Land | May 2026 - Browse Articles

27 pages, 9376 KB

Open AccessArticle

Statistical Approach for Determination and Transferability of Optimal Classifier Configuration for Landslide Detection Based on LULC Mapping

by Donat Shukuru, Yongchul Shin, Joowon Park and Bomi Kim

Land 2026, 15(5), 893; https://doi.org/10.3390/land15050893 - 21 May 2026

Viewed by 875

Abstract

Rapid and reliable detection of landslides is essential for disaster response, hazard assessment, and environmental monitoring, particularly in environments where timely information is critical. Recognizing the need, this study proposes a unified framework that integrates pixel-based LULC classification with landslide detection using multispectral [...] Read more.

Rapid and reliable detection of landslides is essential for disaster response, hazard assessment, and environmental monitoring, particularly in environments where timely information is critical. Recognizing the need, this study proposes a unified framework that integrates pixel-based LULC classification with landslide detection using multispectral satellite imagery. In this framework, landslides are identified as vegetation-to-bare land transitions constrained by temporal, terrain, and morphological conditions, making detection dependent on accurate classification of vegetation and bare land. An optimal classifier configuration was selected through a statistical scheme based on three-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) to ensure reliable classification and applied to pre- and post-event imagery to derive landslide candidate areas. To improve detection reliability, terrain and morphological filters were applied, including a slope constraint selected through sensitivity analysis and a length-to-width (L/W) ratio to reduce false detections. The classification accuracies achieved across the two study sites ranged from 0.85 to 0.89, supporting the detection of approximately 70% of the total landslide area, with precision up to 0.93 and F1-scores of 0.77–0.79. Lower slope thresholds improved detection completeness, while higher thresholds increased omission errors. These findings suggest that the proposed integration of optimized LULC classification and constrained change detection may provide a practical and potentially transferable framework for improving landslide detection performance under varying environmental conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Land Use/Land Cover Mapping Changes Using Earth Observations Techniques)

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22 pages, 53399 KB

Open AccessArticle

Irrigation Reshapes Vegetation Dynamics and Their Environmental Controls in the Hetao Irrigation District Watershed, Inner Mongolia, China

by Xiaolong Zhou, Meng He, Xin Tong, Tingxi Liu, Limin Duan, Xiaoyan Liu, Jiaxin Li, Jianxun Ji, Guangyan Zhu and Vijay P. Singh

Land 2026, 15(5), 892; https://doi.org/10.3390/land15050892 - 21 May 2026

Viewed by 476

Abstract

The normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) is widely used to track vegetation cover and ecological change. However, in arid watersheds where irrigated farmland and natural vegetation coexist, it remains unclear how irrigation changes the relative effects of climate, terrain, and soil on vegetation [...] Read more.

The normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) is widely used to track vegetation cover and ecological change. However, in arid watersheds where irrigated farmland and natural vegetation coexist, it remains unclear how irrigation changes the relative effects of climate, terrain, and soil on vegetation growth. Using the Hetao irrigation district watershed in Inner Mongolia, this study analyzed NDVI dynamics and their environmental controls from 2001 to 2024 through trend analysis, spatial autocorrelation, XGBoost-SHAP, GeoDetector, and geographically weighted regression. NDVI increased significantly across the watershed at 0.0035 yr⁻¹, but the increase was much stronger inside the irrigation district (mean NDVI = 0.58; slope = 0.0061 yr⁻¹) than outside it (mean NDVI = 0.26; slope = 0.0015 yr⁻¹). Global Moran’s I values remained above 0.86, showing persistent spatial clustering. The main drivers also differed by zone. DEM, SOC, and precipitation were most important for the whole watershed; SOC, TP, pH, and TN were more important inside the irrigation district; and precipitation and DEM were more important outside it. GeoDetector confirmed that paired drivers strengthened each other, including SOC ∩ DEM at the watershed scale and DEM ∩ TP outside the irrigation district. GWR further showed that rainfall effects were stronger outside the irrigation boundary, while soil-related effects were stronger in the irrigated agricultural belt. These results show that irrigation not only increases NDVI but also changes how vegetation responds to environmental conditions by weakening direct rainfall limitation and strengthening soil-related controls in managed landscapes. The findings provide evidence for zone-specific vegetation restoration and land-water management in dryland irrigation watersheds. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Global Change and Vulnerable Land Ecosystems: Integrated Vegetation–Hydrology–Climate Responses and Policy Implications for Sustainable Land Governance)

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22 pages, 925 KB

Open AccessReview

Reconstruction and Drivers of Change in Historical Land Use Intensity in China: A Review and Prospect

by Fanxin Geng, Shicheng Li, Yu Qiu, Haiyan Huang and Meijiao Li

Land 2026, 15(5), 891; https://doi.org/10.3390/land15050891 - 21 May 2026

Viewed by 796

Abstract

Reconstructing historical land use intensity and analyzing its driving forces are crucial for understanding the impacts of human activities on the environment. This review systematically assesses the research on reconstructing historical land use intensity in China, focusing on four dimensions: land use type, [...] Read more.

Reconstructing historical land use intensity and analyzing its driving forces are crucial for understanding the impacts of human activities on the environment. This review systematically assesses the research on reconstructing historical land use intensity in China, focusing on four dimensions: land use type, harvest frequency, input intensity, and output intensity. The analysis reveals significant imbalances in the development of these dimensions, with reconstruction methods for land use types being the most mature, while quantitative methods for input intensity remain the weakest. The approaches are generally evolving from qualitative to quantitative analysis. Furthermore, studies on the driving forces behind intensity changes are predominantly qualitative, lacking integrated quantitative analyses of multiple factors. To overcome these limitations, the paper proposes that future research should integrate multi-source proxy indicators to construct a comprehensive, multi-dimensional assessment system. This would enable the spatiotemporal reconstruction of land use intensity and facilitate quantitative analysis of its driving forces using spatial data analysis and machine learning methods. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Large-Scale and Long-Term Land Use and Land Cover Mapping)

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21 pages, 7780 KB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Vulnerability to Climate Change of Forest Genetic Conservation Units Assessed Through Species Distribution Models

by José M. García del Barrio, Carlos Guadaño-Peyrot, Delphine Grivet, Sanna Olsson, Diana Barba, Francisco Auñon, Eulogio Chacón-Moreno, Marta Fernández-Pastor, Emma Gaitán, Rubén G. Mateo, Alba García-Pose, Ana Hernández-Parada, Jennifer Morales-Barbero, César Paradinas-Blázquez, Carlos Prado-López, José María Rey-Benayas, Jaime Ribalaygua, Gonzalo Rodríguez-Ruiz, Dominic Royé, María del Carré and Ricardo Alía Show full author list Hide full author list

Land 2026, 15(5), 890; https://doi.org/10.3390/land15050890 - 21 May 2026

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 727

Abstract

Conserving the genetic resources of major forest species is essential for mitigating climate risks associated with global change. Species distribution models and their projections under future emission scenarios are key tools for assessing climate-related threats to populations targeted for conservation efforts. In this [...] Read more.

