Man-land Relationship Research Articles

An improved method of assessing marine utilization impact to describe the man-land relationship for coastal management: a case study of the Laizhou Bay, China.

Understanding the level of human impact on the marine environment requires integrated and ecosystem-based assessment. This research proposes a method based on geospatial modeling at the activity level to assess the potential impact of marine utilization on coastal management and conservation. Laizhou Bay in China was selected as a case study. The research identified the spatial distribution of economic sectors and the potential impact of that distribution on important marine ecological management zones. The findings reveal that, from high to low, threats exist in the bay-head, and to the east and west, and that marine ecological zones are over-used for open mariculture because the environmental impact of this activity is believed to be low. This paper reveals the spatial distribution of threats from a variety of marine-area uses on the ecology of Laizhou Bay. The findings provide support for policymakers in the implementation of marine ecological red-line policy and in the management of the utilization of the marine environment.

Simulating rise and fall cycles of Vietnam empires

The life cycle pattern of empires is pervasive worldwide, and this is caused by multiple factors. In the history of Vietnam, there are totally about ten empires or dynasties, which have aggregately lasted for more than one thousand years. Here, we apply the life cycle model and agent-based modeling to uncover the underlying mechanisms of the life cycle pattern for Vietnam empires. Macroscopically, the man-land relationship greatly shapes the life cycle pattern of traditional agricultural empires. The balancing process between land and population is critical for the empires. The relationship between incomes and costs has determined the actions or strategies of the social members or individuals. It suggests that our optimal solutions and simulations have perfectly matched the real history of Vietnam. Under three optimal solutions, the distributions of simulated and real empire durations in history can be well-matched, in terms of both discrete (histogram) and continuous forms (kernel density). It indicates that the history of human society is a dynamic process, which is determined by certain evolutionary rules and regulations. Therefore, we are able to back-calculate, simulate, and even predict the future of empires or countries.

The optimization of ecological service function and planning control of territorial space planning for ecological protection and restoration

With the rapid advancement of industrialization and urbanization, the scale of cities has continued to expand, the crisis of resource shortages has appeared, and the pressure on the ecological environment has increased. Land is a natural substance that exists before humans, and it is also the first objective object that humans come into contact with after being separated from nature. When land is invested in human social production activities, it becomes a necessary and irreplaceable material condition for any social material production sector. The quality of the ecological environment in some cities continues to decline, and the ecological space is gradually compressed. This research mainly discusses the optimization of ecological service functions and planning control of land and space planning based on ecological protection and restoration. In the past, the selection of evaluation indicators for research mostly only started with some basic service functions of the ecosystem. Based on the basic service functions of the ecosystem, this paper takes into account the direct economic benefits of the ecosystem, and adds the evaluation of the importance of ecological support functions to evaluate the ecological service functions more comprehensively. From the perspective of man-land relationship and structuralism, this paper constructs an ecological space evaluation plan based on the perspective of ecosystem services. It constructs a reasonable index system and selects an appropriate scale, and sets the weight of each index for the three leading functions of supply and support service function, adjustment service function, and social service function. According to the principle of regional differences and the consistency of zoning indicators, the factors that play a leading role in various plans are integrated and selected. It transfers elements of different themes such as society, economy and ecological environment of land and space to the expression of land and space functions through indicators. This research discusses in detail the methods of using important control lines to control the main space and the design of relevant policies and regulations to solve the problems of overlapping control areas of land and space planning, mixed objects, and ambiguous powers. In order to ensure the feasibility of the downward transmission of the important control line control system, it provides reference policies, regulations and technical basis for the preparation and implementation of the entire territory and space planning. Finally, the red line area of the importance of ecological service function is delineated. The area of the red line area is 192.79km2, accounting for 20.38% of the study area. This study will provide reference for the planning of land and space.

