Submit to Special Issue Submit Abstract to Special Issue Review for Sustainability Propose a Special Issue

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Urban Planning and Sustainable Land Use—2nd Edition

Print Special Issue Flyer
Special Issue Editors
Special Issue Information
Keywords
Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue
Published Papers

A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This special issue belongs to the section "Sustainable Urban and Rural Development".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 October 2025 | Viewed by 12892

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Qingsong He

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

College of Public Administration, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
Interests: land use change; spatial optimization; urban modeling; big data application
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Jiayu Wu

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

Institute of Landscape Architecture, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
Interests: urban landscape; green justice; big data
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Prof. Dr. Chen Zeng

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

Department of Public Management-Land Management, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
Interests: land use and urban planning; regional governance; remote sensing and GIS
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Linzi Zheng

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

College of Public Administration, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
Interests: urban economics; urban development
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

We are now living in a world that is characterized by rapid urbanization, resulting in widely different patterns of land-use changes in different countries and regions. Highly diverse and intensive anthropogenic activities have therefore necessitated the reorganization of the urban landscape in the form of either sprawl or compact land use patterns. In either form, it is common to see excessive and irrational land uses, which carry significant burdens in natural resources and environment and cause various eco-environmental problems, such as farmland loss, habitat fragmentation, biodiversity reduction, the urban heat island effect, and climate change. Indeed, the multiscalar relevance and localized influences of rapid urbanization have long made it one of the most prominent issues regarding the sustainable development of our globe. Many urban planners, land-use researchers, and policy makers have devoted themselves to the understanding of spatial patterns in different contexts, their diverse driving forces, and their long-term effects on various aspects of a society. A commonly shared view among scholars is that it is imperative to pursue sustainable land development patterns that accommodate the diverse requirements of urbanization while minimizing detrimental social and ecological impacts.

This Special Issue seeks to compile literature regarding contemporary urban planning and land use in different areas from a wide range of disciplines, with an ultimate aim of contributing to the global challenge of sustainable urban development. Original and innovative scholarly papers that address the simultaneous processes/spatial transformation of urban planning and land use are welcomed, preferably those making use of state-of-the-art spatial technologies, such as remote sensing, GIS, big data, and social networks. Planning approaches and policy analyses are also welcomed, since authorities and governance modes play a vital role in evolutions of urban planning and land use in many countries or regions across the world.

Relevant topics include but are not limited to the following areas:

Urban design and urban planning;
Urban–rural land use and sustainable development;
Application of Geo-informatics in urban planning and land use;
Planning and public policy analysis in urban areas;
Urban vibrancy and urban spatial pattern;
Regional land use and development;
Sustainable land use goals for SDGs;
Sustainable urban land management approach;
The theory or method of using urban big data to monitor urban development;
Low-carbon oriented urban spatial structure optimization.

Dr. Qingsong He
Dr. Jiayu Wu
Prof. Dr. Chen Zeng
Dr. Linzi Zheng
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Sustainability is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

urban planning
land use
sustainable development
public policy analysis
urban vibrancy
big data
spatial optimization

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
e-Book format: Special Issues with more than 10 articles can be published as dedicated e-books, ensuring wide and rapid dissemination.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (10 papers)

Download All Papers

Order results

Result details

Show export options Show export options

Select all

Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

20 pages, 6586 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Spatiotemporal Evolution Characteristics and Prediction of Habitat Quality Changes in the Poyang Lake Region, China

by Yu Liu, Junxin Zhou, Chenggong Liu, Ning Liu, Bingqiang Fei, Qi Wang, Jiaxiu Zou and Qiong Wu

Sustainability 2025, 17(8), 3708; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17083708 - 19 Apr 2025

