Analysis on spatial-temporal characteristics and driving force of land-use change in Hainan island

This article analyzed land-use change from 1985,1995 and 2000 Landsat TM images based on RS and GIS technology. The author studied the spatial-temporal characteristics of land-use change in Hainan island according to land-use conversion matrix, land-use dynamic degree model and land-use relative change rate model. It was found that during 10 years from 1985 to 1995, the arable land area decreased, and forest area increased. During the latest 5 years, the scope and depth of land-use change exceeded that of previous period and arable land, built-up areas increased, and unused land area decreased. From the point of view of spatial patterns, the change rate of construction land was higher than others in eastern plain area, water area change was obvious in western coastal area and cultivated land change was primary in middle mountain area. On the other hand, the author described the land use change process affected by socio-economic policies.