Least-cost Analysis Research Articles

Assessing the Connectivity of Urban Green Spaces for Enhanced Environmental Justice and Ecosystem Service Flow: A Study of Tehran Using Graph Theory and Least-Cost Analysis

This research aims to analyze the relationship between environmental justice and urban green space connectivity in Tehran, Iran. The evaluation of green space connectivity in this study is conducted through two distinct cost layers: one aimed at enhancing existing connections and another focused on establishing new green spaces. Key factors influencing connectivity, extracted from the relevant literature, were identified to facilitate this analysis. Employing graph theory and least-cost analysis, the results determined critical resistance factors, current connectivity and cost status, the varying degrees to which different districts benefit from green space ecosystem services, and the most effective routes for establishing green corridors. Research findings highlight significant disparities in access to these services, particularly in the underserved central districts of Tehran. Moreover, spatial analysis reveals a higher potential for enhancing east–west ecosystem service corridors due to the higher density of green hubs and lower costs in this orientation, while north–south connectivity faces more challenges. By exploring land use/land cover, and physical and socio-economic factors affecting urban green space connectivity, this study provides urban and environmental planners with a novel methodology and comprehensive insights for effective decision making, resource allocation, and land use planning.

Assessing the Connectivity of Urban Green Spaces for Enhanced Environmental Justice and Ecosystem Service Flow: A Study of Tehran Using Graph Theory and Least-Cost Analysis

Assessing the Connectivity of Urban Green Spaces for Enhanced Environmental Justice and Ecosystem Service Flow: A Study of Tehran Using Graph Theory and Least-Cost Analysis

Combining Paleohydrology and Least-Cost Analyses to Assess the Vulnerabilities of Ancestral Pueblo Communities to Water Insecurity in the Jemez Mountains, New Mexico

AbstractWe developed a new approach to identify vulnerabilities to water insecurity across entire archaeological culture areas by combining a paleohydrological model of the sensitivites of hydrological systems to droughts with least-cost analyses of the costs to acquire domestic water. Using a custom Python script integrated into ArcGIS Pro software, we calculated the pairwise one-way cost in time for walking between 225 water sources and 5,446 Ancestral Pueblo cultural sites across the Jemez and Pajarito Plateaus of the Jemez Mountains, New Mexico. This allowed us to identify whether periodic hydrological droughts occurring between AD 1100 and 1700 increased water acquisition costs across these regions. We found that hydrological droughts increased travel times in both regions to durations exceeding modern standards for water insecurity. Beginning in the fourteenth century, greater underlying hydrogeological sensitivities to droughts and the decline of a dual-residence pattern caused by population losses made the remaining aggregated communities of the Pajarito Plateau much more vulnerable to water insecurity than those on the Jemez Plateau. This would have upended long-standing relationships between communities and water on the Pajarito Plateau during a time when socioeconomic integration across the northern Rio Grande Valley pulled people toward valley bottoms.

MAPPING THE LEIGH FERMORS’ JOURNEY THROUGH THE DEEP MANI IN 1951

In the summer of 2019, members of the CARTography Project set out to re-create the route that Patrick and Joan Leigh Fermor took during their first visit to the Deep Mani in 1951. The project involved meticulously analysing the couple's notebooks and photographs to glean details about where they had ventured, using least-cost analysis to model their potential routes and ground-truthing the results by walking and boating the routes ourselves. As in much of rural Greece, Mani's topography has changed substantially in the seven decades since the Leigh Fermors’ journey, with paved roads having replaced many of the Ottoman-era footpaths that locals once relied on for travel and transportation. While the transformed landscape we encountered prevented a complete re-enactment of the Leigh Fermors’ journey, it also offered an opportunity to embody key parts of their travelling experience. The results of our study are twofold: first, a detailed map of the route the Leigh Fermors followed based on our reading of their documentary sources; and second, an assessment of the utility of using least-cost analysis to model the routes of historical travellers.