Viewed by 267

Abstract

The terrestrial spatial patterns were affected by human activities, primarily on regional land use (LU) changes, with habitat quality (HQ) serving as a prerequisite for achieving regional sustainable development. Assessing and predicting the spatiotemporal evolution characteristics of regional LU changes and HQ is critical for formulating regional LU strategies and enhancing ecosystem service functions. Using the Poyang Lake Region as our research object, this research employs LU data and utilizes the ‘InVEST’ model and hot-spot analysis to quantitatively evaluate the spatiotemporal changes in HQ during 2000–2020. The PLUS model is then applied to predict LU and HQ trends from 2020 to 2050. The findings are as follows: (1). From 2000 to 2020, the areas of forestland, shrubland, sparse woodland, paddy fields, and dryland in the Poyang Lake Region showed a decreasing trend, with reductions mainly occurring in urban expansion zones such as Nanchang City and largely converted into urban construction land. (2). Since 2000, HQ in the Poyang Lake Region has shown a slight retrogressive evolution, with significant spatial heterogeneity. HQ spatially exhibits a pattern of improvement radiating outward from major cities. (3). Predictions for 2030 to 2050 indicate that HQ in the Poyang Lake Region will continue to decline, with the most significant downward trends occurring in urban built-up areas and their peripheries. The spatiotemporal characteristics reveal an expansion ring around Poyang Lake and an east–west urban expansion corridor linking Pingxiang, Yichun, Xinyu, Nanchang, Fuzhou, Yingtan, and Shangrao. This study provided a research basis for LU direction and urban planning policies in the Poyang Lake Region and its surrounding areas, while also contributing to the construction of agrarian security patterns and the enhancement of ecosystem service levels in the region. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Planning and Sustainable Land Use—2nd Edition)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 2128 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Quantitative Evaluation and Driving Forces of Green Transition of Cultivated Land Use in Major Grain-Producing Areas—A Case Study of Henan Province, China

by Jinning Yang, Enxiang Cai, Weiqiang Chen, Ling Li, Ying Jing and Yingchao Li

Sustainability 2025, 17(6), 2624; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17062624 - 17 Mar 2025

Viewed by 251

Abstract

Exploring the spatiotemporal evolution and driving forces for the green transition of cultivated land (GTCL) has become an important part of the deepening research on cultivated land use transition, and has significant implications for addressing the environmental issues of agriculture development. This study took the cities in Henan province, the main grain-producing area in central China, as the research objects, and established an evaluation system for GTCL based on the subsystems of spatial, functional, and mode transition. The entropy weight method and spatial autocorrelation model were used to measure the index of GTCL and analyze the spatial pattern; then, the geographic detector model was used to explore the driving forces. The index of GTCL from 2010 to 2020 showed stable growth, exhibiting significant spatial heterogeneity with a decrease from southeast to northwest. The growth of the three subsystems of GTCL is inconsistent, with the order of index value growth being functional transition, mode transition, and spatial transition. The global Moran’s index of the index of GTCL in cities in Henan province showed positive values, indicating significant spatial dependence and spillover effects. The population density, urbanization rate, per capita GDP, and irrigation index have always been important driving forces for GTCL, and agricultural modernization would promote the GTCL in the main grain-producing areas. The research results provide a reference for exploring the path of GTCL, promoting green utilization of cultivated land and sustainable agricultural development in China’s major grain-producing areas. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Planning and Sustainable Land Use—2nd Edition)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

21 pages, 26848 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Spatial Morphology of Urban Residential Space: A Complex Network Analysis Integrating Social and Physical Space

by Fan Yang, Linxi Xu and Jiayin Wang

Sustainability 2025, 17(5), 2327; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17052327 - 6 Mar 2025

Viewed by 796

Abstract

Residential areas are primary functional spaces of urban built-up areas, representing urban social structure externally and influencing urban spatial fabric (SF). Chinese cities have increasingly experienced urban renewal following significant population growth and urban expansion in the last four decades. We selected built-up urban areas of Shanghai as the research scope, considering 6731 residential quarters as research objects, which were identified and classified into six types. Based on complex network theory and analysis methods, an urban residential spatial network (URSN) was constructed in central Shanghai implementing through code. The degree of distribution and network robustness of the URSN was examined, and network “communities” were identified. The findings indicate that URSN stability, like robustness, implies harmonious and smooth social interactions and information transfer, consistent with the SDG 11, where the large-degree node residential quarters play an important role and must be prioritized in urban renewal. Meanwhile, the identification results of the URSN “communities” help us understand territory identity in built-up urban areas. This research provides new concepts and methods for examining SF in urban residential areas that integrate “physical” and “social” spaces, compares this approach to the traditional point-axis structure, and pioneers the study of urban SF from the perspective of complex networks by providing a new way of visualizing the spatial relationship between residential quarters as a network-like structure. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Planning and Sustainable Land Use—2nd Edition)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

