Detecting the Spatial Association between Commercial Sites and Residences in Beijing on the Basis of the Colocation Quotient

Abstract

Identifying the spatial association between commercial sites and residences is important for urban planning. However, (1) the patterns of spatial association between commercial sites and residences across an urban space and (2) how the spatial association patterns of each commercial format and different levels of residences vary remain unclear. To address these gaps, this study used point-of-interest data of commercial sites and residences in Beijing, China, to calculate colocation quotients, which were used for identifying the spatial association characteristics and patterns of commercial sites and residences in the city. The results show that (1) the global colocation quotient of commercial sites and residences in Beijing is below 1, indicating relatively weak spatial association. The spatial association between each commercial format and residences varies greatly and shows the characteristics of integration of high-frequency consumption and separation of low-frequency consumption. Additionally, the spatial associations between high-grade residences and commercial formats are relatively weak, whereas those between low-grade residences and commercial formats are relatively strong. (2) The local spatial association patterns of various commercial formats and residences exhibit obvious spatial heterogeneity. Overall, the proportions of various commercial formats attracted by residences are considerably higher than those of residences attracted by various commercial formats, revealing spatial asymmetry. Within the Fourth Ring Road, commercial formats are mainly attracted by residences, showing a spatial association pattern of “distribute commercial sites according to the location of residences”. The proportions of residences attracted by commercial formats increase outside the Fourth Ring Road, presenting a spatial association pattern of “commercial formats attracting residences”. The findings offer valuable insights into the development mechanisms of commercial and residential spaces and provide valuable information for urban planning.