Research on the relationship between Urban economic development level and urban spatial structure—A case study of two Chinese cities

The characteristics of urban spatial structure and the objective evaluation of the development level of urban economy have always been the concern of urban researchers, However, the spatial relationship between urban spatial structure and urban economic development level is often deliberately ignored. Through the point of interest (POI), the identification framework is constructed, the spatial structure of the city is identified and evaluated, and the Geographically Weighted Regression analysis is carried out with the distribution of unit GDP (Gross Domestic Product) in this study. The research shows that Kunming and Guiyang are polycentric spatial structures and Kunming's structure is more significant. Kunming's economic level is generally higher than Guiyang, but the unit area cannot be compared. The city center will promote the development of the central area in this city, and the more urban centers are distributed within the geographical and spatial range, the greater contribution would have to economic development. In addition, the results of this study will have a positive impact on urban planning and construction, and will also provide a new perspective for the study of cities and related disciplines.