Spatial and Temporal Differentiation of Mountain Ecosystem Service Trade-Offs and Synergies: A Case Study of Jieshi Mountain, China

There are complex interactions among various services in mountain ecosystems, and the optimization of ecosystem spatial patterns based on the trade-offs and synergies of mountain ecosystem services can effectively improve the comprehensive benefits of a multi-ecosystem service. Jieshi Mountain is a typical historical and cultural mountain in China, and its social and economic development is at the average level in China. It is of great significance to explore the ecosystem services and mountain environmental factors in the trade-offs and synergies of ecosystem services to promote the coordinated development of the man–land relationship. Based on an evaluation of ecosystem service value and comprehensive analysis of the spatial and temporal pattern of trade-offs and synergies in the Jieshi Mountain area from 1980 to 2020, the spatial differentiation of the trade-offs and synergies of four key ecosystem services—water yield, soil retention, carbon storage, and habitat quality—were identified. We found that carbon storage-soil retention and habitat quality-soil retention have a strong trade-off relationship, and the area accounts for a relatively high proportion. In terms of land-cover types, the frequency of the synergistic effect between woodland and cultivated land is higher. There are different correlations between ecosystem service trade-offs and synergies among mountain environmental factors, among which elevation has a higher influence on synergy. Identifying the trade-off and synergy relationship between ecosystem services helps in making decisions about different mountain landscape planning and management strategies.

Man-land relationship based on the spatial coupling of population and residential land – A case study of Yuzhong County in Longzhong Loess Hilly Region, China

Population and residential land use are the core elements of the rural man-land relationship system. The relationship between the rural population and residential land is of great significance to the study of the man-land relationship in rural regions. The Longzhong loess hilly region is one of the most vulnerable areas of social ecology and economy in China, with relatively poor natural conditions and economic development. In this paper, 268 administrative villages in Yuzhong County, Longzhong Loess Hilly Region, were used as evaluation units with spatial dislocation analysis methods to analyze the spatial distribution of population and residential land from a micro-spatial perspective. This shows the coupling relationship between population and residential land, and altitude gradient characteristics. Following conclusions are obtained: (1) Rural permanent residents, migrants, residential land area and idle homesteads show high spatial similarity. The areas with high density and geographic concentration are mainly concentrated in the central Chuanyuan area, and the areas with low ones are mainly distributed in the northern mountainous regions. (2) There is a highly coupled relationship between population and residential land in Yuzhong County. For the permanent population and residential land area, 89.18% of the administrative villages are in coordination, and 10.82% of the administrative villages are not coordinated. In terms of the proportion of the migrant population and the proportion of idle homesteads, 55.97% of the administrative villages are coordinated, and 44.03% of the administrative villages are not coordinated. (3) The altitude gradient effect on the “population-residential land” coupling relationship is significant. The permanent population and residential land area are mainly “H-H” type villages in low-altitude gradient areas, and “L-L” type villages in medium-high altitude gradient areas. The proportion of the outflow population and the proportion of idle homesteads of “L-L” type villages are the largest in low-altitude gradient areas, and that of “H-L” type villages are the largest in the middle and high-altitude gradient areas. This paper explored a new model of man-land relationship, and improved the theory of rural man-land relationship regional system. It is of great significance to promote the coordinated and sustainable development of loess hilly region and even the entire Loess Plateau in China.

Suitability Zoning and Layout Optimization of Forages in Uxin Banner Surrounded by the Mu Us Sandy Land in China

The Mu Us Sandy land is one of the four largest sandy lands in China and the main sources of sand dust in the Beijing-Tianjin area. Uxin Banner, located at the southernmost end of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, is surrounded by this sandy land. Nearly one third of the Mu Us sandy land is located in Uxin Banner. Irrational expansion of agricultural land, unordered layout and overgrazing have resulted in the degradation of grassland, which leads to serious ecological problems and makes this area one of the five typical ecological fragile zones in China. Previous studies mostly focused on regional resource carrying capacity and man-land relationship, but few studies were conducted on how to select excellent varieties which are suitable for local resource and environmental background conditions to promote the healthy development of herbage industry. The research methods and conclusions of this paper can make up for this deficiency. Based on GIS and SPSSAU data scientific analysis platform, this paper uses multi-source remote sensing, statistics, surveys and other data to study the suitability zoning of silage planting, comprehensive evaluation of forage varieties, pastoral area industrial planning, etc. The research conclusions and suggestions can promote a high-quality development of agriculture and animal husbandry in Uxin Banner, help farmers and herdsmen to increase income, and provide scientific support for rural revitalization in the new period.