Conserving the genetic resources of major forest species is essential for mitigating climate risks associated with global change. Species distribution models and their projections under future emission scenarios are key tools for assessing climate-related threats to populations targeted for conservation efforts. In this study, we analyzed the populations included in the Spanish Network of Forest Genetic Conservation Units, comprising 297 units across twenty main forest tree species in Spain. We used species distribution models with high-resolution environmental data to assess habitat suitability across different climate scenarios and time periods. We introduced a Climatic Vulnerability Index to identify Genetic Conservation Units at risk of maladaptation by evaluating shifts in current conditions. Our results reveal spatial and interspecific heterogeneity in the future climatic vulnerability of the conservation network, as well as a relationship between expert-defined marginality and current climatic unsuitability under the Spanish Group model. Overall, our findings provide a basis for prioritizing conservation actions, guiding adaptive forest management, and supporting the long-term monitoring and viability of forest genetic resources under accelerating climate change. Full article

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21 pages, 17213 KB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Urban Morphology in Urban Flood Risk Prediction: A Deep Learning Framework for Resilient Planning

by Yuguan Zhang, Siyi Qin and Yang Xiao

Land 2026, 15(5), 889; https://doi.org/10.3390/land15050889 - 20 May 2026

Viewed by 603

Abstract

Existing flood risk models have improved predictive accuracy, but they prioritize natural and hydrological factors while giving limited attention to fine-grained urban morphology. This study develops an interpretable deep learning framework to examine how high-resolution, three-dimensional urban form shapes two dimensions of flood [...] Read more.

Existing flood risk models have improved predictive accuracy, but they prioritize natural and hydrological factors while giving limited attention to fine-grained urban morphology. This study develops an interpretable deep learning framework to examine how high-resolution, three-dimensional urban form shapes two dimensions of flood risk: inundation risk, measured by grid-level inundated area, and infrastructure risk, measured by flood-related disruptions, including water supply interruption, power outage, road blockage, and collapse-related damage. Using Zhengzhou, China, as a case study, we combine multi-source spatial data, convolutional neural networks, ablation analysis, SHAP interpretation, and Gaussian Mixture Model classification to examine how fine-grained urban morphology affects these two risk dimensions. Incorporating urban morphology improved inundation risk prediction, reducing MSE from 0.0431 to 0.0371. The improvement was greater for infrastructure risk, with accuracy increasing from 0.7327 to 0.8218, and ROC-AUC from 0.83 to 0.95. SHAP results show that inundation risk is associated with vegetation, elevation, hydrological proximity, and localized spatial disorder, whereas infrastructure risk is amplified by vertical intensity, imperviousness, building concentration, porosity, and shape. Spatially, very high infrastructure-risk areas accounted for only 2.30% of the city but 12.88% of the central districts, while 74.62% of very high infrastructure-risk zones were concentrated in dense mid- to high-rise morphology. These findings suggest that flood-resilient planning should move beyond hydrology-sensitive flood management toward morphology-sensitive planning. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vulnerability and Resilience of Urban Planning and Design (Second Edition))

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23 pages, 6166 KB

Open AccessArticle

Projecting Land Use Change and Associated Sea-Level Rise Effect on Habitat Quality in the Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area

by Mingjian Zhu, Xinyi Dong and Jiali Shi

Land 2026, 15(5), 888; https://doi.org/10.3390/land15050888 - 20 May 2026

Viewed by 503

Abstract

It is crucial to evaluate the spatio-temporal dynamics of habitat quality, which is highly sensitive to land use change. Sea-level rise and rapid urbanization are major driving forces of this change, yet their coupled impacts on future habitat quality remain poorly quantified, particularly [...] Read more.

It is crucial to evaluate the spatio-temporal dynamics of habitat quality, which is highly sensitive to land use change. Sea-level rise and rapid urbanization are major driving forces of this change, yet their coupled impacts on future habitat quality remain poorly quantified, particularly in highly urbanized coastal regions such as the Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA). This study develops an integrated framework combining the Dyna-CLUE (Dynamic Conversion of Land Use and its Effects) model and SLAMM (Sea Level Affecting Marshes Model), incorporating local sea-level rise data and climate projections under the SSP3–7.0 scenario to simulate land use transitions and their impacts on coastal land use patterns and habitat quality across short-, medium-, and long-term periods. The results indicate that (1) by the end of the 21st century, accelerated urban expansion is projected to dominate land use change, with associated declines in habitat quality; (2) sea-level rise exerts heterogeneous effects on coastal wetlands, with wetland area increasing by 3232 ha between 2020 and 2050, followed by a decrease of 4110 ha by 2100, potentially contributing to habitat degradation; and (3) between 2020 and 2100, the proportion of lower-grade habitats will increase from 14.59% to 27.60%, whereas higher-grade habitats will decline from 5.49% to 4.47%. These findings highlight the need to regulate urban expansion, accommodate coastal wetland migration, and prioritize the conservation of high-quality habitats. The proposed framework provides a context-specific analytical approach for scenario-based assessment of land use management under combined urbanization and climate change pressures. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Land Use, Impact Assessment and Sustainability)

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29 pages, 2541 KB

Open AccessArticle

A Reproducible Space–Time Cube Workflow for Domestic Tourism Mobility: Madrid-Origin Flows Across Spain (September 2019–September 2025)

by José Manuel Sánchez-Martín

Land 2026, 15(5), 887; https://doi.org/10.3390/land15050887 - 20 May 2026

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1167

Abstract

This study analyzes domestic tourism mobility in Spain using aggregated and anonymized mobile phone data, with a particular focus on the outbound market of the municipality of Madrid and its territorial redistribution between September 2019 and September 2025. Using experimental statistics from the [...] Read more.

This study analyzes domestic tourism mobility in Spain using aggregated and anonymized mobile phone data, with a particular focus on the outbound market of the municipality of Madrid and its territorial redistribution between September 2019 and September 2025. Using experimental statistics from the National Institute of Statistics (INE), a monthly series of origin–destination flows to all Spanish municipalities was constructed, harmonizing the municipal database and incorporating intensive indicators to improve inter-territorial comparability. The spatiotemporal dynamics were integrated into a Space–Time Cube (monthly resolution), and Emerging Hot Spot Analysis (EHSA) was applied to classify the persistence, intensification, or attenuation of high- and low-intensity clusters. Additionally, the grouping of time series allowed for the identification of seasonal patterns associated with coastal, urban, and nearby inland destinations. The results show: (i) a synchronous disruption in the spring of 2020 linked to COVID-19; (ii) a staggered recovery beginning in 2021, consolidating in 2023–2025; and (iii) a dual structural pattern, with a strong concentration of volumes in large urban and coastal hubs, along with high relative intensities in small municipalities in the ring surrounding Madrid. EHSA identifies intensifying hotspots in established coastal systems (Costa del Sol and Costa Blanca) and cooling or attenuated dynamics in parts of the inland region, consistent with the reconfiguration of the “tourism radius” following the pandemic. Limitations arising from statistical confidentiality and the representativeness of the source are discussed, and future research directions are proposed based on the integration of the information with expenditure and transportation data and on spatiotemporal modeling to support destination planning and management. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Spatial Patterns and Urban Indicators on Land Use and Climate Change)

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26 pages, 20196 KB

Open AccessArticle

Building Park Cities: Pathways to Enhance Urban Ecological Resilience in the Urbanization Process

by Yi Lu, Kebei Liu and Rui Li

Land 2026, 15(5), 886; https://doi.org/10.3390/land15050886 - 20 May 2026

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 646

Abstract

Under the global sustainable development agenda, urban ecological resilience serves as a key indicator of park city. This study established a framework of “Retrospective Evaluation–Prospective Simulation–Zoning Control”. The study chose Chengdu and analyzed land-use changes occurring at three-year intervals from 1999 to 2023. [...] Read more.

