Spatial variation in land use and landscape pattern-A case study of Ji County of Tianjin City

Variation in landscape could indicate change in regional ecological functions and processes. Spatial heterogeneity of landscape does not only reflect spatial variations in landscape processes, but also variation in the driving factors. Therefore, it is an essential pre-requisite for understanding the dynamics and characteristics of the landscape patterns in a given region. Using Ji County of Tianjin City as a case, this study analyzed temporal and spatial changes in land use and landscape pattern. Landsat remote sensing images were used in the study to determine spatial variations in the landscape and the related driving factors. For the period of study, there is fragmented trend in landscape change with varying and intricate landscape forms. There also exists an increasing diversity index, implying the development of regional landscape to diversification and evenness with time. Main land use change trend is from cropland to woodland, grassland or built-up land. The spatial distribution and change of 2 landscape pattern index - Number of Patches (NP) and Largest Patch Index (LPI) analyzed at 3 km by 3 km grid-cell size, show obvious spatial variations in landscape structure. The central and south regions of the study area are increasingly more fragmented than the north and the Natural Reserve where human activity is limited. Statistical analysis indicates that the spatial variations are mainly driven by spatial differences in geomorphology, population density, road network, etc. Human activity and economic development are the primary driving factors of change in the landscape pattern.