Analysis of Changes in Land Use Types and Driving Factors in Yan'an City

Abstract

Using remote sensing monitoring data of China's land use/land cover in 1980, 2000, and 2020, this study explores the change patterns and driving forces of land use types in Yan'an City through the land use transfer matrix and land cover status index. The results show that the main land use types in Yan'an City are grassland, cultivated land, and unused land. From 1980 to 2020, the absolute changes in the area of land use types in the study area are ranked as follows: unused land > grassland > construction land > cultivated land > forest land > water area. The area of cultivated land first increased and then decreased, while unused land decreased and forest-grassland area increased, which is closely related to national ecological policies. The area of construction land increased slowly from 1980 to 2000 and significantly after 2000, consistent with the process of urbanization. The continuous reduction in water area is mainly influenced by natural factors. The changes in land use types in Yan'an City are jointly affected by natural and social factors, with ecological policies and urbanization playing a dominant role.