Under the global sustainable development agenda, urban ecological resilience serves as a key indicator of park city. This study established a framework of “Retrospective Evaluation–Prospective Simulation–Zoning Control”. The study chose Chengdu and analyzed land-use changes occurring at three-year intervals from 1999 to 2023. A defense–adaptability–recovery framework was applied to assess urban ecological resilience (UER). The study further simulated land use and urban ecological resilience patterns for 2035 under three scenarios, including natural development, ecological conservation, and park city development scenarios. Finally, it coupled UER with land development intensity to delineate ecological zones and propose differentiated strategies. The results showed that (1) historical UER declined then rose, with low UER concentrated in built-up areas and relatively low UER accounting for the largest share. (2) The park city development scenario yielded the highest UER, but showed limited improvement in existing low-resilience built-up areas. (3) Zoning patterns across scenarios were highly similar, dominated by Potential Development Zones. This study identifies the optimal scenario for enhancing UER and offers zoning strategies that can inform park city development in other cities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Advances in Urban Resilience for Sustainable Futures)

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19 pages, 405 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of Land Transfer on the Livelihood Resilience of Rural Households from the Perspective of Farmer Differentiation

by Shuqi Zhu, Yueqin Shen and Zhen Zhu

Land 2026, 15(5), 885; https://doi.org/10.3390/land15050885 - 20 May 2026

Viewed by 522

Abstract

The land transfer system is widely regarded as a key institutional arrangement for advancing agricultural modernization and rural transformation. Drawing on the Sustainable Livelihoods Framework (SLF) and from the perspective of farmer differentiation, this study investigates the effects of land transfer on rural [...] Read more.

The land transfer system is widely regarded as a key institutional arrangement for advancing agricultural modernization and rural transformation. Drawing on the Sustainable Livelihoods Framework (SLF) and from the perspective of farmer differentiation, this study investigates the effects of land transfer on rural household livelihood resilience using China Family Panel Studies (CFPS) data from 2012 to 2020. The results indicate the following: (1) Land transfer significantly improves rural household livelihood resilience overall, but this effect is mainly driven by land transfer-out. (2) Land transfer exhibits a clear threshold effect on livelihood resilience. Land transfer-out has a negative impact at low levels of off-farm employment but turns positive after the threshold is crossed, with increasing effects at higher levels of non-farm engagement. Land transfer-in has a significant positive effect on livelihood resilience only above a certain asset. (3) Farmer differentiation is a critical mechanism. Heterogeneity analysis reveals that differences in livelihood strategies and initial geographical conditions affect households’ reliance on land and agricultural productivity, thereby altering the impact of land transfer on livelihood resilience. These findings demonstrate that policies should adopt differentiated interventions rather than a one-size-fits-all approach in order to better align land transfer with the livelihood strategies of rural households. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Spatial Governance Strategies for Enhancing Agricultural Livelihoods at Rural-Urban Transition)

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20 pages, 2240 KB

Open AccessArticle

Prediction of Surface Soil Organic Carbon in Karst Cropland Based on Multi-Temporal Remote Sensing Data and Stacking Ensemble Method

by Kaiping Li, Yuan Li, Wenxian Wu and Leping Yang

Land 2026, 15(5), 884; https://doi.org/10.3390/land15050884 - 20 May 2026

Viewed by 622

Abstract

Accurate prediction of soil organic carbon (SOC) in cropland is important for food production, sustainable soil management, and carbon sequestration. Although digital soil mapping (DSM) has been widely used in the prediction of SOC, most of the current DSM studies use only a [...] Read more.

Accurate prediction of soil organic carbon (SOC) in cropland is important for food production, sustainable soil management, and carbon sequestration. Although digital soil mapping (DSM) has been widely used in the prediction of SOC, most of the current DSM studies use only a single remote sensing image and a single machine learning (ML) approach, and few studies apply multi-temporal remote sensing images and ensemble methods. This study explores the accuracy of the prediction of surface SOC in cropland by comparing multi-temporal Sentinel-2A remote sensing with random forest (RF), support vector machine (SVM), gradient boosted decision trees (GBDT), extreme gradient boosted decision trees (XGBoost), and a stacking ensemble method consisting of these four ML approaches. The potential of multi-temporal remote sensing data and the stacking ensemble method for SOC prediction is discussed. To this end, 76 sampling points were selected in the study area, soil samples were collected at depths of 0–10 cm and 10–20 cm for each soil profile, and a total of 152 soil samples were obtained. Remote sensing variables extracted from topography, climate, and Sentinel-2A images on 13 January and 31 August 2023 were used as predictor variables. The results showed that the stacking ensemble method with multi-temporal predictor variables outperformed all single models and variable combinations. However, the overall predictive accuracy remained moderate, with the best performance for 0–10 cm (R² = 0.386, RMSE = 4.782, MAE = 3.36) and 10–20 cm (R² = 0.425, RMSE = 4.484, MAE = 4.031). The relatively low R² values, despite the use of advanced methods, highlight the inherent challenges of SOC prediction in highly fragmented karst croplands. This study demonstrates the incremental benefit, rather than a universal high accuracy, of combining multi-temporal Sentinel-2 imagery with a stacking ensemble to improve SOC mapping in such complex environments. Full article

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23 pages, 27205 KB

Open AccessArticle

New Botanical and Avian Insights from the Holocene of Murrah Cave in the Trans-Pecos of Texas, USA

by Eileen Johnson and John A. Moretti

Land 2026, 15(5), 883; https://doi.org/10.3390/land15050883 - 20 May 2026

Viewed by 498

Abstract

Murrah Cave is one of a series of cave and rockshelters in the Lower Pecos Canyonlands (far eastern Trans-Pecos) that contain evidence of late Quaternary cultures, fauna, and flora. Excavated in 1937, many faunal and floral specimens from Murrah Cave remain undescribed. Among [...] Read more.

Murrah Cave is one of a series of cave and rockshelters in the Lower Pecos Canyonlands (far eastern Trans-Pecos) that contain evidence of late Quaternary cultures, fauna, and flora. Excavated in 1937, many faunal and floral specimens from Murrah Cave remain undescribed. Among those materials are a coracoid of a Pied-billed Grebe (Podilymbus podiceps), seeds, and charcoal. The major cultural occupation now is dated between 1000 and 600 ¹⁴C yr B.P. based on textiles. Charcoal dates, however, cluster earlier at around 2500 ¹⁴C yr B.P. with one date at 4800 ¹⁴C yr B.P. The Pied-billed Grebe represents the first occurrence in the Quaternary fossil record for the Trans-Pecos. The floral taxa are found in the Trans-Pecos Canyonlands today, part of the Chihuahuan Desert vegetation community, with some being the first known presence in the Lower Pecos Canyonlands. Two short-term mesic periods begin around 2500 ¹⁴C yr B.P. and 700 ¹⁴C yr B.P. denoted by the return of modern bison and expansion of the grasslands. These brief periods of increased moisture do not fundamentally alter the desert vegetation community. The floral and avian records highlight the potential available data within and the usefulness of old collections in contributing to modern studies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Landscape Archaeology)

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20 pages, 12660 KB

Open AccessArticle

Faunal Restoration and Shellfish Farming: An Ecological–Economic Win-Win Framework for Sporobolus alterniflorus Control in Mangrove Habitats

by Dinglin Liu, Pingping Guo, Yufeng Lin, Hongkun Cai, Kaiyuan Zhao, Mao Wang and Wenqing Wang

Land 2026, 15(5), 882; https://doi.org/10.3390/land15050882 - 19 May 2026

Viewed by 575

Abstract

In Luoyuan Bay, China, Sporobolus alterniflorus invasion has hindered mangrove restoration and disrupted faunal communities within mangrove habitats. This study investigated its impact on mollusk, crab, and fish assemblages across mangrove, mudflat, and invaded habitats from 2019 to 2020. Results showed that species [...] Read more.