Nodal and least-cost analysis on the optimization of natural gas production system constraints to extend the plateau rate of a conceptual gas field

The supply of natural gas in any country is determined by energy demand. Furthermore, supply agreements specify that gas should be supplied at a constant rate for a specified period. However, due to the decline in reservoir pressure as gas fields continue to produce, high constant rate production is usually uncertain, and the plateau may not reach the agreed-upon period. Therefore, this study was conducted to optimize gas production system constraints and extend the production plateau rate of a conceptual dry gas field. The field was made up of the sand packages CF2 upper, CF2 lower, CF1 upper, and CF1 lower. A total of 1316.9 Bscf were assumed to be the estimated gas field reserves, and 423.3 Bcf were assumed to be the remaining economically recoverable gross 2 P sales of natural gas. The field also contained natural gas at the Miocene and five production wells, numbered PW-1, PW-2, PW-3, PW-4, and PW-5. The field's estimated average constant gas production rate as of July 2021 was 85 MMscfd. The field's gas demand was forecasted in three phases, with the third beginning on November 1, 2019, at a rate of 130 MMscfd. After applying Nodal Analysis with the help of Integrated Production Modelling (IPM) and Least Cost Analysis methods, the study found that the gas production plateau of that field started to decline on March 1, 2017, after 1 year and 5 months of production when constrained to 130 MMscfd. However, after modifying the constraints to match various assumed production histories, it was discovered that the plateau would start to decline on June 1, 2023, after 8 years of production. Therefore, eight possible combinations of varying the three production constraints were developed and simulated to examine their effect on extending the field production plateau. These constraints were separator pressure, tubing size, and the number of layers perforated. The best combination was to lower the separator pressure to 725 psia, increase the tubing size to 4 inches, and perforate three more zones (zones I, C, and D). This was the only combination that appeared to extend the production plateau for 8 years until October 1, 2031, as required in the 16 years gas sales agreement (GSA). This approach was economically compared to the options of using a compressor and drilling future wells, and it was found to be 34.05% cheaper than the compressor usage option and 98.25% cheaper than drilling a well. As a result, the operators of this conceptual gas field are advised to adopt this approach to extend the field's plateau.

A three-step approach for assessing landscape connectivity via simulated dispersal: African wild dog case study

ContextDispersal of individuals contributes to long-term population persistence, yet requires a sufficient degree of landscape connectivity. To date, connectivity has mainly been investigated using least-cost analysis and circuit theory, two methods that make assumptions that are hardly applicable to dispersal. While these assumptions can be relaxed by explicitly simulating dispersal trajectories across the landscape, a unified approach for such simulations is lacking.ObjectivesHere, we propose and apply a simple three-step approach to simulate dispersal and to assess connectivity using empirical GPS movement data and a set of habitat covariates.MethodsIn step one of the proposed approach, we use integrated step-selection functions to fit a mechanistic movement model describing habitat and movement preferences of dispersing individuals. In step two, we apply the parameterized model to simulate dispersal across the study area. In step three, we derive three complementary connectivity maps; a heatmap highlighting frequently traversed areas, a betweenness map pinpointing dispersal corridors, and a map of inter-patch connectivity indicating the presence and intensity of functional links between habitat patches. We demonstrate the applicability of the proposed three-step approach in a case study in which we use GPS data collected on dispersing African wild dogs (Lycaon pictus) inhabiting northern Botswana.ResultsUsing step-selection functions we successfully parametrized a detailed dispersal model that described dispersing individuals’ habitat and movement preferences, as well as potential interactions among the two. The model substantially outperformed a model that omitted such interactions and enabled us to simulate 80,000 dispersal trajectories across the study area.ConclusionBy explicitly simulating dispersal trajectories, our approach not only requires fewer unrealistic assumptions about dispersal, but also permits the calculation of multiple connectivity metrics that together provide a comprehensive view of landscape connectivity. In our case study, the three derived connectivity maps revealed several wild dog dispersal hotspots and corridors across the extent of our study area. Each map highlighted a different aspect of landscape connectivity, thus emphasizing their complementary nature. Overall, our case study demonstrates that a simulation-based approach offers a simple yet powerful alternative to traditional connectivity modeling techniques. It is therefore useful for a variety of applications in ecological, evolutionary, and conservation research.Graphical abstract

