Exploring the Spatial Pattern of Retail Business in Chengdu Based on the Coupling of Nighttime Light Remote Sensing Images and POI Data

The rational spatial layout of retail businesses is the foundation for promoting urban economic development and meeting residents' living needs, and one of the key factors to achieving a rational spatial layout is the spatial correlation between commercial establishments and the population. The paper takes the central urban area of Chengdu as the research object, constructing a coupling model, and uses NPP-VIIRS nighttime light data and points of interest (POI) data from various retail outlets in the study area in 2023 to explore the spatial distribution of retail business and its coupling relationship with group activity levels. Results indicate that the distribution of retail commercial space in Chengdu City exhibits the characteristics of multi-center agglomeration, which is generally consistent with the population distribution. However, there are differences in the distribution patterns between retail areas with varying degrees of coupling. In terms of coupling coordination degree distribution, all retail categories show a similar trend to that of Chengdu City. The analysis reveals that the retail category significantly influences the coupling degree distribution, while geographical location greatly affects the coupling coordination degree. This research will offer reference for optimizing cities' commercial spatial structure and scientifically planning enterprise outlet layouts.