In Luoyuan Bay, China, Sporobolus alterniflorus invasion has hindered mangrove restoration and disrupted faunal communities within mangrove habitats. This study investigated its impact on mollusk, crab, and fish assemblages across mangrove, mudflat, and invaded habitats from 2019 to 2020. Results showed that species diversity of three assemblages did not differ significantly between invaded and non-invaded mangrove habitats; however, assemblage structure was altered and functional traits declined markedly in invaded areas. Compared with non-invaded mangroves, invaded habitats showed decreases of 81.6% in mollusk density, 50.7% in mollusk biomass, 66.6% in crab density and 84.2% in crab biomass. Dominant fish species (Acanthogobius ommaturus, Liza carinata, Stolephorus chinensis) also exhibited lower body size, total size and biomass in invaded habitats. Given the close dependence of coastal residents on these faunal resources, a socioeconomic analysis of livelihood strategies was conducted, revealing Sinonovacula constricta aquaculture achieved the highest net income-to-investment ratio, 122.7% higher than nearshore fishery and 308.3% higher than shallow-sea oyster cultivation, while professional shellfish farming yielded the highest net income per hectare, 23.6% higher than oyster cultivation. Thus, both forms of shellfish aquaculture provide greater economic returns than other livelihood options. Based on these findings and niche theory, we propose a management framework: after removing S. alterniflorus, plant native mangroves (Kandelia obovata) in mid-to-high intertidal zones and lease lower flats for shellfish farming. This framework has the potential to integrate ecological restoration with local livelihoods and may inform similar efforts in other regions facing biological invasions and restoration challenges. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Land, Biodiversity, and Human Wellbeing)

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28 pages, 10643 KB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Balancing Conservation and Development Through Explainable Machine Learning and NSGA-II: A Case Study of Osmaniye

by Fatih Adiguzel, Enes Karadeniz, Tuna Emir, Ferhat Arslan and Halil Baris Ozel

Land 2026, 15(5), 881; https://doi.org/10.3390/land15050881 - 19 May 2026

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 575

Abstract

Land-use planning in ecologically sensitive landscapes requires balancing biodiversity conservation, ecosystem service provision, agricultural production, settlement expansion, and infrastructure demand within a single spatial system. This challenge is particularly significant in Mediterranean environments, where long-term land transformations and increasing development pressures intensify conflicts [...] Read more.

Land-use planning in ecologically sensitive landscapes requires balancing biodiversity conservation, ecosystem service provision, agricultural production, settlement expansion, and infrastructure demand within a single spatial system. This challenge is particularly significant in Mediterranean environments, where long-term land transformations and increasing development pressures intensify conflicts among competing land-use priorities. Accordingly, the present study develops an integrated spatial zoning and decision-support framework for Osmaniye Province, southern Türkiye. The framework integrates fuzzy multi-criteria evaluation, CatBoost-based machine learning, SHAP-based interpretability, and NSGA-II multi-objective optimization. The workflow followed a sequential decision process in which an expert-derived zoning surface was first established through fuzzy evaluation, reconstructed from continuous spatial predictors using CatBoost, interpreted through SHAP, and refined through NSGA-II under explicit spatial constraints. By using the expert-derived zoning surface as the learning target, the CatBoost stage aimed to evaluate the internal consistency and spatial learnability of the planning logic within a present-day zoning context. The results indicated that the integrated framework distinguished conservation, controlled-use, and development priorities while identifying the key environmental and anthropogenic drivers shaping class-specific zoning outcomes. The final zoning structure allocated 37.9% of the study area to conservation, 43.6% to controlled use, and 18.5% to development. The study shows that by including a transitional zone with varying proportions of conservation, controlled use, and development, a more balanced distribution among the three goals can be achieved compared to a fixed partition into these three zones. The findings further demonstrate that this approach is more effective than current zoning, which does not accommodate such trade-offs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Conserving Biodiversity to Safeguard Ecosystem Services: Pathways to Sustainability)

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21 pages, 1742 KB

Open AccessArticle

Redefining the Urban Planner’s Role: Gaps in Architectural Education and the Challenge of Informality in Ecuador, Peru and Chile

by Stella Schroeder, Ricardo Pozo and Keily Medina

Land 2026, 15(5), 880; https://doi.org/10.3390/land15050880 - 19 May 2026

Viewed by 500

Abstract

Urban informality is a defining feature of Latin American urbanisation, with estimates suggesting that up to 80% of the urban landscape has been informally built. Despite its centrality in urban development, its integration into architectural education remains limited, revealing a gap between the [...] Read more.

Urban informality is a defining feature of Latin American urbanisation, with estimates suggesting that up to 80% of the urban landscape has been informally built. Despite its centrality in urban development, its integration into architectural education remains limited, revealing a gap between the realities of city-making and the professional training offered by universities. This study examines how architecture programmes in Chile, Peru, and Ecuador address urban informality and the extent to which they prepare future professionals to engage with the dominant modes of urban production in the region. Using a qualitative and comparative methodology, the curricula, course descriptions, and academic lines of 50 universities were analysed across three dimensions: (1) the thematic presence of concepts related to informality, (2) the degree of curricular integration—core, transversal, or tangential—and (3) pedagogical orientation, classified as technical–normative, social–critical, or interdisciplinary. The results reveal a fragmented and uneven incorporation of urban informality. Chile shows the highest relative presence, though often embedded indirectly within broader themes such as inequality or sustainability and framed through technical–normative approaches. Peru and Ecuador display even more limited integration, generally confined to isolated courses or electives. The study argues that this marginal incorporation weakens the preparation of professionals working in contexts where informality is a structural urban condition and calls for an “informal turn” in built-environment education. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Planning in a Time of Crisis)

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24 pages, 2986 KB

Open AccessArticle

Coordinated Development of Ecological Resilience and the Tourism Economy in Forest Parks of the Yellow River Basin

by Eryan Guo, Tingting Gao, Ke Zhou, Jisheng Hao, Keru Ge, Xitian Yang and Xin Huang

Land 2026, 15(5), 879; https://doi.org/10.3390/land15050879 - 19 May 2026

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 351

Abstract

Forest tourism represents an important pathway for promoting green consumption, with forest parks serving as the primary platform for its development. The coordinated development of forest parks is therefore essential for achieving integrated economic, social, and ecological benefits. Investigating the coordination and coupling [...] Read more.

Forest tourism represents an important pathway for promoting green consumption, with forest parks serving as the primary platform for its development. The coordinated development of forest parks is therefore essential for achieving integrated economic, social, and ecological benefits. Investigating the coordination and coupling between ecological resilience and tourism economy in forest parks of the Yellow River Basin along with driving factors carried substantial practical significance for balancing regional economic development with ecological conservation. The present research developed an indicator system that was comprehensive and dynamic for assessing ecological resilience across forest parks in nine provinces of the Yellow River Basin during 2013–2023. To investigate patterns of spatiotemporal evolution and uncover underlying driving mechanisms, exploratory spatial data analysis was combined with a spatiotemporal geographically weighted regression model. The main findings are as follows: (1) The integrated levels of ecological resilience and tourism economy across the Yellow River Basin showed significant spatiotemporal heterogeneity. From north to south, a high–low–high spatial pattern was exhibited by ecological resilience, while a core concentration and gradient diffusion pattern was demonstrated by the tourism economy. (2) The coupling coordination level between forest park ecosystems and the tourism economy increased, with a growing number of provinces transitioning toward coordinated and near–dysregulated states, although pronounced regional disparities persisted. (3) Kernel density analysis indicated an overall improvement in coordination, accompanied by strong regional differentiation. The upper reaches displayed a unipolar leading pattern, while the middle and lower reaches showed multipolar differentiation and a pronounced “Matthew effect”. (4) Technological innovation emerged as the core driving factor, though its influence varied considerably across regions. Overall, these findings provide theoretical support and empirical evidence for policy formulation aimed at achieving a balance between ecological conservation and economic development in forest park systems. Full article

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39 pages, 59040 KB

Open AccessArticle

Public Space Utilization in a Multi-Ethnic Co-Residential Village: An Empirical Study of Cizhong Village, China

by Ying Wang, Zhuojuan Yuan, Zongyao Sun and Hao Wang

Land 2026, 15(5), 878; https://doi.org/10.3390/land15050878 - 19 May 2026

Viewed by 480

Abstract

In multi-ethnic villages, public space serves as more than just a venue for social interaction; it is the vital ground where cultural integration and community identity take root. This study examines Cizhong Village in the Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Yunnan, employing a [...] Read more.