Identifying Connectivity Conservation Priorities among Protected Areas in Qinling-Daba Mountains, China

Mountain biodiversity is under unprecedented threat due to climate change and excessive human activity. Although protected areas (PAs) are the cornerstone of nature conservation, it is increasingly hard for isolated PAs to maintain the species and ecological processes they depend on in the long term. Linking nature reserves to form a large and connected conservation network is regarded as the optimal measure, but research in this field is lacking in China. We mapped PAs in the Qinling-Daba Mountains in China and identified corridors among PAs and the corridors’ key nodes using a least-cost analysis and circuit theory to model an ecological connectivity conservation network for the region. The results showed that this large ecological network has 46 habitat patches connected by 88 corridors, with 69 pinchpoints, 86 barriers and 37 stepping stones in and around the corridors. In this study, 34.86% of suitable habitats have little or no protection and, in the future, these areas should be developed with caution, with more emphasis on protecting their ecological connectivity. This study used connectivity analysis to construct large ecological corridors based on PAs, providing a framework for connectivity conservation at the biogeographic scale and a scientific reference for further, subsequent conservation actions.

Stylized least-cost analysis of flexible nuclear power in deeply decarbonized electricity systems considering wind and solar resources worldwide

Stylized least-cost analysis of flexible nuclear power in deeply decarbonized electricity systems considering wind and solar resources worldwide

Potential habitat connectivity for Malayan gaur (Bos gaurus) in a fragmented forest area in Peninsular Malaysia

Aim: To predict the distribution of suitable habitats for Malayan gaur (Bos gaurus) at a highly fragmented forest area in Peninsular Malaysia and to identify the potential connectivity between suitable habitat patches. Methodology: Maximum entropy (MaxEnt) approach was used to predict the distribution of suitable habitats of the Malayan gaur. Gaur presence-only data and six environmental variables were collated for the habitat suitability modeling, and area under curve (AUC) value was used to estimate the performance of the model. The resulting model was then used to derive a potential connectivity map through least-cost analysis using Corridor Designer toolbox in ArcGIS 10.4. Results: The AUC value of the habitat suitability model was 0.84. Distance from urban areas indicated the highest relative contribution to the model (26.9%), followed by distance from water body (24.2%) land use (18.0%) elevation (14.3%), slope (14.0%) and lithology (2.6%). Predicted suitable habitats for gaur were found mostly in lowland forest areas, especially in the vicinity of rivers within forest reserves. A total of five wildland blocks were derived from the habitat suitability model, and several potential corridor swaths were identified connecting the wildland blocks. Interpretation: The absence of gaur occurrence in suitable habitats suggest that fragmented habitats greatly affected gaur distribution and population. Road network and agricultural lands are the major barriers of gaur movement as they are very sensitive towards disturbances and conflict. Thus, this research proposes potential connectivity at a regional scale for Malayan gaur for use in future planning in conservation, management and development.

The Road Not Taken: How Early Landscape Learning and Adoption of a Risk-Averse Strategy Influenced Paleoindian Travel Route Decision Making in the Upper Ohio Valley

To evaluate a model of the travel-route selection process for upper Ohio Valley Paleoindian foragers (13,500–11,400 cal BP), this study investigates archaeological data through the theoretical framework of landscape learning and risk-sensitive analysis. Following initial trail placement adjacent to a highly visible escarpment landform, Paleoindians adopted a risk-averse strategy to minimize travel outcome variability when wayfaring between Sandy Springs, a significant Ohio River Paleoindian site, and Upper Mercer–Vanport chert quarries of east-central Ohio. Although a least-cost analysis indicates an optimal route through the lower Scioto Valley, archaeological evidence for this path is lacking. Geomorphic and archaeological data further suggest that site absence in the lower Scioto Valley is not entirely due to sampling bias. Instead, evidence indicates that Paleoindians preferred travel within the Ohio Brush Creek–Baker's Fork valley despite its longer path distance through more rugged, constricted terrain. Potential travel through the lower Scioto Valley hypothesizes high outcome variability due to the stochastic nature of the late Pleistocene hydroregime. In this case, perceived outcome variability appears more influential in determining travel-route decisions among Paleoindians than direct efforts to reduce energy and time allocation.

