Functional Measurements, Pattern Evolution, and Coupling Characteristics of “Production-Living-Ecological Space” in the Yangtze Delta Region

Jiaheng Zhu, Zhengyong Shang, Cheng Long and Song Lu ()
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Jiaheng Zhu: School of Environmental and Geographical Sciences, Shanghai Normal University, Shanghai 200234, China
Zhengyong Shang: School of Geography Science and Geomatics Engineering, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, Suzhou 215009, China
Cheng Long: School of Environmental and Geographical Sciences, Shanghai Normal University, Shanghai 200234, China
Song Lu: School of Environmental and Geographical Sciences, Shanghai Normal University, Shanghai 200234, China

Sustainability, 2023, vol. 15, issue 24, 1-25

Abstract: Based on the “Production-Living-Ecological Space” evaluation system, we hereby form its functional index and take the results of corresponding functional measurement to analyze the spatial pattern, functional evolution, and coupling characteristics of the “Production-Living-Ecological Space” of the Yangtze Delta Region. The results show that: (1) From the spatial pattern, the production space is mainly distributed in the plain areas. The living space is concentrated in the dense urban areas along the Yangtze River, the East Sea, and the East Jiangsu–Gansu Line. The ecological space is concentrated in mountainous hill areas. (2) From the spatial transformation, production space expands slightly, living space continues to expand, and ecological space shrinks significantly. (3) The functionality of “Production-Living-Ecological Space” exhibits a high level in hilly mountainous areas and a low level in plains, with an overall downward trend. Notably, the core cities within the Yangtze Delta Region have experienced the most significant decline in functionality. (4) The natural environment is the decisive factor for the overall pattern of “Production-Living-Ecological Space”, while economic and social development is the core driving force of the evolution of the spatial pattern, and regional integration is the catalyst of the evolution of the spatial pattern. (5) The coupling coordination of “production-ecology” is exceptionally strong, with the living function holding an overwhelmingly dominant position.

Keywords: Production–Living–Ecological Space (PLES); functional measurements; pattern evolution; coupling characteristics; Yangtze Delta Region (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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