In multi-ethnic villages, public space serves as more than just a venue for social interaction; it is the vital ground where cultural integration and community identity take root. This study examines Cizhong Village in the Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Yunnan, employing a mixed-methods approach that combines questionnaire surveys (N = 120), semi-structured interviews (N = 32), and Social Network Analysis (SNA) to compare the village’s planned spatial network with residents’ actual movement patterns. Findings reveal a significant structural mismatch: while the planned network exhibits higher density (0.32) and clustering (0.70), the behavioral network demonstrates a stronger small-world index (2.14 vs. 1.94), indicating that villagers organically form compact activity clusters around key social hubs such as the church and supermarket. QAP correlation analysis further shows that Tibetan and Naxi behavioral networks are highly similar (r = 0.833, p < 0.001), whereas Han networks exhibit weaker correlations (r = 0.527–0.607, p < 0.05), revealing a spatial pattern of “broad integration with localized ethnic preferences”. Grounded theory coding of interview data (55 initial concepts, 14 categories, 4 core categories) validates these structural findings and identifies the core theme of “superposed space of multi-ethnic dynamic sharing”. Based on these results, three optimization strategies are proposed: improving connectivity between public spaces, revitalizing key social hubs, and respecting established ethnic spatial traditions. These insights provide an evidence-based framework for managing public spaces in multi-ethnic rural communities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Rural Space: Between Renewal Processes and Preservation)

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10 pages, 201 KB

Open AccessEditorial

Spatial Planning and Land-Use Management—2nd Edition: Expanding the Agenda of Integrated and Multiscalar Spatial Governance

by Eduardo Gomes, Patrícia Abrantes and Eduarda Marques da Costa

Land 2026, 15(5), 877; https://doi.org/10.3390/land15050877 - 19 May 2026

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 509

Abstract

This Editorial introduces the Special Issue “Spatial Planning and Land-Use Management: 2nd Edition” and discusses the eight articles published in it. Taken together, these contributions demonstrate that contemporary spatial planning and land-use management can no longer be understood as narrowly regulatory or sector-specific [...] Read more.

This Editorial introduces the Special Issue “Spatial Planning and Land-Use Management: 2nd Edition” and discusses the eight articles published in it. Taken together, these contributions demonstrate that contemporary spatial planning and land-use management can no longer be understood as narrowly regulatory or sector-specific activities. Rather, they must be approached as integrative and adaptive practices capable of mediating between ecological integrity, territorial cohesion, infrastructure provision, social justice, public health, and participatory governance. The Special Issue brings together case studies from China, the United States, Australia, Iran, Portugal, Slovakia, and Belgium, as well as comparative evidence from peri-urban landscapes, and spans a wide range of spatial scales, from neighbourhoods and urban forests to metropolitan green belts, urban agglomerations, peri-urban territories, and ecoregions. Several major lines of inquiry emerge across the volume. First, the articles reaffirm the need for multiscale planning frameworks able to connect local action with regional and supra-regional structures. Second, they broaden the understanding of infrastructure by including not only transport and urban facilities, but also ecological, green, and even nocturnal infrastructures. Third, they show that many of today’s most difficult planning questions arise in spaces of transition and overlap, especially peri-urban areas, where conflicts among land uses, ecosystem services, development pressures, and governance arrangements become particularly acute across sectors and across spatial and temporal scales. Fourth, they underline that planning effectiveness increasingly depends on participation, co-design, and cooperation among diverse actors, including civic initiatives and local communities. Overall, the Special Issue highlights spatial planning as a strategic field of action through which societies can address land-use conflicts, reconcile environmental and social objectives, and design more sustainable, resilient, and liveable territories. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Spatial Planning and Land-Use Management: 2nd Edition)

19 pages, 5489 KB

Open AccessArticle

Quantifying the Impacts of Land Use/Cover and Climate Change on Water Conservation in the Source Region of the Yellow River

by Yiming Su, Guoxin Chen, Yiming Li, Haiyue Peng and Qiong Li

Land 2026, 15(5), 876; https://doi.org/10.3390/land15050876 - 19 May 2026

Viewed by 513

Abstract

The Source Region of the Yellow River (YRSR) is a key ecological barrier and a major water supply area, where water conservation is highly sensitive to ongoing climate change (CC) and land use/cover change (LUCC). However, the relative roles of CC and LUCC [...] Read more.

The Source Region of the Yellow River (YRSR) is a key ecological barrier and a major water supply area, where water conservation is highly sensitive to ongoing climate change (CC) and land use/cover change (LUCC). However, the relative roles of CC and LUCC in regulating water conservation remain insufficiently quantified. In this study, we applied the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) to simulate the spatiotemporal dynamics of water conservation in the YRSR and to disentangle the respective contributions of CC and LUCC using a fixing–changing approach, in which one driver is fixed and the other is varied across paired scenarios, followed by projections driven by CMIP6 forcing under SSP2–4.5 and SSP5–8.5. Water conservation showed a pronounced southeast–northwest contrast and increased over 2000–2019 (+4.56 mm/year). Attribution analysis revealed that CC dominated changes in water conservation, whereas LUCC exerted a weak net negative influence. Most increasing regions were precipitation-driven, whereas declining regions were concentrated where evapotranspiration and surface runoff increased concurrently. Under SSP2–4.5, water conservation is projected to continue increasing (+1.16 mm/year). In contrast, under SSP5–8.5, water conservation is projected to slightly decline (−0.26 mm/year). These findings highlight the primary role of climate in regulating water conservation in the YRSR and provide scientific support for adaptive watershed management under a changing climate. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Key Hydrological Processes and Its Controlling Factors in Terrestrial Ecosystems: 2nd Edition)

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29 pages, 2189 KB

Open AccessArticle

Research on the Identification and Spatiotemporal Evolution of China’s Urban Life Cycle: From the Perspective of Organic Entities

by Xiaoling Yuan, Shuiting Liu, Zhaopeng Li and Hao Jiang

Land 2026, 15(5), 875; https://doi.org/10.3390/land15050875 - 19 May 2026

Viewed by 518

Abstract

Based on the characteristics of cities as organic entities, this paper constructs a five-dimensional evaluation framework encompassing economy, industry, society, population, and space. A three-stage process of “fuzzy comprehensive evaluation—bi-level K-means clustering—state stability correction” is adopted to identify the development stages and spatiotemporal [...] Read more.

