussion addresses aspects such as the spatial supply‑demand layout of preschool education resources, regional disparities in polarization degree, constraints imposed by factors including population, roads, and terrain, and the spatial overlap between coupling coordination degree and suitability. Finally, differentiated recommendations are proposed, including improving quality and efficiency of small‑scale kindergartens, supplementing construction in key townships, and flexibly supplying services in high‑mountain areas.