Quantitative Geomorphic analysis in Geoarchaeological Investigations: A Case Study of Man-land relationship of Hanga River basin, Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra

Geomorphology is the study of landforms, their processes, form, and sediments at the surface of the earth which includes the earth's surface processes, such as air, water, and ice, which can mould the landscape. Since, from the beginnings human being attracted towards such suitable landscape for the establishment of their settlements. The present geoarchaeological work involves the study of the characteristics and evolution of landscapes, geological settings based on quantitative morphometric analysis, and availability of the natural resources of these areas with the man-land relationship of the Hanga river basin. The previous history of the region indicates that it is rich in prehistoric and chalcolithic settlements. The present basin is not explored systematically so far. Hence, this work is an attempt to fill these lacunae by the way of a systematic, intensive, village to village survey to understand the man-land relationship in the region. Field surveys and laboratory works were carried out to fulfil the aim and objectives of this work.

Retraction Note: Land use planning in coastal areas based on remote sensing images and big data education resources extraction

The global land resources are very important for people. After people’s continuous change of land use, the types of land use have changed, forming the present man land relationship. China’s territory is very rich, but the amount of land allocated per capita is less than the world’s average. On this basis, people also waste and develop land excessively, which makes the land utilization rate between people and land smaller and smaller. Therefore, the state attaches great importance to the issue of land utilization rate. In recent years, China has also begun to attach importance to the issue of land resources planning, and the technology they use is also the most advanced. After the launch of remote sensing technology, the land use efficiency has been effectively monitored. Due to the continuous improvement of China’s technology, remote sensing technology has completed many monitoring activities in land detection activities. With the rapid development of China’s economy, China’s land resources are more and more limited. Therefore, how to improve the national land utilization rate has become a topic of concern in China. The continuous development of remote sensing technology has played a certain role in land planning. It has laid a foundation for the development of land testing in China.

The Research of the Symbolism of Phra That Phanom and Indigenous Ethnoecology Synopsis

Southeast Asian Stupas contains Buddhist iconography having rich symbolism. The symbolism of Buddhist stupa (or chedi) is a kind of arts illustration of Buddha’s intelligence, and it also contains the intricate man-land relationship locally. Localization occurred on the architecture of stupas thereby the indigenous knowledge influenced the symbolism of the traditions of stupas that originated from India. Hence, this paper is dedicated to exploring the relationship between the symbolism of Phra That Phanom and the local ethnoecology. By combining the years of fieldwork experience and the related ethnoecological theories, the symbolism of Phra That Phanom and the regional man-land relationship could be interpreted in an innovative perspective. In the end, a comprehensive analysis about Mahabhuta symbolism of Phra That Phanom will be conducted to test the paper’s demonstration.

The life cycle model of chinese empire dynamics (221 BC–1912 AD)

ABSTRACT The life cycle pattern is pervasive for both natural and social sciences, from human behaviors to social systems. Based on the life cycle model of collective actions, the man–land relationship governs the rise and fall cycles, namely dynastic cycles. We combine agent-based modeling, systemic dynamics, and numerical simulations, to build the life cycle model of empires. It aims to investigate the rise and fall process of 18 major dynasties (empires) in history of China, from BC 221 to AD 1912. The core aim is to find optimal solutions, which achieve the best matching between simulations and real history. According to our algorithm, the optimal solutions can be obtained, when we have the minimal span differences (gaps) between simulated and real empires. First, we traverse all related parameters, and select simulations with 18 empires. Second, we select the cases with the total ticks between 2122 and 2132 years (ticks). Third, we select cases whose differences (gaps) are within 20 years. Finally, we obtain three optimal solutions (combinations of parameters) whose validity (100 simulations) and robustness (1000 simulations) have been checked. It seems that our life cycle model has achieved the best fitness to real empires in the history of China. For distributive matching of durations (spans), both discrete and continuous forms can be matched. Besides, the simulate and real durations can be matched as well, under counterfactual inferences of 16–17, 18 & 19–20 pairs. Based on our model, the whole history process of China can be back-calculated. Therefore, it seems that the trend of human history (society) may be an automatic process, which cannot be altered by man’s will.

