## 3 Results and Discussion
### Discussion  
The spatial distribution of archaeological sites is closely influenced by factors such as elevation, proximity to water sources, slope, and the climatic and environmental conditions of different historical periods. Therefore, analyzing the spatial and temporal patterns of site distribution is of significant value in understanding historical human-environment interactions.  
This study covered a longtime span from the Stone Age to the Warring States period, encompassing multiple cultural development stages and various types of sites across the entire province. In contrast, most other studies focused on a single period, with relatively shorter timeframes, often limited to specific phases of the Paleolithic or Neolithic eras. For example, the study of Kulna Cave [20] is confined to cave sites, while research in the Cantabrian region [19] primarily examines cave and rock shelter sites along specific coastal areas. Thus, there are differences in the scope and types of research subjects. This study was based on a comprehensive dataset compiled from historical atlases, archaeological survey reports, and relevant literature, including 476 sites from the Stone Age, 347 from the Shang to Spring and Autumn periods, and 261 from the Warring States period. For sites lacking explicitly recorded coordinates, we employed a coordinate retrieval system to determine their locations based on place names and geographical descriptions, thereby ensuring the accuracy and completeness of the dataset. This approach enabled a more systematic and representative analysis of site distribution across different historical periods.  
Compared to previous studies, this research incorporated a more extensive and up-to-date dataset, providing a valuable supplement to existing findings. Prior research has documented 151 sites in Sichuan from the Paleolithic to the Bronze Age, revealing an evolutionary shift from a multi-core distribution pattern to a single-core pattern centered  
Figure 7: Slope distribution of heritage sites.  
on the Chengdu Plain, with varying degrees of environmental influence across different periods [2]. In contrast, this study classified sites according to historical periods and employed distinct analytical methodologies, yielding more detailed insights. During the Stone Age, site distribution exhibited a dispersed, multi-core pattern. By the Shang to Spring and Autumn periods, settlement patterns became more concentrated, forming a prominent core in the Chengdu Plain. In the Warring States period, a new high-density site cluster emerged in southern Sichuan, particularly in Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture. While the overall trends in site distribution aligned with previous findings, differences in data volume and kernel density bandwidth selection have resulted in distinct spatial distribution patterns for each period.  
Despite its contributions, this study has certain limitations. In terms of data, while significant efforts were made to ensure the precise location of sites, some records with insufficient location details had to be excluded. Additionally, the study primarily explored the relationship between site distribution and historical climatic conditions from a qualitative perspective. Future research could integrate historical climate data for a more rigorous quantitative analysis, further elucidating the interplay between environmental changes and human settlement patterns over time.