Analysis of Landscape Spatial Pattern Changes Using Remote Sensing in Jiuzhaigou Valley, Northwestern Sichuan Province, China

Abstract

Landscape spatial patterns have profound implications for the functions of ecosystem. Remote sensing is an important tool for monitoring and managing structural changes of protected areas. Based on landscape ecological principles, the paper presents a case study on landscape pattern with the application of satellite remote sensing and GIS data, using dynamic analysis method. Such indices as the patch size, largest patch index, patch shape index, landscape diversity, landscape fragmentation and etc. were chosen in analyzing landscape spatial pattern in Jiuzhaigou valley. The results show that there distribute diversified landscape types in Jiuzhaigou area, with the uneven patch area ratio, lower diversity index, and significant landscape fragmentation, which are the major causes of biodiversity loss.