THE INTERPLAY BETWEEN EARTHEN LANDSCAPE HERITAGE AND SOCIO-POLITICAL DEVELOPMENTS IN THE NORTHERN WEI DYNASTY: A VIEW FROM ARCHAEOLOGY

Abstract. In the past two decades, landscape archaeology has undergone a paradigm shift from traditional theoretical methods to being practically oriented, with the advent of the widespread application of philosophical theories (such as phenomenology, hermeneutics, and others) and the emerging new technologies in social sciences. Nevertheless, landscape archaeology has not been able to garner the attention it requires from Chinese archaeology, which fails to understand its significance behind the systematic regional survey methods. Rather, for a long time, the study of the man-land relationship has been considered to be a part of environmental archaeology. Besides, the landscape elements in archaeological excavations were often considered as mechanical interactions between people and the environment, resulting in a lack of holistic and systematic research on a selection of archaeological sites. The focus however has remained restricted to the earthen remains and relics in the archaeological process. The Northern Wei Dynasty was the first nomadic regime to control the Central Plains in the Chinese history and moved its capital three times for the purpose of sinicization. The recent archaeological excavations of the ancient city of Shengle, imperial palaces, tombs, sacrificial sites, gardens, Yinshan palaces, and the border defense facilities during the Shengle period of the Northern Wei Dynasty have revealed several phenomena and evidence of the cultural integration of the various ethnic groups. As mentioned earlier, the limitations in the research horizon have led to the in-depth analysis and research of archaeological relics and archaeological data during this period seeking the desired attention. This study considers landscape archaeology, anthropology, sociology, and history as the primary research methods pertinent to the above situation. It considers archaeological relics and archaeological data from the prosperous period as the research object and thoroughly analyses the relationship between the people and the earthen landscape relics, to reveal the social culture, the religious beliefs, the politics, and the military behind the integration of the multi-ethnic culture, along with the cognition of the natural environments, the social structures, and the religious spaces. Simultaneously, the analysis results would also endeavor to integrate the artifacts, the relics (space, structure, layout, and locational relationship), road grids, surrounding environment, and several other surface space elements to restore and reproduce the prosperous social and cultural situations scenes of the bygone period. The final outcome shall become a typical research case. By comparing and combing the archaeological discoveries of the Northern and the Southern Dynasties of China and the pertinent archaeological data, we could further understand and explain the multi-ethnic cultural development and evolution while providing an essential theoretical basis for the present social and cultural research on the Northern Wei Dynasty in China.

Research on Spatial Resource Planning of Land and Sea Co-ordination

Land and sea coordination is an important principle of land and space development and utilization, but there is a lack of land and sea integrated spatial resource planning research. This paper analyses the connotation, characteristics and principles of land-sea spatial resource planning, and discusses the relationship between land-sea spatial resource planning and related zoning planning. On the basis of the regional system structure of man-land relationship, the adaptive management technology system of land-sea spatial resource planning is constructed. The theory of land and sea planning can provide a theoretical reference for the optimal allocation of sea space resources, and its technical system has certain reference significance for enriching the existing sea area management technology.

The “Change” and the “Constancy” of Landscapes

Scientifically recognizing and wisely intervening the evolution of landscape is an important topic in Landscape Architecture, since evolution (change) is absolute. For human, landscape changes, however, can be measured in a relative sense. Upon such an understanding, the concept “persistent landscape” highlights the landscape’s continuity and stability over time, as well as the stable variety of physical environment. The key to understand this concept lies in landscape architects’ observation of not only the stability of natural ecosystems but also the harmony of cultural-social contexts. However, the rapid urbanization has caused many pressing problems such as the loss of characteristics in urban and rural area, environmental pollution, ecological fragmentation, and cultural fracture, which calls for landscape architects who can re-recognize the man-land relationship and formulate scientific strategies for sustainable development. In this issue, LA Frontiers hopes to offer landscape architects with insights to meet contemporary needs by embracing new landscape forms and implications, so as to create healthier and more poetic-quality living environments with cultural and spatial characteristics.