Based on the characteristics of cities as organic entities, this paper constructs a five-dimensional evaluation framework encompassing economy, industry, society, population, and space. A three-stage process of “fuzzy comprehensive evaluation—bi-level K-means clustering—state stability correction” is adopted to identify the development stages and spatiotemporal evolution of 286 Chinese cities from 2008 to 2023. The study finds that China’s urban development has shifted from “universal growth” to “divergent evolution,” exhibiting multiple characteristics such as the decline in the initial-stage cities and differentiation in the growth stage. Significant regional spatial differentiation is observed, with notable development gaps among the eastern, central, western, and northeastern regions, as well as between the northern and southern regions. Furthermore, most urban agglomerations exhibit a “mature center–lagging periphery” structure. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Regeneration for a Sustainable and Inclusive Transition: Concepts, Methods and Policy)

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19 pages, 1714 KB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Research Methodologies in Brownfield Redevelopment Studies: A Meta-Methodology Systematic Review

by Mina Ramezani, Celestina Fazia, Clara Stella Vicari Aversa and Dorina Camelia Ilieș

Land 2026, 15(5), 874; https://doi.org/10.3390/land15050874 - 19 May 2026

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 817

Abstract

Most developed countries welcome the redevelopment of brownfield sites and consider it an effective tool for urban policy. However, its adoption can be challenging initially, particularly in developing countries where these challenges are significantly greater. This research aims to answer the question, “How [...] Read more.

Most developed countries welcome the redevelopment of brownfield sites and consider it an effective tool for urban policy. However, its adoption can be challenging initially, particularly in developing countries where these challenges are significantly greater. This research aims to answer the question, “How are research methodologies applied in the field of brownfield redevelopment studies?” Following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines, relevant studies were identified through searches in Web of Science, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, and Semantic Scholar. This study utilizes a meta-methodological approach to analyze and compare the methodological characteristics of brownfield redevelopment studies. After applying the predefined eligibility criteria, which included English-language peer-reviewed articles between 2018 and 2023 and articles that are directly relevant to brownfield redevelopment, 20 articles were selected for detailed examination. Based on the thematic classification of the research, the studies can be categorized into four groups: brownfield redevelopment and community participation, brownfield redevelopment and urban planning, brownfield redevelopment and environmental sustainability, and brownfield redevelopment and technology. The majority of the research relates to brownfield redevelopment and environmental sustainability. This review suggests that research in brownfield redevelopment has been dominated by quantitative research, and there is a need for more comparative, theoretically oriented, and methodologically integrated research. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustaining the Past and Future: Innovative Approaches to Design, Heritage and Environmental Sustainability)

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33 pages, 10498 KB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Modeling Alternative Futures: Scenario-Based Land-Use and Land-Cover Projections for Nepal (2030–2050)

by Gita Bhushal and Pankaj Lal

Land 2026, 15(5), 873; https://doi.org/10.3390/land15050873 - 19 May 2026

Viewed by 665

Abstract

Nepal has undergone significant land-use and land-cover (LULC) changes from 2000 to 2020, driven by urbanization, agricultural shifts, and broader socioeconomic dynamics. This study analyzes historical changes and projects LULC dynamics for 2030, 2040, and 2050 across four scenarios: Business-as-Usual (BAU), Rapid Urban [...] Read more.

Nepal has undergone significant land-use and land-cover (LULC) changes from 2000 to 2020, driven by urbanization, agricultural shifts, and broader socioeconomic dynamics. This study analyzes historical changes and projects LULC dynamics for 2030, 2040, and 2050 across four scenarios: Business-as-Usual (BAU), Rapid Urban Development (RUD), Forest Degradation and Terai Contraction (FDTC), and Agricultural Land Abandonment and Ecological Recovery (ALER). A CA–Markov modeling framework in TerrSet was used to simulate future land-use patterns, utilizing scenario-specific transition probability matrices and spatial constraints to reflect different socio-economic and policy assumptions. Under the BAU scenario, land-use change remains moderate, characterized by gradual urban expansion and limited forest decline. On the contrary, the RUD scenario predicts a drastic expansion of built-up areas by about 1.44 million ha, along with significant losses of cropland, bare soil, grassland, and forest, reflecting intensified development pressure. The FDTC scenario emphasizes agricultural expansion at the expense of forests, while urban growth remains limited. Conversely, the ALER scenario demonstrates strong ecological recovery driven by cropland abandonment and secondary vegetation regeneration, resulting in notable expansion of forest and other woody land. Overall, these four scenarios reveal sharply divergent land-use trajectories, ranging from rapid urban transformation to ecosystem restoration. These contrasting land-use pathways highlight the critical importance of integrated land-use policies that can proactively manage urban expansion, safeguard high-value agricultural and forest landscapes, and promote ecological restoration through incentives for agricultural land abandonment and secondary vegetation recovery, thereby ensuring long-term sustainability and climate resilience in Nepal. Full article

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29 pages, 10834 KB

Open AccessArticle

Assessing Cropland Water Deficit and Productivity-Loss Risk Through the Standardized Crop Water Deficit Index and Copula Analysis in the Huang–Huai–Hai Plain, China

by Yuhan Zhao, Chun Dong and Yan Yang

Land 2026, 15(5), 872; https://doi.org/10.3390/land15050872 - 19 May 2026

Viewed by 463

Abstract

The Huang–Huai–Hai Plain supports one of China’s most important grain production systems, but crop production there is persistently constrained by limited water availability and recurrent drought. Common regional drought indicators are useful for monitoring dry conditions, yet they do not explicitly represent crop [...] Read more.

The Huang–Huai–Hai Plain supports one of China’s most important grain production systems, but crop production there is persistently constrained by limited water availability and recurrent drought. Common regional drought indicators are useful for monitoring dry conditions, yet they do not explicitly represent crop water demand and irrigation input, which reduces their suitability for agricultural risk assessment. In this study, a crop-oriented framework was developed for winter wheat and summer maize by linking crop water requirement, effective rainfall, irrigation supply, drought-event detection, and productivity-risk estimation. A standardized crop water deficit index (SCWDI) was developed from crop water balance and integrated with run theory, monthly correlation analysis, and a Copula–Bayesian framework to detect drought events, identify crop-sensitive periods, and quantify the probability and triggering threshold of gross primary productivity (GPP) loss. During 2001–2022, the Huang–Huai–Hai Plain experienced an average of 1.15 drought events per year, with pronounced spatial differences. The main sensitive period was June for summer maize and March–April for winter wheat. Summer maize showed a stronger drought response, with a mean triggering threshold of −1.54, whereas winter wheat required more severe stress to trigger concentrated productivity loss (−2.54). Under extreme drought, the probability of summer-maize GPP loss exceeded 80% in both the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei region and Henan. These results provide a basis for growth-stage-oriented irrigation prioritization and spatially differentiated drought management under agricultural water scarcity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Land, Soil and Water)

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30 pages, 50660 KB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of Land Use Change on Carbon Storage and Habitat Quality: A Comparison of the Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area and the Yangtze River Delta

by Guoqiang Zheng, Biao Wang, Yaohui Liu, Zhenyuan Gao and Xiaoyu Chen

Land 2026, 15(5), 871; https://doi.org/10.3390/land15050871 - 19 May 2026

Viewed by 439

Abstract

The Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) and the Yangtze River Delta (YRD) are key economic growth poles in China, playing a critical role in driving national economic development and facilitating international exchanges in commerce, culture, and ecology. However, rapid urbanization and industrialization [...] Read more.

The Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) and the Yangtze River Delta (YRD) are key economic growth poles in China, playing a critical role in driving national economic development and facilitating international exchanges in commerce, culture, and ecology. However, rapid urbanization and industrialization have exerted considerable pressure on regional environments. In this study, we first assessed the dynamics of carbon storage (CS) and habitat quality (HQ) in the GBA and the YRD from 2000 to 2020 using the InVEST model and ArcGIS software, systematically analyzing their spatiotemporal changes and underlying driving mechanisms. Subsequently, we employed the PLUS model to predict land use changes by 2030 and evaluate their potential impacts on CS and HQ. The results indicate that: (1) Both regions have experienced increases in construction land and declines in cropland. (2) Between 2000 and 2020, CS in the GBA decreased by 33.65 × 10⁶ t and HQ declined by 0.0833, whereas in the YRD, CS decreased by 15.35 × 10⁶ t and HQ dropped by 0.0504. (3) By 2030, CS in the GBA is projected to decline further by 4.08%, with HQ decreasing to 0.4777, while in the YRD, CS is expected to fall by 2.71% and HQ decrease to 0.4115. (4) The spatial differentiation of CS and HQ in the GBA is primarily driven by anthropogenic processes, whereas in the YRD it is mainly constrained by natural factors such as topography. This study highlights the importance of understanding the spatiotemporal dynamics of CS and HQ, which can help enhance ecosystem service functions, mitigate the impacts of climate change, and provide a scientific basis for regional sustainable development. Full article

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21 pages, 1883 KB

Open AccessArticle

Comprehensive Land Consolidation and Its Impact on Rural Resilience: The Study of Huzhou, China

by Jiuyao Wen, Yuheng Li, Yun Zhang and Zijing Wu

Land 2026, 15(5), 870; https://doi.org/10.3390/land15050870 - 19 May 2026

Viewed by 1490

Abstract

Comprehensive land consolidation (CLC) is a systematic initiative aimed at optimizing spatial patterns of land use and revitalizing idle rural land resources. It is a pivotal policy instrument for enhancing rural resilience and possesses significant practical implications. Grounded in resilience theory, this study [...] Read more.

Comprehensive land consolidation (CLC) is a systematic initiative aimed at optimizing spatial patterns of land use and revitalizing idle rural land resources. It is a pivotal policy instrument for enhancing rural resilience and possesses significant practical implications. Grounded in resilience theory, this study establishes an evaluation system for rural resilience, assesses resilience levels in Huzhou from 2003 to 2023, and investigates its spatiotemporal characteristics employing the entropy-weighted TOPSIS method and geodetector model. Furthermore, this research identifies the driving factors and dynamic mechanisms through which comprehensive land consolidation impacts rural resilience. The study area is categorized into four zones based on land use types to elucidate regional heterogeneity. The findings indicate that comprehensive land consolidation markedly enhances rural resilience, which progresses from slow initial growth to accelerated improvement, ultimately culminating in leapfrog development. Spatially, rural resilience exhibits a “central-high, marginal-low” distribution, characterized by core-periphery agglomeration. Notably, the key driving factors vary significantly across different regions. Mechanistically, comprehensive land consolidation bolsters rural resilience through a sequential pathway that begins with consolidation intervention, which activates critical factors. This activation leads to structural reorganization within the rural framework, followed by the optimization of functions that enhance overall resilience. In terms of policy implications, it is essential to adopt differentiated consolidation strategies tailored to regional resource endowments, emphasizing the optimization of production-living-ecological spaces to foster integrated and sustainable rural development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Land Consolidation and Land Ecology (Second Edition))

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47 pages, 29827 KB

Open AccessArticle

Deconstructing the Evolution of Historical Urban Landscapes: A Multidimensional Layering Approach

by Yuan Wang, Danyang Xu, Tiebo Wang, Maoan Yan and Chengxie Jin

Land 2026, 15(5), 869; https://doi.org/10.3390/land15050869 - 18 May 2026

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1055

Abstract

As a form of living heritage, Historic Urban Landscapes (HULs) have long been limited by the static perspectives and reductionist tendencies of conventional conservation and research approaches. Although the geological and archaeological concept of “stratification” offers a methodological basis for understanding the diachronic [...] Read more.

As a form of living heritage, Historic Urban Landscapes (HULs) have long been limited by the static perspectives and reductionist tendencies of conventional conservation and research approaches. Although the geological and archaeological concept of “stratification” offers a methodological basis for understanding the diachronic evolution of heritage, its unidimensional temporal lens fails to capture the inherent complexity and systemic nature of historic urban landscapes. To address this gap, this study proposes a “multidimensional stratification” theoretical framework through theoretical critique and paradigm reconstruction. The framework introduces innovations at the ontological, epistemological, and methodological levels, positing that the evolution of historic urban landscapes emerges from the nonlinear interaction and dynamic interweaving of four core dimensions: time, space, society, and value. It further systematizes five intrinsic attributes of such landscapes: authenticity, integrity, continuity, adaptability, and dynamism. Building on this foundation, the paper constructs a systematic analytical pathway—elements–processes–patterns–modes–drivers–characteristics—that enables dynamic analysis from micro-level identification to macro-level generalization, offering a scalable tool for HUL conservation and regeneration. To demonstrate the framework’s applicability, the historic urban area of Shenyang—a nationally designated historical and cultural city—is selected as a case study. Its urban landscape comprises four core districts: the Shengjing City District, the South Manchuria Railway Concession District, the Commercial Port District, and the Tiexi Industrial District, representing historical strata from the Qing dynasty capital, modern colonial planning, commercial opening, to industrial heritage. Using the multidimensional stratification approach, this study elucidates the spatial complexity, temporal nonlinearity, social dynamism, and value pluralism embedded in Shenyang’s historic urban area. Corresponding conservation strategies grounded in holism, dynamism, and differentiation are proposed. The research not only advances the theoretical understanding of HUL but also provides a novel paradigm—integrating holistic, dynamic, and operational perspectives—for the conservation, renewal, and regenerative practice of historic urban landscapes worldwide. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Heritage Landscapes: Integrating Conservation into Sustainable Land Management)

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18 pages, 20891 KB

Open AccessArticle

Analysis of the Spatial Pattern of Innovation-Driven Productivity at the Intra-Urban Scale in a Megacity Based on Multi-Source Data: A Case Study for Shanghai

by Donghui Shi

Land 2026, 15(5), 868; https://doi.org/10.3390/land15050868 - 18 May 2026

Viewed by 331

Abstract

In the context of accelerating technological and industrial transformation, innovation-driven productivity has garnered significant attention. Based on multi-source data, this study employs the entropy method and spatial pattern analysis to delve into the spatial pattern of innovation-driven productivity. The results are as follows: [...] Read more.

In the context of accelerating technological and industrial transformation, innovation-driven productivity has garnered significant attention. Based on multi-source data, this study employs the entropy method and spatial pattern analysis to delve into the spatial pattern of innovation-driven productivity. The results are as follows: (1) there is a huge difference in innovation-driven productivity at the street and township level in Shanghai; (2) innovation-driven productivity exhibits global spatial autocorrelation in Shanghai; (3) innovation-driven productivity shows a circle structure with high–high agglomeration at the center and low–low agglomeration at the periphery; (4) innovation-driven productivity hot spots are concentrated in the central region, while cold spots are distributed in a southeast–northwest trend around them. This study is of great significance for Shanghai to achieve an accurate allocation of resources, a coordinated development of industries, and an improvement of urban functions. Full article

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28 pages, 4817 KB

Open AccessArticle

Social Impacts of Mining: Extending the Literature Review Findings in the Case of the Lignite Mines in Western Macedonia, Greece

by Francis Pavloudakis, Christos Roumpos, Evangelos Karlopoulos and Chrisoula Pagouni

Land 2026, 15(5), 867; https://doi.org/10.3390/land15050867 - 18 May 2026

Viewed by 423

Abstract

Drawing on an extensive literature review, this paper identifies key dimensions of social impact and land management in surface mining areas, including settlement relocation, long-term land occupation, limited economic diversification, demographic decline, and stakeholder distrust. These findings are then critically applied to the [...] Read more.