Socially Equitable Energy System Transitions

Summary The European transition to a net-zero economy by 2050 implies a wide range of changes that may adversely affect certain industrial sectors, communities, and regions. However, these impacts are entirely obscured by conventional least-cost analyses. Thus, this work compares the socio-economic impacts of various strategies to decarbonize the energy system by 2050 within the framework of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). We demonstrate that transitions that protect domestic strategic assets and preserve key industrial sectors correspondingly deliver a socially equitable transition. Adopting a technology-agnostic approach to decarbonizing the European electricity system maximizes the associated co-benefits and potentially increases the gross value added (GVA) to the economy by 50% relative to a business as usual scenario. This new way of thinking about the economic transition fundamentally reframes the discussion from one of cost to one of opportunity.

Routes as latent information—spatial analysis of historical pathways on the peripheries of the Victorian gold fields

This article argues that the existing network of roads, arising from socially mediated human behavior, represents a well-preserved feature present across a broad region and contains latent historical information that can be retrieved using appropriate analytical techniques. It presents a method combining iterative cost path modeling and proximity analysis to reconstruct patterns of historical movement, and uses the results of this analysis as a heuristic tool to delineate regional social distinctions evident in characteristics of land appropriation and settlement within an area on the peripheries of the goldfields of central Victoria. The results of the least-cost route and proximity analysis presented in this paper delineate variations in patterns of movement across the study area that suggest distinctions in community development and character, adding depth and nuance to histories of the gold fields and their later years and supporting alternatives to assumptions of linear historical change.

Preference for periphery? Cultural interchange and trade routes along the boundaries of late Iron Age Moab

ABSTRACTThis article explores the evidence for diversity in the material culture of Late Iron Age sites situated in the semi-arid margins of west-central Jordan. Least-cost analysis (LCA) is used to model a hypothesized secondary north-south route along the eastern boundary of Moab. Sites found along this route are shown to exhibit a disproportionate level of cultural diversity compared to ‘core’ settlements. These effects are especially pronounced at sites with clear cultic associations. The results of this investigation are in line with the recent literature on the archaeology of boundaries and frontiers, confirming that these zones are characterized by heightened cultural diversity and interchange across a range of domains.

Landscape connectivity modeling from the perspective of animal dispersal

Dispersal plays a key role in linking populations, habitat (re)-colonization, and species range expansion. As fragmentation and habitat loss are ubiquitous threats and can disrupt dispersal, landscape connectivity modeling has become a valuable tool in conservation planning. We provide an overview of how current connectivity modeling has incorporated the different aspects of animal dispersal. We describe the most popular connectivity models and highlight their main assumptions related to dispersal, suggesting a series of questions that could clarify the advantages and disadvantages of using a particular approach. We review the structure of the connectivity models based on least-cost analysis, circuit theory, and the individual-based dispersal models. We use some studies as case examples to discuss how important elements of animal dispersal were considered through models to predict movement routes. Ongoing developments in connectivity modeling have made it possible to represent animal dispersal in a more realistic way by implementing key elements such as dispersal behaviors, mortality, and inter-individual variability. However, the potential to consider such elements and how this is done in connectivity modeling depends on the selected approach, since each model represents animal dispersal through a different perspective. We recommend that the choice of a connectivity model should be made after considering the study objectives, the species dispersal mechanism, and the prior knowledge available about it. By understanding and incorporating dispersal behavior into connectivity modeling, we can improve our capacity to generate useful information aimed to construct more effective conservation strategies.

