A Review of Land Use and Land Cover in Mainland Southeast Asia over Three Decades (1990–2023)

Jia Liu, Yunfeng Hu (), Zhiming Feng and Chiwei Xiao
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Jia Liu: State Key Laboratory of Resources and Environmental Information System, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
Yunfeng Hu: State Key Laboratory of Resources and Environmental Information System, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
Zhiming Feng: Key Laboratory for Resources Use & Environmental Remediation, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
Chiwei Xiao: Key Laboratory for Resources Use & Environmental Remediation, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China

Land, 2025, vol. 14, issue 4, 1-22

Abstract: The intensification of economic globalization and the growing scarcity of global land resources have magnified the complexity of future land use and land cover (LULC) changes. In Mainland Southeast Asia (MSEA), these transformations are particularly pronounced, yet comprehensive, targeted, and systematic reviews are scant. This research employs bibliometrics and critical literature review methodologies to scrutinize 1956 relevant publications spanning from 1990–2023, revealing key insights into the contributors to land use studies in MSEA, which include not only local researchers from countries like Thailand and Vietnam but also international scholars from the United States, China, Japan, and France. Despite this, the potential for global collaboration has not been fully tapped. This study also notes a significant evolution in data analysis methods, transitioning from reliance on single data sources to employing sophisticated multi-source data fusion, from manual feature extraction to leveraging automated deep learning processes, and from simple temporal change detection to comprehensive time series analysis using tools like Google Earth Engine (GEE). This shift encompasses the progression from small-scale case studies to extensive multi-scale system analyses employing advanced spatial statistical models and integrated technologies. Moreover, the thematic emphasis of research has evolved markedly, transitioning from traditional practices like slash-and-burn agriculture and deforestation logging to the dynamic monitoring of specialized tree species such as rubber plantations and mangroves. Throughout this period, there has been a growing focus on the broad environmental impacts of land cover change, encompassing soil degradation, carbon storage, climate change responses, ecosystem services, and biodiversity. This research not only offers a comprehensive understanding of the LULC research landscape in MSEA but also provides critical scientific references that can inform future policy-making and land management strategies.

Keywords: Mainland Southeast Asia; land use and land cover; land use change; environmental consequences; technical methods (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q15 Q2 Q24 Q28 Q5 R14 R52 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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