Spatial Optimization of Rural Settlements in a Small Watershed Based on Social Network Analysis

Under the influence of the conversion of farmland to forest and rapid urbanization, the traditional rural settlements in the hilly and gully region of the loess plateau are experiencing problems, such as hollowing and decline, due to the difficulty in adapting to changes in social relations. With Angou Watershed as an example, a research framework of "gravity identification-network evaluation-spatial optimization" is constructed, which is used to analyze the characteristics of the network as a whole, regions and nodes. In addition, social network analysis is employed to reveal the spatial pattern of rural settlements in the watershed. According to the findings, the lack of close ties of communities within the watershed makes it difficult to achieve close social interactions and services. Divided by region, 8 settlement groups are formed, but there is a lack of cohesion and cooperation among the settlement groups. The proportion of marginal settlement nodes is as high as 39.13%, resulting in the serious shortage of motivation for village development. Finally, a three-level rural settlement system is proposed, and 8 hub villages are added, which play a connecting role of tableland-type villages. In order to form a complete industrial chain, the central settlement processing industry is intensively cultivated. Through the reconstruction of the four cluster development groups, the north-south connection of the watershed is strengthened. By defining the number of villages of three types of leader, key position and explorer, the development direction is clarified. This study not only has a significant guiding role in the coordinated development of rural settlements in small watersheds in the hilly and gully areas of the loess plateau, but also provides an important basis for regional urban and rural overall planning, village layout, as well as resource allocation and construction.