Urban landscape pattern analysis based on 3D landscape models

Abstract

Landscape ecology, urban landscape ecology in particular, has become one of the most promising subjects in geographical research. Among studies of urban planning, land cover change, sustainable development and so forth, more and more focus has been placed on understanding the spatial composition and structure of urban landscape. Recent research has proved that landscape patterns at the vertical directions exert important influence on specific ecological processes. As a result, it is of great importance to analyse comprehensive urban landscape patterns from a 3D perspective.This paper proposes a framework on the realization and application of 3D landscape models. Due to its high resolution in both horizontal and vertical directions, airborne Lidar (Light detection and ranging) is an ideal tool to establish 3D landscape models. The use of 3D landscape models enables researchers to design proper 3D landscape metrics and analyse 3D urban landscape patterns. A case study was conducted to compare landscape patterns between two sites from both 2D and 3D perspectives. A set of 3D landscape metrics was employed and the results proved that vertical landscape patterns, which mainly feature the spatial structures and distribution of buildings and trees, were better understood based on 3D landscape models.