A risk-based approach for determining the future potential of commercial shipping in the Arctic

As global warming is causing a significant reduction in the extent and the thickness of Arctic sea ice, a narrative for future large-scale commercial shipping in the Arctic has started to evolve. However, while most efforts have aimed to assess the financial benefits along with potential savings in greenhouse gas emissions, few studies have explored risk patterns and safety issues associated with Arctic shipping and its current commercial alternatives in a geospatial manner. This study aims at addressing this gap in the literature, by assessing the risk factors associated with Arctic shipping, in particular, risks along the Northern Sea Route (NSR) connecting European and Asian ports. Its main component includes a global least-cost analysis, aiming to assess global and Arctic risk factors associated with commercial shipping, to derive the least risk paths from 10 major ports in Europe to 10 in Asia. To project the results into the future, and thus assess the future potential of the NSR as a viable and less risky alternative, a dataset on predicted sea ice thickness within 2010–2099, restricted the analysis based on the penetration capabilities of three selected vessel types. Ultimately, the study concludes that maritime transportation, bound for East-Asia, commencing from most northern European ports, could benefit from the NSR, not just in terms of distance savings, cost reduction and less CO2 production, but also as a safer alternative. Lastly, two recommendations drawn from our results aim to assist decision-makers in facilitating future Arctic transportation by addressing accessibility and safety issues. Highlights We explore risk patterns and safety issues associated with Arctic shipping and its current commercial alternatives in a geospatial manner. We assess the future potential of the northern sea route (NSR) as a viable and less risky alternative for European-Asian shipping. We provide a discussion on pros and cons of utilising the NSR in terms of distance savings resulting in cost reduction as well as less CO2 production, and as a safer alternative.

Reconstructing historical journeys with least-cost analysis: Colonel William Leake in the Mani Peninsula, Greece

Due to the proliferation of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software and the improvement of graphic user interfaces, least-cost analysis has become one of the most common tools in archaeological research for modelling movement across past landscapes. While more complex techniques and algorithms have been developed to address the theoretical limitations of least-cost analysis, many of these are not readily accessible to typical GIS users, due to either hardware limitations or a lack of in-depth training in the theory and methods of spatial analysis. Seeking a middle ground, we test a number of simple modifications to basic least-cost analysis using the Mani peninsula in southern Greece as a case study. We assess eight procedures for calculating least-cost paths (LCPs), defining cost based on a combination of slope and the location of pre-modern pathways. These procedures are used to generate LCPs for a well-documented journey made by Colonel William Martin Leake in the year 1805. Comparing the LCPs against Leake's detailed notes and “low-cost corridors,” we visually assess the reliability of each model and identify likely alternative routes. We conclude that a simple modification to basic least-cost analysis – incorporating a time-based algorithm along with traces of pre-modern footpaths and roads – can produce robust, reliable least-cost models in other archaeological contexts where traces of pre-modern pathways can still be detected.

Spatial patterns in small wetland systems: identifying and prioritising wetlands most at risk from environmental and anthropogenic impacts

This study establishes whether analysing the distribution patterns of wetlands could identify key systems that would focus conservation and management decisions, without site-specific data which requires significant logistical and financial resources. In the proposed approach, key wetlands at-risk were identified based on their position in the landscape, through the use of probability modelling and least-cost analyses. The research was based in a semi-arid part of the Eastern Cape, South Africa. The study area has aseasonal rainfall, different land-use zones and an existing spatial dataset, providing an ideal setting to test this method. Wetlands were highly clustered, with higher densities recorded in the south and along larger rivers. Areas that have more-suitable environmental conditions for wetlands were mapped—showing similar patterns to known dense wetland areas. In total, 89 systems were identified as very high-risk, and 414 wetlands were high-risk, to environmental and anthropogenic changes. Seven focal zones were selected by incorporating wetland clusters/hotspots. These zones should be the focus for further research and management that would assess the surrounding environment and the potential effects of land-use or climate changes, and policy adaptation. In summary, this study successfully illustrated the importance of adapting different spatial analytical methods in wetland research, and that desktop studies can be used to focus conservation and management efforts over larger areas.

