Exploring the cultural landscape of Hong Kong through spatial analysis of street names

Abstract

This study examines the cultural landscape of Hong Kong through a systematic analysis of its street names. Geographic data for 4095 street names were collected, and 1454 annotations were added, utilizing a modified version of the Australian National Placenames Survey (ANPS) categorization system. The study classifies Hong Kong’s street names into seven distinct groups: descriptive, associative, evaluative, occurrent, copied, eponymous, and innovative. By employing ArcGIS StoryMap, Kernel Density Estimation (KDE), and Standard Deviational Ellipse (SDE) analysis, the research reveals distinct patterns in the distribution of street names, reflecting historical and cultural influences. Further discussion highlights how these street names reveal Hong Kong’s colonial past, multicultural background, reclamation changes, and commercial legacy. Based on these findings, the study proposes preservation strategies focusing on regional protection zones, cultural landscape tourism, and historical education initiatives to safeguard this valuable aspect of Hong Kong’s cultural heritage.