26 pages, 35476 KiB

Open AccessArticle

City Boundaries—Utilizing Fuzzy Set Theory for the Identification and Localization of the Urban–Rural Transition Zone

by Andrzej Biłozor, Szymon Czyża, Iwona Cieślak and Karol Szuniewicz

Sustainability 2024, 16(21), 9490; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16219490 - 31 Oct 2024

Viewed by 1019

Abstract

This article examines the potential of fuzzy set theory for analysing gradual changes in land use patterns within peri-urban areas. The primary objective of the study was to propose a methodology based on fuzzy set theory for the precise delineation of city boundaries and the identification and spatial localisation of the urban–rural transition zone. The analysis focused on elucidating the defining parameters of this area and the scope of land use changes within the urban–rural transition zone. The analysis employed data from four discrete time points. The data were collected in 2005, 2010, 2017, and 2022. The characteristics of the urban–rural transition zone were evaluated through an examination of historical data and the current land use patterns in regions experiencing direct urbanization pressure. The study demonstrated that, although spatial barriers remain, the city’s development has continued at a consistent pace. Between 2005 and 2010, the area of land classified as urban exhibited a 10% increase, with a further 7% increase observed in the subsequent period, spanning 2010 to 2017. In the most recent period under examination, the urban land area increased by 9%, a figure that is consistent with the rates observed in previous years. These results indicate the stability of urbanization processes in the analysed city, while also revealing significant changes in the limits of urban development and in the intensity of land use. The research project concentrated on the city of Olsztyn and the neighbouring suburban areas, which are subject to direct influence from the city’s expansion. The area under study encompasses 202.4 km² within an eight-km radius of the city centre. The authors of the study emphasized the necessity for systematic monitoring of changes in the transition zone between urban and rural areas. This is to ensure effective control of spatial development and ongoing adjustment of planning tools to effectively prevent uncontrolled expansion. The methodology used enabled the precise delimitation of urban development and the transition zone. This allowed for an in-depth analysis of changes in land use intensity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Planning and Sustainable Land Use—2nd Edition)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 971 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Climate-Driven vs Human-Driven Land Degradation? The Role of Urbanization and Agricultural Intensification in Italy, 1960–2030

by Marco Maialetti, Matteo Clemente, Kostas Rontos, Donato Scarpitta, Alessandra Stefanoni, Fabrizio Rossi, Adele Sateriano and Luca Salvati

Sustainability 2024, 16(20), 8938; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16208938 - 16 Oct 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1333

Abstract

Climate warming, agricultural intensity, and urban growth are main forces triggering land degradation in advanced economies. Being active over different spatial and temporal scales, they usually reflect—at least indirectly—the impact of additional factors, such as wellbeing, demographic dynamics, and social development, on land quality. Using descriptive statistics and a multiple regression analysis, we analyzed the impact of these three processes comparatively over a decadal scale from 1960 to 2020 at the provincial level (Nuts-3 sensu Eurostat) in Italy. We enriched the investigation with a short-term forecast for 2030, based on four simplified assumptions grounded on a purely deterministic approach. Land degradation was estimated adopting the Environmental Sensitive Area Index (ESAI) measured at the spatio-temporal scale mentioned above. Computing on multiple observations at nearly 300,000 locations all over Italy, provinces were regarded as representative spatial units of the territorial pattern of land degradation. Between 1960 and 1990, the three predictors (climate, agriculture, and urbanization) explained a relatively high proportion of variance, suggesting a modest role for any other (unobserved) factor. All of these factors were found to be highly significant predictors of land degradation intensity across provinces, the most impactful being farming intensity. The highest adjusted-R² coefficient was observed in both 1990 and 2000, and suggests that the three predictors still reflect the most powerful drivers of land degradation in Italy at those times, with a marginal role for additional (unobserved) factors. The impact of farming intensity remained high, with the role of urbanization increasing moderately, and the role of climate aridity declining weakly between 2000 and 2010. In more recent times (2010 and 2020), and in future (2030) scenarios, the adjusted R² diminished moderately, suggesting a non-negligible importance of external (unobserved) factors and the rising role of spatial heterogeneity. The climate factor became progressively insignificant over time, while increasing the role of urbanization systematically. The impact of farming intensity remained high and significant. These results underlie a latent shift in the spatial distribution of the level of land vulnerability in Italy toward a spatially polarized model, influenced primarily by human pressure and socioeconomic drivers and less intensively shaped by biophysical factors. Climate aridity was revealed to be more effective in the explanation of land degradation patterns in the 1960s rather than in recent observation times. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Planning and Sustainable Land Use—2nd Edition)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

