Estimating landscape pattern metrics from a sample of land cover

Abstract A factor analysis of 67 landscape pattern metrics was performed to quantify the ability of landscape pattern metrics to explain land cover pattern, and to report individual landscape pattern metric values that are statistically independent. This land cover pattern is measured from 7.68 x 7.68 [km] GeoTiff image tiles of the conterminous United States Geological Survey (USGS) 1992 National Land Cover Dataset (NCLD). Using factor analysis to rank independent landscape pattern information, each landscape pattern metric produces the explanatory power of that landscape pattern metric amongst the other 66 landscape pattern metrics—any landscape pattern metrics that report similar values contribute redundant information. The metrics that contribute the most information are Jackson’s Contagion statistic (P005), typically contributing to 97 % of the explained variability; the Fourier Metric of Fragmentation (FMF), typically contributing to 65 % of the explained variability; and average LCLU class lacunarity (TLAC), typically contributing to 62 % of the explained variability. Two other Fourier-based landscape pattern metrics we tested, the Least Squares Fourier Transform Fractal Dimension Estimation (LsFT) and the Fourier Metric of Proportion (FMP), contributed 50 % and 12 % to the explained variability, respectively. In addition, the values reported by each of the Fourier metrics are revealed to be relatively independent amongst commonly used landscape pattern metrics and are thus demonstrated to be appropriate for explaining general landscape pattern variability.

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Impacts of Landscape Patterns on Ecosystem Services Value: A Multiscale Buffer Gradient Analysis Approach

Remote Sensing ◽

10.3390/rs13132551 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (13) ◽

pp. 2551

Author(s):

Wanxu Chen ◽

Jie Zeng ◽

Yumei Chu ◽

Jiale Liang

Keyword(s):

Sustainable Development ◽

Ecosystem Services ◽

Landscape Pattern ◽

Gradient Analysis ◽

Buffer Zone ◽

Landscape Patterns ◽

Analysis Approach ◽

Landscape Pattern Metrics ◽

Pattern Metrics ◽

Ecosystem Services Value

In recent decades, substantial changes have occurred in the spatial structure and form of landscapes in metropolises; these have greatly impacted ecosystem provision capacities. Clarifying the impact mechanism of landscape patterns on ecosystem services can provide insights into regional ecological conservation and sustainable development measures. Although previous studies have explored the impacts of landscape patterns on ecosystem services at multiple scales, few studies have been conducted using the buffer gradient analysis approach. Using land-use/cover change data, this study measured the evolution of spatiotemporal features of landscape patterns and ecosystem services value (ESV) with 1, 2, and 3 km buffer-zone scales in Wuhan, China. Econometric models were then used to analyze the impacts of landscape patterns on ecosystem services at different buffer-zone scales. The results demonstrated that rapid urbanization in Wuhan has led to significant changes in landscape patterns, and the landscape pattern metrics exhibited significant spatial heterogeneity. The ESV in Wuhan exhibited a steady decline during the study period. Hydrological regulations and waste treatment functions contributed to the largest proportion of ESV, and raw material production functions contributed to the lowest proportion. Landscape pattern metrics exerted a significant influence on ESV; however, this influence varied greatly. The results of this study provide a new understanding of the influence mechanism of landscape patterns on ecosystem services at 1, 2, and 3 km buffer-zone scales. These findings are critical for facilitating landscape planning and regional sustainable development.

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