Identification of Ecological Priority Areas Based on Nested-Scale Analysis: A Case Study of Metropolitan Nanjing, China

Yuxi Zhu, Jianqiang Yang (), Le Zhu and Liping Sun
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Yuxi Zhu: School of Architecture, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
Jianqiang Yang: School of Architecture, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
Le Zhu: School of Architecture, Chang’an University, Xi’an 710064, China
Liping Sun: School of Architecture, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China

Land, 2024, vol. 14, issue 1, 1-21

Abstract: Rapid urbanization has led to severe fragmentation of ecological spaces in high-density metropolitan regions, threatening urban ecological security and environmental well-being. While cities explore various restoration strategies, the systematic identification of ecological priority areas remains an urgent challenge, particularly due to the limitations of multi-scale evaluation methods. This study develops an integrated nested-scale analytical approach to examine ecological elements at metropolitan and central urban levels, using Metropolitan Nanjing as a case study. The framework combines Morphological Spatial Pattern Analysis (MSPA), Landscape Connectivity Analysis, and INVEST Habitat Quality Assessment to identify ecological sources while employing a multi-dimensional ecological resistance evaluation system and Circuit Theory Model for critical node assessment. The findings reveal a notable spatial overlap between ecological pinch points and barrier points across scales, demonstrating the importance of nested-scale coupling in maintaining network stability. Through this analysis, 3297 ecological priority areas are identified and classified into three hierarchical categories, offering a practical framework for optimizing ecological networks in high-density metropolitan regions.

Keywords: ecological priority areas; high-density cities; nested-scale analysis; circuit theory; morphological spatial pattern analysis (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q15 Q2 Q24 Q28 Q5 R14 R52 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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