Study on Urban Multidimensional Niche of Urban Agglomeration in Northern Slope of Tianshan Mountains

Abstract

Based on multidimensional niche theory, the paper tried to explore the function of cities and interaction relations among urban agglomerations, so that to provide a new perspective realizing the sustainable development of urban agglomerations. Using the principal component analysis, urban ecological niche breadth model and urban ecological niche differentiation index model on 16 indicators for 10 cities in Northern Slope of Tianshan Mountains (NSTM), ecological niche breadth and differentiation characteristics of the urban agglomeration were measured and calculated. The results are as follows.1) Comprehensive urban niche breadth of primate city is bigger than most cities in NSTM. The polarization is obvious.2) Comprehensive differentiation index of urban niche breadth shows an increasing tendency. The regional development elements gather in regional central city, moreover, the accumulative effect is even enhancing. 3) In general, the niche differentiation index of economy and public service, equitable development and population increasing rises apparently, however, the infrastructure status declines.