A Resilience-Based Methodology for Improved Water Resources Adaptation Planning under Deep Uncertainty with Real World Application

Resilience of a water resource system in terms of water supply meeting future demand under climate change and other uncertainties is a prominent issue worldwide. This paper presents an alternative methodology to the conventional engineering practice in the UK for identifying long-term adaptation planning strategies in the context of resilience. More specifically, a resilience-based multi-objective optimization method is proposed that identifies Pareto optimal future adaptation strategies by maximizing a water supply system’s resilience (calculated as the maximum recorded duration of a water deficit period over a given planning horizon) and minimizing total associated costs, subject to meeting target system robustness to uncertain projections (scenarios) of future supply and demand. The method is applied to a real-world case study for Bristol Water’s water resource zone and the results are compared with those derived using a more conventional engineering practice in the UK, utilizing a least-cost optimization analysis constrained to a target reliability level. The results obtained reveal that the strategy solution derived using the current practice methodology produce a less resilient system than the similar costing solutions identified using the proposed resilience driven methodology. At the same time, resilience driven strategies are only slightly less reliable suggesting that trade-off exists between the two. Further examination of intervention strategies selected shows that the conventional methodology encourages implementation of more lower cost intervention options early in the planning horizon (to achieve higher system reliability) whereas the resilience-based methodology encourages more uniform intervention options sequenced over the planning horizon (to achieve higher system resilience).

Reconstructing Pre-Industrial Long Distance Roads in a Hilly Region in Germany, Based on Historical and Archaeological Data

The aim of this contribution is on the one hand to map pre-industrial long distance roads located in a hilly region east of Cologne, Germany, as exactly as possible and on the other hand to assess the accuracy of least-cost approaches that are increasingly applied by archaeologists for prehistoric road reconstruction. Probably the earliest map covering the study area east of Cologne dates back to 1575. The map is distorted so that rectification is difficult. But it is possible to assess the local accuracy of the map and to transfer the approximate routes to a modern map manually. Most of the area covered by the 1575 map is also depicted on a set of more accurate maps created in the early 19th century and a somewhat later historical map set (ca. 1842 AD). The historical roads on these rectified historical maps close to the approximate roads were digitized and compared to the outcomes of least-cost analysis, specifically least-cost paths and accessibility maps. Based on these route reconstructions with limited accuracy, Lidar data is checked to identify remains of these roads. Several approaches for visualizing Lidar data are tested to identify appropriate methods for detecting sunken roads. Possible sunken roads detected on the Lidar images were validated by checking cross sections in the digital elevation model and in the field.

