抄録
As an interdisciplinary field that explores the geographical environment, human–land relationships, and their evolution during historical periods, historical geography has undergone a continuous development from empirical observation to theoretical construction. This paper systematically reviews the origins, developmental trajectory, and disciplinary framework of historical geography, with a focus on its core research areas, including environmental change and its driving mechanisms, the spatial dimensions of historical human–land interactions, transformations in economic geography and social spatial structures, cultural transmission routes, and the historical development of towns. It also summarizes commonly used research methods in the field, particularly the application of Geographic Information Systems in historical reconstruction and analysis, the deepening of historical textual analysis, and the innovative potential of artificial intelligence in data mining and pattern recognition. Moreover, the paper highlights cutting-edge issues and hot topics such as the historical geography perspective on global climate change, new advances in historical ecological studies, spatial expressions of cultural heritage conservation, and regional characteristics and implications of urbanization history. Based on this analysis, the paper further explores the theoretical value and practical significance of historical geography in regional planning, ecological conservation, and responses to global change. By providing a comprehensive overview of the current status and future directions of the discipline, this paper aims to offer theoretical guidance and innovative perspectives for researchers in historical geography.