生态文明建设下的牧区人地关系优化研究——以乌拉特后旗为例

生态文明建设下的牧区人地关系优化研究——以乌拉特后旗为例

Evolution of Neolithic site distribution (9.0–4.0 ka BP) in Anhui, East China

Based on archaeological surveys of Neolithic cultural development and GIS spatial analysis, this study reproduced the main characteristics of temporal distribution and settlement selection of the sites from the Neolithic Age in Anhui and identified a relationship between environmental evolution and human activity. The results show that altitude, slope direction, and slope gradient were consistent among the settlements at different stages of the Neolithic Age in Anhui, and the sites were mostly distributed in hilly and plain areas on southeast- or south-facing slopes of low gradients close to rivers. We determined that early Neolithic Age (9.0–7.0 ka BP) sites were scattered in small numbers and likely had little cultural exchange with communities of other provinces. The environmental characteristics of various regions in Anhui indicated that the climate was warm and humid with extensive water distribution. The sites of the mid Neolithic Age (7.0–5.0 ka BP) increased rapidly with wide distribution. They were mainly distributed in the plain area north of the Huaihe River and the southwestern areas of Anhui. In the mid Neolithic Age, the warm and humid climate gradually dried, and our ancestors slowly developed cultural exchanges. The largest number of sites existed during the late Neolithic Age (5.0–4.0 ka BP), and were distributed throughout the province. During this period, the overall climate was relatively dry, but humans could still obtain water and other resources through migration. The relatively benign climate facilitated cultural interaction and exchange, which increased during this time, and the Wanjiang culture matured. We also determined that as early civilization evolved, cultures in different regions responded differently to environmental changes. In humid subtropical regions, especially in low-lying plains and areas beside lakes, rivers, and coastal areas, the relatively dry climate in the late period of the middle Holocene, prefaced by a period of high humidity, was conducive to the development of human culture. The evidence from the Neolithic settlements in Anhui therefore reflects this subtropical man-land relationship between cultural development and environmental conditions.

Traditional agroecosystem transition in mountainous area of Three Gorges Reservoir Area

The Three Gorges Reservoir Area (TGRA) is typical of an ecologically vulnerable area, comprised of rural and mountainous areas, and with high immigration. Because of its economic and ecologic importance, studying the traditional agroecosystem changes in the TGRA is key to rural development and revitalization. In this study, we apply a framework of theoretical analysis, empirical study, and trend prediction to the Caotangxi River watershed within the TGRA. Using QuickBird high-resolution remote sensing images from 2012 to 2017 to evaluate natural resources and farmers’ behavior, we analyze the transition and trends in the traditional agroecosystem in mountainous areas of the TGRA at spatial scale of the man-land relationship. We find that the agroecosystem in the TGRA can be divided into four modes using 100 m interval buffer rings: high-low-low, high-low-high, low-high-low and low-low-high mode where the different modes represent the agricultural development stages in the TGRA. Furthermore, the traditional agroecosystem in TGRA, represented by system elements such as farmers and sloping farmland, is transforming to accommodate the diversification of farmer livelihoods. For example, sloping farmland, which was dominated by a production function, now has equal emphasis on ecological and economic functions. Spatially, the range of the agroecosystem transition has migrated beyond high mountain areas to flat valley areas. Generally, this study provides an overview of land use in rural areas, controls on soil and water loss in mountainous areas, and better rural living environments in the TGRA.

