The Investigation of Temple Distribution on Sating Phra Peninsula on the Kalpana map In Ayutthaya Era by Global Positioning System (GIS)

Abstract

This research aims to investigate the distribution of Temples on Sating-Pra Peninsula in Ayutthaya Era during B.E. 2233-2142 by Global Positioning System, GPS, and implementation on the present map by ArcMap Version 9.2. The investigated results could present 62 from 69 temples. The distribution can be divided into 3 areas i.e. The first area is the area in the northern part of Sating-Pra between Hua-Sai and Chean-Yai district, Nakorn Sri Thammarat province. The 4 temples were found along this area. Three temples located along Phrabat Range. 1 temple was observed between the plateau between Phrabat and Sating-Pra. The second group located in the middle area of peninsula between Ranod. Sating Phra, Songkhla (56 temples). This group present the most temple numbers. The temples located in the linear distribution along the main road of peninsula on the eastern part near the Thai gulf and the western area near Songkhla lake. The last area located on the southern most area of peninsula. Thera are two temples in this area. Cha-Lae temple was at the southernmost. From above details, it could be considered that Sating-Pra was the large city. This city comprised the a lot of Buddhist people. Wat Phra Ko was the center of democracy from Khao Phra Bat to Songkhla Municipal area. All of temples are line settlement of Sating-Pra peninsula.