Drawing on an extensive literature review, this paper identifies key dimensions of social impact and land management in surface mining areas, including settlement relocation, long-term land occupation, limited economic diversification, demographic decline, and stakeholder distrust. These findings are then critically applied to the Ptolemais lignite basin, where six decades of large-scale surface mining reshaped land use patterns, displaced settlements, and structured a highly specialized regional economy. The research combines qualitative literature analysis with a case study approach, supported by socioeconomic and demographic indicators. Results show that (i) lignite exploitation generated employment, infrastructure, and regional income multipliers but also structural vulnerabilities and other impacts, (ii) land occupation and settlement relocation as an impact of mine expansion created long-term spatial constraints, and (iii) the energy transition phase intensified demographic, unemployment, and governance challenges. The paper argues that effective post-lignite restructuring is related to systematic reclamation strategies, integrated land-use planning, optimal exploitation of reclaimed land, diversification beyond energy production, and participatory governance frameworks. By linking international theoretical insights with empirical evidence from Western Macedonia, the study contributes to the debate on socially just and spatially balanced transitions in former coal and lignite regions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Land Reclamation Strategies for Post-Mining Areas: From Theory to Practice)

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22 pages, 4766 KB

Open AccessArticle

Spatiotemporal Evolution and Driving Mechanisms of Urban Expansion in Guangxi, China

by Jianbao Huang, Tianyu Zeng, Zhuxia Wei, Qun Meng, Zhiyuan Chen, Yuandong Zou, Lianyun Feng, Yanfeng Lu, Yijie Li, Chengfeng He, Bohan Zeng, Jiayu Tao, Jiajia Huang and Jingyang Guo

Land 2026, 15(5), 866; https://doi.org/10.3390/land15050866 - 18 May 2026

Viewed by 974

Abstract

This study examines the spatiotemporal evolution and driving mechanisms of urban expansion in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China, from 2013 to 2023. Using Suomi-NPP VIIRS nighttime light (NTL) data, we combine Standard Deviational Ellipse (SDE) analysis, centroid migration, kernel density estimation (KDE), [...] Read more.

This study examines the spatiotemporal evolution and driving mechanisms of urban expansion in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China, from 2013 to 2023. Using Suomi-NPP VIIRS nighttime light (NTL) data, we combine Standard Deviational Ellipse (SDE) analysis, centroid migration, kernel density estimation (KDE), landscape metrics, Local Moran’s I (LISA), and system Generalised Method of Moments (system-GMM) estimation. The results show that the centroid of urban development remained within Binyang County while moving overall toward the southeast with recurrent north–south oscillations. The SDE results indicate a stable northeast–southwest orientation, with secondary expansion in other directions. The urban structure is dominated by a strong Nanning core, accompanied by secondary clusters in Liuzhou, Guilin, and other prefecture-level cities. Nanning recorded the largest absolute expansion, followed by secondary centres, including Liuzhou, Guilin, Yulin, Wuzhou, Fangchenggang, Qinzhou, and Beihai, whereas western and northern Guangxi expanded more slowly. The system-GMM results indicate that financial deepening has a marginally significant positive effect on built-up area expansion and fiscal pressure has a marginally significant constraining effect, both at the 10% level; land finance dependency does not emerge as an independent driver in this small panel. We interpret these findings through a Source–Channel–Valve framework, in which financial deepening provides the capital source, land finance represents a hypothesised institutional channel, and fiscal pressure acts as a regulatory constraint. The study provides empirical evidence for sustainable and regionally coordinated urban development in Guangxi and comparable geographically constrained regions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Synergistic Integration of Transport, Land, and Ecosystems)

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13 pages, 6268 KB

Open AccessArticle

Spatio-Functional Pattern of a Small City: A Cross-Sectional Study of Brzeziny, Central Poland

by Sebastian Florczyk, Iwona Jażdżewska, Elzbieta Bielecka and Anna Markowska

Land 2026, 15(5), 865; https://doi.org/10.3390/land15050865 - 18 May 2026

Viewed by 658

Abstract

Understanding the spatial organisation of small towns is essential for sustainable spatial planning and regional development. This study examines the spatio-functional pattern of Brzeziny, a small town located within the Łódź Metropolitan Area in Central Poland, selected as a representative case due to [...] Read more.

Understanding the spatial organisation of small towns is essential for sustainable spatial planning and regional development. This study examines the spatio-functional pattern of Brzeziny, a small town located within the Łódź Metropolitan Area in Central Poland, selected as a representative case due to its typical Central European small-town morphology shaped by historical continuity, demographic stagnation, and metropolitan influence. The analysis is based on updated cadastral land-use data verified through field surveys and supplemented with topographic datasets (BDOT10k and OpenStreetMap). A modified land-use classification comprising nine categories is applied, and spatial analysis is performed using a regular grid and GIS tools. Dominant land-use structures are identified using the K. Doi method, enabling the delineation of spatio-functional zones. The results reveal a strong dominance of undeveloped land (77% of the total area), particularly agricultural land, alongside a compact central zone characterised by residential and service functions. The study demonstrates how historical development, economic structure, and metropolitan proximity shape the spatial organisation of small towns. The proposed methodology highlights the usefulness of cadastral data combined with grid-based spatial analysis for identifying S-FPs and supporting local planning processes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integration of Remote Sensing and GIS for Land Use Change Assessment (Second Edition))

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15 pages, 1473 KB

Open AccessArticle

Size of Sand Grains Controls Pore Structure and Water Dynamics: Implications for Water Retention and Hydraulic Conductivity

by Jackson Adriano Albuquerque, André da Costa, Gustavo Henrique Merten, Ana Carolina De Mattos E Avila and Gunnar Kirchhof

Land 2026, 15(5), 864; https://doi.org/10.3390/land15050864 - 17 May 2026

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 972

Abstract

Sand grain size strongly influences the physical and hydraulic behaviour of sandy soils, particularly water retention, pore distribution, and water movement under unsaturated conditions. This study evaluated the effect of five sand grain-size classes, ranging from very coarse to very fine, on pore [...] Read more.

Sand grain size strongly influences the physical and hydraulic behaviour of sandy soils, particularly water retention, pore distribution, and water movement under unsaturated conditions. This study evaluated the effect of five sand grain-size classes, ranging from very coarse to very fine, on pore distribution, aeration, water retention, and unsaturated hydraulic conductivity. Quartz sand samples with different particle sizes were saturated and subjected to matric tensions ranging from 10 to 15,000 hPa. Very fine sand (0.053–0.106 mm) showed the highest field capacity (0.38 m³ m⁻³) and available water content (0.30 m³ m⁻³), which were associated with a predominance of pores between 0.2 and 3 μm in diameter. In contrast, coarser sand fractions were dominated by macropores (>50 μm) and exhibited lower water retention. Permanent wilting point values remained low and similar among grain-size classes (≈0.02 m³ m⁻³). Under unsaturated conditions (matric tensions > 100 hPa), very fine sand exhibited hydraulic conductivity values up to ten times greater than those of coarser fractions. Overall, decreasing sand particle size increased water retention and plant-available water while reducing macroporosity and aeration capacity. These findings demonstrate that sand grain-size distribution plays a major role in regulating water dynamics in sandy soils and may support the development of more efficient irrigation and soil management strategies to improve water conservation and plant water availability in drought-prone environments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Water and Soil Conservation and Management for Agriculture)

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