基于能值生态足迹的长山群岛人地关系分析

基于能值生态足迹的长山群岛人地关系分析

Ecological restoration under rural restructuring: A case study of Yan’an in China’s loess plateau

The contemporary ecological projects paid more attention to the coordination between ecological restoration and rural development. China have launched the world’s largest Grain for Green Program and made significant achievements in this respect in south-west and north-west regions. This paper uses Yan’an as its case study location to bring the detailed spatiotemporal process of vegetation restoration to light and interpret the role of socioeconomic restructuring in rural areas as a mechanism for driving forward ecological restoration. The results showed that vegetation restoration in Yan’an has emerged as a continuous process and holistic pattern with 91.6% area NDVI index increasing from 2000 to 2015, but returned slope cropland directly account for only 15.68% of NDVI growth. The NDVI growth is closely related to change of rural resident population, proportion of agricultural output and regional urbanization level which signifying rural restructuring. Rural economic restructuring, social community reshaping and rural space readjustment have reduced the dependence of these areas on resources and environment, improved the man-land relationship, and spurred sustained, stable and holistic ecological restoration. In addition to supporting eco-compensation and ecotourism industries, more active and comprehensive measures should be adopted to promote rural restructuring and make ecological restoration more stable and sustainable.

Coupling analysis of greenhouse-led farmland transition and rural transformation development in China’s traditional farming area: A case of Qingzhou City

The farmland transition is a theoretical summary of the morphological change of farmland in the context of the rural man–land interrelations evolution. The coupling mechanism between the farmland transition and rural transformation development (RTD) in China’s traditional farming area is good for optimizing urban–rural relations and reconstructing rural development paths. This paper takes the greenhouse-led farmland transition (GFT) as the starting point and attempts to construct a coupled conceptual model between farmland transition and RTD. Further, Qingzhou City is used as a case study to analyze the process of GFT from the county and village scales, and the coupling relationship between farmland transition and RTD is analyzed. The research shows that the coupling relationship between farmland use morphology and rural development status presents types at different stages, which become an important window to track the change mechanism of rural man–land relationship. The GFT has changed the rural production system and urban–rural relations in Qingzhou City. The correlation coefficient between the proportion of greenhouse land area in the available farmland area and the proportion of rural labor force outflow was −0.579. Since 1995, the coupling relationship between GFT and RTD of Nanxiaowang Village in Qingzhou City has shown the characteristic four stages: “traditional grain production stage” ― “mixed development stage of grain production and greenhouse cultivation” ― “modern high efficiency agricultural production stage” ― “market-oriented comprehensive agricultural development stage”. This study puts forward the conceptual framework of the coupling mechanism of farmland transition and RTD, and further validates the stage succession process of the coupling relationship based on typical case studies at different scales. In addition, the major problems existing in the current coupling relationship between GFT and RTD are further summarized. The land use policy based on the coupling relationship between land use transition and rural development is proposed to further promote the orderly reconstruction of the villages.

Urban - Rural construction land Transition(URCLT) in Shandong Province of China: Features measurement and mechanism exploration

The change in urban construction land (UCL) and rural residential land (RRL) and their coupling relationship are the main manifestation of urban-rural construction land transition (URCLT) and the mapping of urban-rural factor flow. It is of great significance to systematically understand and master its laws for expanding the theory of land use transition (LUT) and adjusting the man-land relationship between urban and rural area. This paper constructs a theoretical model of URCLT, analyses the spatial and temporal characteristics of urban and rural construction land (UARCL) scale, elasticity and structure transition in Shandong Province from 1996 to 2015, reveals the transition process and coupling mechanism of UCL and RRL by using the method of geographic detector. The research shows that the UCL and RRL in Shandong Province have evolved along a coordinated track of increase and decrease as a whole, but with certain periodic fluctuations, resulting in insufficient elasticity and structural transition of URCLT. The rationalization degree of UCL growth was reduced, the low synchronization and non-synchronization of RRL reduction predominates, while the dominant type of urban-rural human-land relationship changed from urban-rural (UR) increase or decrease coordinated to both urban (U) and rural (R) increase uncoordinated. The URCLT had obvious spatial differences. The UARCL in the “blue-yellow” economic zone and the provincial capital urban agglomeration was active, but was dominated by uncoordinated transition, and the non-synchronization reduction of RRL was dominant. The factors influencing the transition of URCL were complex, diverse and unstable, and the transition mechanism was the interaction process of self-regulation of population, industry and land elements within the urban and rural system and intervention of external natural environment, science and technology and institutional policies.