基于文献计量法的中国景观连接度应用研究进展

PDF HTML阅读 XML下载 导出引用 引用提醒 基于文献计量法的中国景观连接度应用研究进展 DOI: 10.5846/stxb201602290341 作者: 作者单位: 中国科学院重庆绿色智能技术研究院,中国科学院重庆绿色智能技术研究院;西南大学地理科学学院,中国科学院重庆绿色智能技术研究院,中国科学院重庆绿色智能技术研究院,西南大学地理科学学院,北京林业大学国际交流与合作处,重庆市规划研究中心 作者简介: 通讯作者: 中图分类号: 基金项目: 国家自然科学基金资助项目（51408584，41571497）；中国科学院西部之光博士资助项目（Y43A370N10）；重庆科委应用开发资助项目（cstc2014yykfC20002，Y33A172N10） A bibliometric review of Chinese studies on the application of landscape connectivity Author: Affiliation: Chongqing Institute of Green and Intelligent Technology, Chinese Academy of SciencesKey Laboratory of Reservoir Aquatic Environment,Chongqing Institute of Green and Intelligent Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences; School of Geographical Sciences, Southwest University,Chongqing Institute of Green and Intelligent Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences,Chongqing Institute of Green and Intelligent Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences,School of Geographical Sciences, Southwest University,, Fund Project: 摘要 | 图/表 | 访问统计 | 参考文献 | 相似文献 | 引证文献 | 资源附件 | 文章评论 摘要:景观连接度反映了景观对物种或某种生态过程在生境斑块之间运动的促进或阻碍作用，对维持景观格局及生态过程的完整性和连续性具有重要指示意义。在当前全球环境变化，自然生境丧失和破碎化不可避免的情况下，景观连接度的评价、模拟与应用已成为景观生态学、保护生物学等相关学科的研究热点。基于CNKI和Web of Science数据库，检索1999-2015年间国内发表的景观连接度期刊论文，通过文献计量法，分别从年发文量、来源期刊、研究机构、研究区域、研究目的、景观类型、景观尺度以及研究方法等多个视角分析国内该领域应用研究进展以及发展趋势。经检索共得到文献240篇，其中英文43篇。分析发现，近20年国内该领域年发文量总体呈显著增长趋势；《生态学报》、《生态学杂志》和Urban and Landscape Planning为主要刊载期刊；研究力量集中分布在北京、南京等东部18所科研机构，文献量占到43.75%；研究目标区域也以东部为主（52.2%），而对中西部生态敏感脆弱区研究较少；研究目的以景观规划为主，但针对物种保护的研究较弱，仅占11.25%，且主要关注大熊猫等被公众熟知的珍稀濒危物种；城市、城乡等人工景观是常见的景观研究类型，相比之下，自然景观所占比例较低；研究的空间尺度集中在 < 5000 km2的中小尺度域，占72.5%，景观粒度以30 m的中等分辨率居多。识别出14种具体度量方法，常用的包括最小费用模型、基于图论原理的功能连接度指数和网络结构指数，以及景观格局指数等；关注功能性连接和多方法的综合应用已成为当前研究的趋势；度量方法的一些参数，如最小费用模型阻力赋值或距离阈值选择主要依据专家经验或已有文献，而针对目标物种采用实证研究的则较少。最后，对国内当前该领域的研究现状和不足展开讨论并展望了未来发展，以促进我国景观连接度后续研究。 Abstract:Landscape connectivity has been defined as the degree to which landscapes facilitate or impede the movement of species between habitat patches. It is a critical concern for the maintenance of integrity and continuity of landscape structure and ecological processes. With global environmental degradation, habitats loss and natural area fragmentation is inevitable. As such, studies on landscape connectivity are the focus of applied landscape ecology. A well-connected ecological network is believed to facilitate energy and matter fluxes, species dispersal, genetic exchange, and many other ecological processes, and contribute to the overall maintenance of ecosystem stability and integrity. This paper presents a review of the literature on the application of landscape connectivity based on 240 publications from 1999 to 2015, in which we evaluated Chinese state-of-the-art achievements and developments on this topic. The literature review and data analysis based on the CNKI and Web of Science databases, were organized into eight categories using bibliometrics: number of published papers per year, source journals, research institutions, study areas, research objectives, landscape types, landscape scales and study methods in connectivity studies. We found a exponential increase in the number of publications from 1999 to 2015, especially after 2008. The majority were published in the journals "Acta Ecologica Sinica," "Chinese Journal of Ecology," and "Urban and Landscape Planning." Eighteen major research organizations from Beijing, Nanjing and other eastern areas of China, contributed 43.75% of the total papers. The main study areas were also concentrated in eastern region, then the far west, with the least in central region. Providing pragmatic solutions for landscape planning was the main research objective, and only 11.25% of papers targeted species conservation, usually regarding endangered or rare species that are well known to the public, such as the giant panda. Artificial landscapes, including urban or rural landscapes were the major target of research; whereas, 27.92% of papers were about natural landscapes. The spatial extent of the study area was less than 5000 km2 in 72.5% of the studies. The spatial resolution almost varied between 6 m and 90 m pixel values, with the median being 30 m. The predominant analytic approach was functional connectivity(63.75%), followed by structural connectivity(36.25%). We identified 14 methods measuring connectivity. The four most utilized methods were least-cost analysis, graph-based functional connectivity indices, network structural indices, and landscape pattern metrics. In addition, applying a combination of various methods has become a trend in the recent connectivity application studies. Expert opinions and previous research results were typically used to evaluate the resistance values of the landscape matrix and the distance thresholds. However, different experts in isolation may assign different values and therefore affect the reliability of evaluation. Few analyses in China obtained these important parameters by means of field data or empirical study for a specific organism. We discuss problems and prospects of applying landscape connectivity in China to promote future research and application. 参考文献 相似文献 引证文献