Analysis of land cover patterns in Panyu District based on TM image

By adopting GIS method and landscape ecology theory, the land cover landscape map for Panyu District is generated from Landsat-TM images captured in 1990, 1995, 2000 and 2005. Based on the quantitative study of LUCC, we use the landscape pattern indices to reflect the change mechanism of land cover in Panyu District, therefore to provide a basis for further study in ecological effects. It shows that the structure of land cover was in a development adjusting period from 1990 to 1995, followed by an increasing tendency toward maturity after 2000 accompanied by urbanization process. During the study period, the land use fragmentation and complexity of Panyu District have increased, natural effects on land cover changing diminished gradually by increasing influences of human factors.