Effect of terrain on landscape patterns and ecological effects by a gradient-based RS and GIS analysis

Terrain is an important environment factor that plays a vital role in human development by influencing the spatial layout of land use patterns. The terrain niche index, combined with slope and elevation, can comprehensively present detailed information about spatial differences in terrain and is superior to single terrain factors. We applied remote sensing and geographical information system to terrain gradient, used the non-dimensional distribution index to examine spatial distribution characteristics of various landscape types, and analyzed the ecological effects of landscape were quantitatively on terrain gradients. Eco-environment quality (EEQ) was evaluated using the forestry operation area as the evaluation unit. The spatial distributions in various landscapes were significantly influenced by terrain factors, especially by bodies of water, cropland and residential land. The spatial distribution varied greatly in different terrain gradients for similar landscape types. The areas associated with good, intermediate and poor EEQ were occupied primarily by natural landscape, semi-natural and largely artificial landscapes, respectively.