## 2 Study Area and Data  
### Study Area  
This study concentrated on the Linwei District of Weinan City, which is located in the east-central part of Shaanxi Province, China, strategically situated on the main axis of the Guanzhong-Tianshui Economic Zone. Linwei District is a pivotal area, as delineated by the city's comprehensive Urban Master Plan for the years 2016 to 2030, and Weinan City is an important city in the Golden Triangle demonstration zone in the Yellow River, which is a regional planning zone in China. To the east are Sanmenxia City and Yuncheng City in Henan Province, to the west are Tongchuan City, Xianyang City, and Xi'an City (the capital of Shaanxi Province and an important city in western China), and to the south is Shangluo City in Shaanxi Province. Weinan City spans an extensive area of 13,134 km\({}^{2}\), making it the largest city in the province, with a predominant focus on agriculture. The significance of Linwei District within the urban landscape is underscored by its substantial economic contribution. As of 2020, with its population of 920,000, the district accounted for an impressive 23.68% of Weinan City's gross domestic product (GDP). This notable figure not only highlights Linwei District's role in fueling the city's economic engine but also cements its status as the central commercial nexus. The district's robust economic performance, marked by such a notable share in the city's GDP, underscores its critical function as an economic powerhouse and a focal point for both commerce and development within the region (Figure 1).  
This study was centered on Linwei District for five reasons. First, Weinan City is experiencing a significant developmental phase, and with the commercial space in Linwei District expected to undergo substantial expansion, accurate forecasting and simulation become critical to achieving a strategically distributed commercial layout. The growth in the city's GDP and retail sales accentuates the urgency of the planning. Second, Weinan City's strategic proximity to the metropolis of Xi'an, coupled with its burgeoning commercial activity, positions it as an exemplar for urban commercial development. Its lessons and models hold significant relevance for smaller- and medium-sized neighboring cities, particularly those on the fringe of larger metropolitan zones. Third, Linwei District is representative of the transformative effects of infrastructural investments on urban development. The district has witnessed a surge in such investments, which have catalyzed local economic activities and urban revitalization. This case study provided a unique opportunity to analyze the impact of infrastructure on commercial space distribution and urban economic health. Fourth, this district served as a microcosm for studying the integration of traditional agricultural economies with modern commercial expansion. This interplay is crucial for understanding how rapidly urbanizing regions can balance heritage with progress, making Linwei District an ideal candidate for in-depth research into sustainable urban commercial growth that respects and incorporates its agricultural roots. Lastly, the data accessibility within China, which facilitated a thorough and detailed analysis of urban growth patterns and commercial development strategies.