The Representation Of Historical Population Distribution In China Using GIS

Based on the "Historical population and environmental changes data" from Data-sharing Network of Earth System Science and the digitalized "the Historical Atlas of China", after comparison and analysis of several commonly used interpolation methods, the method which could be used in the historical population interpolation was obtained, and the population density distribution map was interpolated using this method. Finally, a network reflecting historical population distribution was realized using WebGIS programming technology.Followings were the results:The total number of population of the study area calculated by five area interpolation methods was similar to the statistical data, however, there was still some faults that the data within or without boundary had nonlinear great variations. As the result, the area interpolation method could not be used in population data. Although the point interpolation method which was controlled by administrative central point could solve this kind of problem, it could not be used in the population data interpolation for the data calculated in this method was larger than the statistical data. Similar, the total number of population obtained by using point interpolation method controlled by multi-points was larger than the statistical data as well, so it cannot be used for population interpolating. The point interpolation method which controlled by multi points on the peripheral study area can be used in the population interpolation because the data is 98.8% of the statistical population data.The population density distribution map was generated by using the point interpolation method controlled by multi points on the peripheral study area.The network of historical population distribution realized following functions: displaying the basic information of administrative area of different historical periods; querying administrative ownership and population density information of a special point after clicking on; querying and searching administrative ownership and population density information of a special place name of different historical periods.