Abstract: Based on the high-definition satellite images provided by Google Earth, as well as collated historical documents, archaeological achievements and contemporary research, this study tried to identify the accurate location of major traffic nodes of the Desert-Oasis Silk Road in the Han dynasty. Then with the help of geomorphic characteristics, we restored major traffic lines, and built the traffic data set of the Silk Road in the Han dynasty that contains information on traffic nodes and traffic lines. As part of the Silk Road traffic and business dataset, this work is helpful to studies on the changes of the Silk Road route during this particular historical period. It also provides an accurate statistical basis for studies of cultural communications, business contacts, and ethnic migration along the Silk Road in the Han dynasty.
Keywords: Silk Road; road traffic; Han dynasty; route restoration