Research on the Optimization of Regional Green Infrastructure Network

Xuemin Shi,Mingzhou Qin

doi:10.3390/su10124649

Abstract

With the rapid rate of urbanization, green infrastructure land is increasingly being converted to urban construction land, and the fragmentation of regional green infrastructure (GI) networks is intensifying. The connectivity of a GI network is of paramount importance for maintaining both regional biodiversity and regional ecosystem service capacity, among others. In this paper, an innovative approach to planning a GI network is presented. The proposed approach is based on the Morphological Spatial Pattern Analysis (MSPA) method, minimum path method, and circuit theory. Using the Zhengzhou–Kaifeng metropolitan area in China as a case study, we argue that the combination of the MSPA method and circuit theory can more fully and comprehensively identify the components of a GI network and its key areas. The methodology consists of three steps: (i) Identifying the cores and bridges of the GI by the MSPA method based on land use data, followed by determining the hubs of the GI network by assessing the connectivity of the core area; (ii) establishing potential connecting corridors between hubs by the minimum path method; (iii) identifying the “pinch point” area of the potential connecting corridors based on current density by applying circuit theory. This approach not only makes identification of the “hubs” and “links” in the green infrastructure network more scientific and comprehensive, but it also further identifies “pinch point” areas of the connecting corridors that require priority protection or recovery. The research results can be used as a practical reference for urban planners when planning urban land use.

Highlights

With the rapid development of urbanization, the changing pattern of the country and natural areas surrounding cities is gradually reversing the direction of the relationship between cities and natural areas [1,2]
Based on the above methods, this study aims to develop a framework for urban planning designers for identifying the green infrastructure (GI) network elements and the location of the key “pinch point” area of the corridors
Because the purpose of this paper is to build a regional GI network based on land use data, this paper believes that the type of land that can play the role of a green infrastructure ecological service can be considered as green infrastructure land, so the cultivated land, forest land, and water areas were considered as green infrastructure land in this study

Summary

Introduction

With the rapid development of urbanization, the changing pattern of the country and natural areas surrounding cities is gradually reversing the direction of the relationship between cities and natural areas [1,2] To reverse this trend, management and development of green infrastructure is required and human behavior plays a crucial role in driving such processes [3]. GI has multiple functions as a national natural life support system [9,10] It protects natural and historical cultural heritage, maintains and enhances biodiversity, improves environmental quality, and helps reduce flooding; it provides recreational facilities for people, enhances the sense of community and ecological security, and helps reduce crime, fear, and antisocial behavior [11,12,13,14,15,16]. Striped ecological land between core areas with high connectivity, which is equivalent to the connecting corridor of the green infrastructure network.

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Conclusion