36 pages, 8805 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of Urban Traditional Temples Using Cultural Tourism Potential

by Sio Kim, Jaeseong Lee and Youngsuk Kim

Sustainability 2024, 16(15), 6375; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16156375 - 25 Jul 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1804

Abstract

This study examines the potential of religious facilities to enhance urban tourism by evaluating urban traditional temples as cultural tourism resources and identifying key tourism indicators. An evaluation framework was developed, encompassing five attributes—historicity, accessibility, inter-connectivity, convenience, and publicity—each with three sub-factors. The research question focuses on what factors distinguish successful urban traditional temples like Bongeunsa and Jogyesa from others. Seven traditional temples in Seoul were selected for comparison. Bongeunsa and Jogyesa, functioning as major tourist attractions, were compared with five other temples with potential but fewer visitors. The findings indicate that Bongeunsa and Jogyesa scored higher for all of the attraction attributes and the majority of the sub-factors. Differences in the correlation between each factor and visitor numbers were also observed. The research methodology included literature reviews, deriving cultural tourism attributes, and evaluating selected temples. This approach highlights underdeveloped factors in other urban temples and suggests strategies for enhancement, providing valuable insights for urban tourism policy and development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Planning and Sustainable Land Use—2nd Edition)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

38 pages, 5081 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Unveiling the Soil beyond Definitions: A Holistic Framework for Sub-Regional Soil Quality Assessment and Spatial Planning

by Anna Richiedei, Marialaura Giuliani and Michèle Pezzagno

Sustainability 2024, 16(14), 6075; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16146075 - 16 Jul 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1673

Abstract

The issue of land/soil consumption and degradation has been extensively explored in international literature, yet a universally accepted definition of soil quality remains elusive. Over the decades, the scientific community has witnessed the evolution of the concept of land/soil quality, with varying nuances across different disciplines. The absence of a shared definition poses challenges in addressing local concerns and preserving the distinctiveness and well-being of the soil. The present paper seeks to fill this gap from the spatial planning perspective by proposing a soil quality detection framework tailored for the sub-regional spatial context, offering support in particular for local planning decisions. The concept of soil quality is approached comprehensively, and the indicators put forth are selected based on specific soil functions, services, or threats. To support this all-encompassing approach through a case study in the Italian context, this paper suggests integrating 11 datasets and 55 indicators. This extensive dataset aims to quantify and generate meaningful cartographic representations, offering a multifaceted and detailed understanding of soil quality within the sub-regional context. The goal is to establish a framework that facilitates a more holistic understanding of soil quality, aiding in effective spatial planning and policy-making processes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Planning and Sustainable Land Use—2nd Edition)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

22 pages, 11699 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Exploring the Effects of Urban Development in Ten Chinese Node Cities along the Belt and Road Initiative on Vegetation Net Primary Productivity

by Gaosheng Liu, Jie Pan, Yuxin Jiang, Xinquan Ye and Fan Shao

Sustainability 2024, 16(11), 4845; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16114845 - 6 Jun 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1529

