Abstract
This study attempts to develop a methodology to quantify spatial patterns of land cover change using landscape metrics. First, multitemporal land cover types are derived based on a unified land cover classification scheme and from the classification of multitemporal remotely sensed imagery. Categorical land cover change trajectories are then established and reclassified according to the nature and driving forces of the change. Finally, spatial pattern metrics of the land cover change trajectory classes are computed and their relationships to human activities and environmental factors are analysed. A case study in the middle reach of Tarim River in the arid zone of China from 1973 to 2000 shows that during the 30‐year study period, the natural force is dominant in environmental change, although the human impact through altering water resources and surface materials has increased dramatically in recent years. The human‐induced change trajectories generally show lower normalized landscape shape index (NLSI), interspersion and juxtaposition index (IJI) and area‐weighted mean patch fractal dimension (FARC_AM), indicating greater aggregation, less association with others and simpler and larger patches in shape, respectively. The results suggest that spatial pattern metrics of land cover change trajectories can provide a good quantitative measurement for better understanding of the spatio‐temporal pattern of land cover change due to different causes.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.