Exploring the optimization of urban ecological spaces from a perspective of ecosystem service functions based on remote sensing imagery

As ecological priority has become a central theme of current development, the Yangtze River Delta Eco-Green Integrated Development Demonstration Zone is contributing as a guiding model to China’s ecological and green integrated development. From a perspective of ecosystem service functions, in particular, geographical locations and land habitats for animals and plants, we provide an analysis of the aforementioned Demonstration Zone regarding the distribution, connectivity, and accessibility of its ecological sources, in order to select strategic zones and optimize ecological spaces, from remote sensing imagery. Our analysis was based on the evolution of the ecological base and the Sources-Resistance Surface-Corridors framework integrating local conditions and characteristics. Through navigating remote sensing images of the target area, results indicated that a considerable change occurred in the plant community in the Demonstration Zone over the recent three decades, caused by the severely damaged wetland ecosystem and the limited communications among species due to urban expansion. In addition, the study revealed poor connectivity among the ecological and geographical sources. Accordingly, we propose a set of measures to avoid landscape fragmentation, prioritize ecological protection, and improve the quality of habitats in the geographic location.