Spatial coupling coordination evaluation between land use efficiency and urbanization in the Chang-Zhu-Tan urban agglomeration, China

Ensuring that land use efficiency and urbanization are in harmony has emerged as a critical concern requiring immediate attention to achieve sustainable urbanization in China. Taking the Chang-Zhu-Tan urban agglomeration (CZTUA) as an example, this study establishes an evaluation index system of land use efficiency and urbanization using multi-source remote sensing data in 2020 and analyzes the coupling coordination degree (CCD) between these factors. Furthermore, the standardization methods and exploratory spatial data analysis method are combined to investigate the spatial correlation of the CCD among land use efficiency and urbanization. The study shows that: (1) In CZTUA, there is a positive correlation between land use efficiency and urbanization and this promotes urbanization. (2) The overall coupling degree in the CZTUA is in the running-in level and most districts are at the elementary or middle rank coordinated levels. (3) The spatial clustering characteristics have the “center-periphery” pattern, with the further away from the core city, the lower the level of coupling coordination becomes. (4) From the perspective of geographical association, the High-High agglomeration, mainly located in Changsha City, showed higher development levels compared to surrounding areas. Development gradually diminished as one moves outward, forming a Low-High agglomeration. Low-Low agglomeration was represented by You, Chaling and Yanling districts. The methodology used in this study is relevant for promoting urbanization and improving land use efficiency in Chinese city clusters.