Spatial distribution index and its applicability evaluation for single-type landscape

Abstract

A single鄄type landscape, as an important component of the landscape ecological system, is an abstract for the complicated landscape. The SHDI (Shannon忆 s Diversity Index) , typically used to describe the complexity of nonlinear system, consists of various components, measures the diversity and variability on spatial structure, functional mechanism and temporal dynamics. Because the single鄄type landscape cannot be described by SHDI, based on Shannon Entropy, a spatial distribution index MSHDI (Modified Shannon忆s Distribution Index) was proposed to address the spatial distribution division and breadth of single鄄type landscapes. Remote sensing technique can be used effectively to extract information of single landscapes, which directly represent their development. Using three Landsat images (May 4, 1990 by TM sensor, May 10, 2001 by ETM + sensor and May 19, 2007 by TM sensor) , this paper presents the quantitative comparison between MSHDI and classic landscape indices (MPS, FI, et al) , and discusses the correlative relationship between MSHDI and area index (PLAND, Percentage of Landscape) with multiple mesh grains, choosing the South Central of Henan Province as our study area. The method based on MSHDI in this study is mainly used in six single landscapes (Agriculture land, Transportation landscape, Surface water landscape, Forest and Grassland, Urban construction landscape and Industrial and