Abstract

Urbanization and economic growth in node cities surged due to the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), leading to significant environmental changes, notably in vegetation net primary productivity (NPP). Investigating the ecological impact of these urban changes was crucial, despite scarce relevant studies. We employed Sen’s slope estimation and Mann–Kendall trend analysis to study NPP trends (2005–2020) in ten Belt and Road node cities. The Optimized Parameters Geographic Detector Model (OPGD) analyzed factors impacting NPP and their interactions. Results revealed significant NPP variations among the ten cities, ranging from 656.47 gCm⁻²a⁻¹ to 250.55 gCm⁻²a⁻¹, with over 79% showing increasing trends. Since 2013, Chongqing, Wuhan, Hefei, Nanchang, and Changsha experienced declining NPP, while the other five cities saw an increase. Natural factors like temperature, precipitation, and DEM predominantly influence rising NPP trends, while anthropogenic factors like land use changes and nighttime light drive NPP decline. Land use changes, with 39.0% explanatory power, primarily affect NPP. After 2013, construction land increased by 117.7 km² on average, while arable land decreased by 274.8 km², contributing to decreased vegetation cover NPP. Nighttime lights explained up to 25% of NPP variance. Regions with high nocturnal light values exhibited more developed urbanization but comparatively lower NPP levels. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Planning and Sustainable Land Use—2nd Edition)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 1171 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Cultivated Land Green Use Efficiency and Its Influencing Factors: A Case Study of 39 Cities in the Yangtze River Basin of China

by Qiaowen Lin, Siran Bai and Rui Qi

Sustainability 2024, 16(1), 29; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16010029 - 19 Dec 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1392

Abstract

In recent years, the Chinese government has been paying more and more attention to agricultural development and ecological protection. Improving cultivated land green use efficiency (CLGUE) is becoming a crucial issue in promoting the sustainable development of agriculture. This study aims to study the current situation and influencing factors of agricultural production from the perspective of green utilization efficiency of cultivated land. It takes 39 cities in the upper, middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River basin in China as an example. The CLGUE values in those 39 cities from 2011 to 2020 were specifically measured, using the Super-SBM model, kernel density estimation and geographic detector method. Their temporal and spatial heterogeneity was described, and the influencing factors were detected at both single and interactive levels. The results showed that (1) from 2011 to 2020, the green utilization efficiency value of cultivated land in the Yangtze River basin showed an upward trend on the whole; (2) there is clear spatial heterogeneity between CLGUE values in the Yangtze River basin cities, and the distribution is as follows: downstream region > midstream region > upstream region; (3) cultivated land resource endowment, socioeconomic development and agricultural production technology are important factors affecting the variability in CLGUE values. However, there are some differences in the degree and direction of influence of different influencing factors on different sample subgroups. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Planning and Sustainable Land Use—2nd Edition)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 2369 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Spatiotemporal Dynamic Characteristics of Land Use Intensity in Rapidly Urbanizing Areas from Urban Underground Space Perspectives

by Baoshun Wang, Yanfang Liu, Zhaomin Tong, Rui An and Jiwei Xu

Sustainability 2023, 15(17), 13008; https://doi.org/10.3390/su151713008 - 29 Aug 2023

Viewed by 1372

Abstract

Land use intensity (LUI) reflects the utilization status of land use. However, traditional LUI assessments have been conducted for land space governance with a primary focus on surface land. Thus far, the explicit variation and spatiotemporal characteristics of land use of underground space (LUUS), particularly the quantization of LUUS-related intensity, are not well understood. Using the case of Wuhan in China, this study takes the main urban area of Wuhan as the research area, based on the time series data of the underground space information survey of analysis units from 2002 to 2018. This reflected the distribution pattern and evolution characteristics of underground space in terms of the intensity, the concentration and spatial hot-spots by using the spatiotemporal analysis framework. The results show that: (1) The LUUS exhibits spatial characteristics of global dispersion, and local aggregation increased and expanded along the northwest–southeast direction; (2) The global spatial dependency of LUUS is strong and the degree decreases with the expansion of the scope; (3) The LUUS is mainly developed in a relatively concentrated mode, and the concentration degree decreases with time; (4) The main development area of the LUUS is gradually expanding from within the inner ring line outside the second ring road in different periods, and the spatial difference is more obvious and increasing. Our study renews the indicators of quantitative LUI evaluation based on underground spatial data. The findings refreshed the knowledge base concerning the spatiotemporal heterogeneity in terms of underground space intensity and provided new insights into spatial governance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Planning and Sustainable Land Use—2nd Edition)

► Show Figures

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Urban Planning and Sustainable Land Use—2nd Edition

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editors

Special Issue Information

Keywords

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

Published Papers (10 papers)

Research

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI