Journal Description
Land
Land
is an international and cross-disciplinary, peer-reviewed, open access journal on land system science, landscape, soil–sediment–water systems, urban study, land–climate interactions, water–energy–land–food (WELF) nexus, biodiversity research and health nexus, land modelling and data processing, ecosystem services, and multifunctionality and sustainability etc., published monthly online by MDPI. The International Association for Landscape Ecology (IALE), European Land-use Institute (ELI), Landscape Institute (LI) and Urban Land Institute (ULI) are affiliated with Land, and their members receive discounts on the article processing charges.
- Open Access— free for readers, with article processing charges (APC) paid by authors or their institutions.
- High Visibility: indexed within Scopus, SSCI (Web of Science), PubAg, AGRIS, GeoRef, RePEc, and other databases.
- Journal Rank: JCR - Q2 (Environmental Studies) / CiteScore - Q2 (Nature and Landscape Conservation)
- Rapid Publication: manuscripts are peer-reviewed and a first decision is provided to authors approximately 14.8 days after submission; acceptance to publication is undertaken in 2.7 days (median values for papers published in this journal in the second half of 2023).
- Recognition of Reviewers: reviewers who provide timely, thorough peer-review reports receive vouchers entitling them to a discount on the APC of their next publication in any MDPI journal, in appreciation of the work done.
Impact Factor:
3.9 (2022);
5-Year Impact Factor:
4.0 (2022)
Latest Articles
Research on Strategy Optimization of Green Agricultural Production Trusteeship to Promote Black Land Protection
Land 2024, 13(5), 647; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13050647 (registering DOI) - 9 May 2024
Abstract
The whole trusteeship of green agricultural production plays an important role in promoting the protection of black land, and it is particularly crucial to clarify the behavioral characteristics and game relationships of agents involved in the whole trusteeship. This study uses the dynamic
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The whole trusteeship of green agricultural production plays an important role in promoting the protection of black land, and it is particularly crucial to clarify the behavioral characteristics and game relationships of agents involved in the whole trusteeship. This study uses the dynamic evolutionary game method to construct a tripartite evolutionary game model of governments, service organizations and farmers participating in the whole trusteeship of green agricultural production, aiming to come up with effective strategies to promote the widespread application of green agricultural production trusteeship and achieve agricultural green development. The results are as follows: (1) At present, the agricultural production model in Northeast China is dominated by traditional agricultural production and supplemented by green agricultural production. (2) Incentive and punitive measures will encourage agents to adopt positive strategies. (3) In areas with a poor awareness of green agricultural production trusteeship, the government’s incentive and punishment measures for farmers and service organizations are imbalanced. (4) The relatively high cost of trusteeship leads to a lack of market competitiveness, which has a negative impact on service organizations promoting green agricultural production trusteeship. This study provides an effective reference for improving the overall implementation effect of black land protection in Northeast China.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability, 3rd Volume)
Open AccessArticle
Spatiotemporal Evolution of Land Cover and Landscape Ecological Risk in Wuyishan National Park and Surrounding Areas
by
Yuzhi Liu, Wenping Cao and Fuyuan Wang
Land 2024, 13(5), 646; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13050646 (registering DOI) - 9 May 2024
Abstract
Previous studies on national park conservation have focused mainly on their internal areas, and few studies have focused on national parks and their surrounding areas as unified entities. Therefore, the investigation of land cover and landscape ecological risks in national parks and surrounding
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Previous studies on national park conservation have focused mainly on their internal areas, and few studies have focused on national parks and their surrounding areas as unified entities. Therefore, the investigation of land cover and landscape ecological risks in national parks and surrounding areas is essential for overall ecosystem protection and regional sustainable development. This study examines the spatiotemporal evolution of land cover and its landscape ecological risk in Wuyishan National Park, China, and its surrounding areas (WNPSA) from 1990 to 2020. The results show that (1) the land cover of WNPSA from 1990 to 2020 predominantly exhibited a consistent decline in forested areas, paralleled by an augmentation in farmland and impervious surface areas. The center of standard deviation ellipse of impervious surfaces has been progressively moving further south in tandem with the expansion of these surfaces, primarily located within the county town of Fujian Province. (2) The Wuyishan National Park (WNP) areas were dominated by low values of landscape index, and the high value areas in the park were mainly located at the provincial boundary area, with a gradual narrowing during 1990–2020, suggesting a decrease in landscape heterogeneity within the park. High value areas in the surrounding areas mainly occurred in areas with clustered impervious surfaces (e.g., the county town), where part of them located in Wuyishan City have spread to the edge area southeast of WNP. (3) From 1990 to 2020, the lowest-risk areas continue to expand. However, as the medium-risk zone of the adjacent region extends into the edge of the national park, the low risk zone within the national park exhibits a trend from continuous to separate with the neighboring low risk zone. This led to an escalating stress effect on the ecological security of both the adjacent regions and the national park’s boundary areas due to land cover changes.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecological Restoration and Reusing Brownfield Sites)
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Open AccessArticle
Landscape Analysis and Coastal Planning: Ría de Arosa (Pontevedra, Spain)
by
Carlos E. Nieto, Antonio Miguel Martínez-Graña and Leticia Merchán
Land 2024, 13(5), 645; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13050645 (registering DOI) - 9 May 2024
Abstract
Coastal areas are fundamental enclaves for economic and recreational development, attracting a large population worldwide. However, these factors have generated significant pressure on the coastal landscape, requiring territorial management strategies to protect and control its degradation. The coastal landscape, composed of abiotic and
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Coastal areas are fundamental enclaves for economic and recreational development, attracting a large population worldwide. However, these factors have generated significant pressure on the coastal landscape, requiring territorial management strategies to protect and control its degradation. The coastal landscape, composed of abiotic and biotic elements, plays a crucial role in human wellbeing and the conservation of the natural environment. This study focuses on the southeast area of the Ría de Arosa, on the western coast of Galicia, known for its unique geomorphological features such as estuaries. The main objective is to generate high-resolution thematic maps for territorial planning and conservation of the natural and cultural landscape. Using methodologies based on geographic information systems, various factors of the natural environment will be analyzed to obtain objective results, presenting cartography of landscape units, along with quality and fragility landscape maps. In addition, active strategies are proposed such as multiple land uses or the development of geotourism to preserve, exploit, and manage the landscape better. This work contributes to better understanding the vulnerability of the coastal landscape and provides practical tools for its sustainable management in a context of accelerated global change.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Research Approaches & Practices Towards Sustainable Land Management, Preservation & Restoration (Second Edition))
Open AccessReview
Advancements in Biochar Modification for Enhanced Phosphorus Utilization in Agriculture
by
Nazir Ahmed, Lifang Deng, Chuan Wang, Zia-ul-Hassan Shah, Lansheng Deng, Yongquan Li, Juan Li, Sadaruddin Chachar, Zaid Chachar, Faisal Hayat, Bilquees Bozdar, Filza Ansari, Rashid Ali, Lin Gong and Panfeng Tu
Land 2024, 13(5), 644; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13050644 (registering DOI) - 9 May 2024
Abstract
The role of modified biochar in enhancing phosphorus (P) availability is gaining attention as an environmentally friendly approach to address soil P deficiency, a global agricultural challenge. Traditional phosphatic fertilizers, while essential for crop yield, are costly and environmentally detrimental owing to P
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The role of modified biochar in enhancing phosphorus (P) availability is gaining attention as an environmentally friendly approach to address soil P deficiency, a global agricultural challenge. Traditional phosphatic fertilizers, while essential for crop yield, are costly and environmentally detrimental owing to P fixation and leaching. Modified biochar presents a promising alternative with improved properties such as increased porosity, surface area, and cation exchange capacity. This review delves into the variability of biochar properties based on source and production methods and how these can be optimized for effective P adsorption. By adjusting properties such as pH levels and functional groups to align with the phosphate’s zero point of charge, we enhance biochar’s ability to adsorb and retain P, thereby increasing its bioavailability to plants. The integration of nanotechnology and advanced characterization techniques aids in understanding the structural nuances of biochar and its interactions with phosphorus. This approach offers multiple benefits: it enables farmers to use phosphorus more efficiently, reducing the need for traditional fertilizers and thereby minimizing environmental impacts, such as greenhouse gas emissions and P leaching. This review also identifies existing research gaps and future opportunities for further biochar modifications. These findings emphasize the significant potential of modified biochar in sustainable agriculture.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant-Soil Interactions in Agricultural Systems)
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Open AccessArticle
Livelihood Alternatives in Restored Peatland Areas in South Sumatra Province, Indonesia
by
Dessy Adriani, Muhammad Yazid, Riswani, Dini Damayanthy, Eunho Choi and Hyunyoung Yang
Land 2024, 13(5), 643; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13050643 - 9 May 2024
Abstract
Livelihood loss and lower income because of peatland mismanagement are crucial issues that must be resolved in peatland areas. Although many studies have assessed farmers’ livelihoods and income enhancement, progress in addressing these problems remains inadequate. To address this issue, this study aimed
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Livelihood loss and lower income because of peatland mismanagement are crucial issues that must be resolved in peatland areas. Although many studies have assessed farmers’ livelihoods and income enhancement, progress in addressing these problems remains inadequate. To address this issue, this study aimed to analyze various existing alternative livelihoods in the peatland community in Ogan Komering Ilir District, South Sumatra Province, Indonesia, and analyze scenarios for creating livelihoods and increasing people’s incomes through changes in peat ecosystem management and peatland restoration programs. This study used a survey method conducted in South Sumatra Province’s OKI District, one of the four priority peat-restoration districts in the province. We used three sampling stages, while descriptive, tabulated, and mathematical methods were used for analysis. We analyzed the feasibility of livelihoods that used benefit-cost analysis. The results showed that Sonor cultivation of paddies and catching fish in Rawang (swamp) were the livelihoods of farmers in peatlands. The community has also been processing peatland commodities into other products, such as Purun woven, and Gula Puan (buffalo milk processing). Several alternative livelihood scenarios that are financially profitable and can be developed include salted and smoked fish, Purun woven handicrafts, paludiculture, and agrosilvofishery, which can provide farmers with short-, medium-, and long-term income opportunities. This study can contribute to policymaking by fully considering the role of peat resources in rural livelihoods.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Restoration of Tropical Peatlands: Science Policy and Practice)
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Open AccessArticle
Farm Household Vulnerability Due to Land and Forest Fire in Peatland Areas in South Sumatra
by
Muhammad Yazid, Dessy Adriani, Riswani and Dini Damayanthy
Land 2024, 13(5), 642; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13050642 - 9 May 2024
Abstract
Land and forest fires in peatland areas in Indonesia have a widespread negative impact on surrounding communities. Possible vulnerabilities relate to economic, social, ecological, livelihoods, and environmental vulnerability. This study aimed to assess household vulnerability due to land and forest fires in peatland
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Land and forest fires in peatland areas in Indonesia have a widespread negative impact on surrounding communities. Possible vulnerabilities relate to economic, social, ecological, livelihoods, and environmental vulnerability. This study aimed to assess household vulnerability due to land and forest fires in peatland areas in Ogan Komering Ilir District in South Sumatra and observe changes in peat ecosystems in those areas. The study was conducted in three peatland hydrological units (PHUs)—(1) PHU Sungai Sugihan–Sungai Lumpur; (2) PHU Sungai Sibumbung–Sungai Batok; and (3) PHU Sungai Saleh–Sungai Sugihan—covering 300 households as samples. Primary data were collected through structured interviews and analyzed descriptively. The analysis revealed the following: (1) PHU Sungai Sibumbung–Sungai Batok had the highest score for livelihood vulnerability and climate change but the lowest score for social, economic, and ecological vulnerability; (2) PHU Sungai Saleh–Sungai Sugihan had the highest score for economic and ecological vulnerability but the lowest score for livelihood vulnerability; (3) PHU Sungai Sugihan–Sungai Lumpur had the highest score for social vulnerability but lowest score for climate change vulnerability; and (4) the number of household members, toddlers, and elderly, and all economic indicators except land ownership, contributed relatively similarly to social vulnerability in all PHUs.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Restoration of Tropical Peatlands: Science Policy and Practice)
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Open AccessArticle
Community Participation in Urban Land and Housing Delivery: Evidence from Kerala (India) and Dar es Salaam (Tanzania)
by
Lucy Oates, Abhijit Datey, Andrew Sudmant, Ross Gillard and Andy Gouldson
Land 2024, 13(5), 641; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13050641 - 9 May 2024
Abstract
Current approaches to the provision of shelter, largely driven by national governments and/or the commercial private sector, continue to fall short of what is needed to reduce housing deficits. The number of people without access to adequate housing continues to grow, especially in
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Current approaches to the provision of shelter, largely driven by national governments and/or the commercial private sector, continue to fall short of what is needed to reduce housing deficits. The number of people without access to adequate housing continues to grow, especially in cities of the Global South. Increasing attention is being paid to alternative models for organizing land and housing delivery, such as those led by, or at least including, civil society. In this paper, we consider two national land and housing programs—the 20,000 Plots Project in Tanzania, and Basic Services for the Urban Poor (BSUP) in India—alongside community-led housing initiatives from each country. We explore the extent to which community participation in housing delivery can have social and environmental advantages when compared to ‘business as usual’ methods and find that, given appropriate state support, community-based, and civil society actors (including organizations of the urban poor) have significant potential to contribute to acquiring land, building homes and improving the quality of life of vulnerable segments of the population. This paper echoes calls for community-led housing to become a recognized part of formal housing policy whilst emphasizing the need for theoretical refinement of the process so as to prevent it from being captured by prevailing market-led narratives.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Land Socio-Economic and Political Issues)
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Open AccessArticle
Decision-Making Mechanism of Farmers in Land Transfer Processes Based on Sustainable Livelihood Analysis Framework: A Study in Rural China
by
Hongbin Liu, Hebin Zhang, Yuxuan Xu and Ying Xue
Land 2024, 13(5), 640; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13050640 - 8 May 2024
Abstract
The act of land transfer in rural areas is an important decision-making mechanism for farmers, to enhance resource allocation efficiency and promote capital mobility, and this act is of strategic importance in promoting the level of agricultural scale and mechanization, land system change,
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The act of land transfer in rural areas is an important decision-making mechanism for farmers, to enhance resource allocation efficiency and promote capital mobility, and this act is of strategic importance in promoting the level of agricultural scale and mechanization, land system change, and, thus, the sustainable development of livelihoods and production in China. This study aims to explore farmers’ decision-making mechanisms in the process of land transfer in rural areas, by constructing a theoretical framework. Structural equation modeling was used, based on data from a survey of rural families in the Liaoning Province area of Northeastern China. The main findings are as follows: (1) The seven types of exogenous latent variables, including environmental vulnerability, policy, and five main livelihood assets (natural capital, physical capital, financial capital, human capital, and social capital), are intermediary in farmers’ land transfer behavior, which then positively affect farmers’ livelihood outcomes. (2) Among the exogenous latent variables affecting farmers’ land transfer, human assets have the most significant positive effect, followed by social assets and physical assets, family labor force share, frequency of work information exchange, and number of production tools, greatly affect the corresponding variable. (3) Natural assets play the most important role and have a negative effect on farmers’ land transfer decision; contracted area of land per family is the greatest impacted measurable variable of this. The results of the study suggest that the government should strengthen skills training for farmers, improve the land transfer policy system, and provide appropriate subsidies in a regionally targeted manner. Thus, it can promote the transformation of Chinese-style agricultural modernization and achieve rural revitalization.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Global Commons Governance and Sustainable Land Use)
Open AccessArticle
Interpretable Landslide Susceptibility Evaluation Based on Model Optimization
by
Haijun Qiu, Yao Xu, Bingzhe Tang, Lingling Su, Yijun Li, Dongdong Yang and Mohib Ullah
Land 2024, 13(5), 639; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13050639 - 8 May 2024
Abstract
Machine learning (ML) is increasingly utilized in Landslide Susceptibility Mapping (LSM), though challenges remain in interpreting the predictions of ML models. To reveal the response relationship between landslide susceptibility and evaluation factors, an interpretability model was constructed to analyze how the results of
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Machine learning (ML) is increasingly utilized in Landslide Susceptibility Mapping (LSM), though challenges remain in interpreting the predictions of ML models. To reveal the response relationship between landslide susceptibility and evaluation factors, an interpretability model was constructed to analyze how the results of the ML model are realized. This study focuses on Zhenba County in Shaanxi Province, China, employing both Random Forest (RF) and Support Vector Machine (SVM) to develop LSM models optimized through Random Search (RS). To enhance interpretability, the study incorporates techniques such as Partial Dependence Plot (PDP), Local Interpretable Model-Agnostic Explanations (LIMEs), and Shapley Additive Explanations (SHAP). The RS-optimized RF model demonstrated superior performance, achieving an Area Under the Curve (AUC) of 0.965. The interpretability model identified the NDVI and distance from road as important factors influencing landslides occurrence. NDVI plays a positive role in the occurrence of landslides in this region, and the landslide-prone areas are within 500 m from the road. These analyses indicate the importance of improved hyperparameter selection in enhancing model accuracy and performance. The interpretability model provides valuable insights into LSM, facilitating a deeper understanding of landslide formation mechanisms and guiding the formulation of effective prevention and control strategies.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Remote Sensing Application in Landslide Detection and Assessment)
Open AccessArticle
A Calculation and Optimization Method for the Theoretical Reclamation Timing of Cropland
by
Hejian Yin, Guangli Guo, Huaizhan Li and Tiening Wang
Land 2024, 13(5), 638; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13050638 - 8 May 2024
Abstract
In mining areas with high groundwater tables, mining subsidence can lead to the inundation of cropland by water, causing damage to cropland and posing a threat to national food security. The implementation of concurrent mining and reclamation techniques can effectively enhance the reclamation
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In mining areas with high groundwater tables, mining subsidence can lead to the inundation of cropland by water, causing damage to cropland and posing a threat to national food security. The implementation of concurrent mining and reclamation techniques can effectively enhance the reclamation rate of cropland. This technique requires engineers to initiate reclamation measures before cropland waterlogging occurs. Therefore, when mining a panel underground, an accurate calculation of the time when cropland becomes waterlogged, known as the theoretical reclamation timing, is crucial. To address this issue, this study proposes a computational method for the theoretical reclamation timing of cropland under the conditions of single-panel mining based on intelligent optimization algorithms. In addition, this paper also proposes an optimization method for the theoretical reclamation timing of cropland within a district based on an intelligent optimization algorithm. Utilizing this method makes optimizing the layout of multiple panels possible, thereby delaying the theoretical reclamation timing for cropland within a district. This approach aims to shorten the duration of reclamation projects and minimize their interference with agricultural activities. Through experimental validation, this paper demonstrates the reliability of these two methods. This study is beneficial for the rational planning of reclamation projects.
Full article
Open AccessReview
Environmental Studies Based on Lake Sediment Records in China: A Review
by
Minqiao Li, Guoping Tang and Huasheng Huang
Land 2024, 13(5), 637; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13050637 - 8 May 2024
Abstract
Lake sediment records are of great importance for understanding the evolution of watershed environments. Various studies have been carried out to determine the depositional ages of lake sediments and to examine their physical, chemical, and biological characteristics. The aim is to construct the
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Lake sediment records are of great importance for understanding the evolution of watershed environments. Various studies have been carried out to determine the depositional ages of lake sediments and to examine their physical, chemical, and biological characteristics. The aim is to construct the historical vegetation, environment, and climate patterns in Chinese lake watersheds. In this review, we obtained relevant studies on lake sediment records by searching the key word ‘age-depth’ from the following databases: Web of Science and the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI, the largest Chinese academic database). We analyzed the literature based on its type (published in a Chinese/English journal or as a Master’s/PhD thesis), period of publication, journal (if published in a journal), key authors, study area, dating scale, and main aims. The results suggest that the lakes in the plateau regions are the most popular research topic, typically covering 100–200 years (short-term) and 500–30,000 years (long-term). The literature focuses on a wide range of topics, from past environmental evolution in watersheds to lake ecology, and it provides a solid foundation for a better understanding of the regional climate change and the preservation of lake environments and ecosystems. In the future, the resulting data obtained from environmental reconstructions with lake sediments will need to be integrated with emerging information processing technologies (e.g., artificial intelligence and meta-analysis) to disentangle the complex interplay between the Earth’s surface processes and global climate change; furthermore, strengthening interdisciplinary collaboration will deepen our comprehension of the man-land relationship and promote the sustainable management of lake ecosystems in the context of global climate change.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dynamics of Terrestrial Environmental Systems)
Open AccessArticle
Sensory Responsive Environments: A Qualitative Study on Perceived Relationships between Outdoor Built Environments and Sensory Sensitivities
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Kathryn Angela Finnigan
Land 2024, 13(5), 636; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13050636 - 8 May 2024
Abstract
This qualitative study explored the perceived relationships between outdoor built environments and sensory sensitivities, focusing on autism, ADHD, and dyslexia. Thirty-one semi-structured interviews were conducted with participants who had lived experience with these focal groups. Through thematic analysis of their narratives, the study
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This qualitative study explored the perceived relationships between outdoor built environments and sensory sensitivities, focusing on autism, ADHD, and dyslexia. Thirty-one semi-structured interviews were conducted with participants who had lived experience with these focal groups. Through thematic analysis of their narratives, the study uncovered patterns highlighting the perceived relationships between designed landscapes and sensory sensitivities in neurodivergent individuals, encompassing both heightened sensitivity (hypersensitivity) and reduced sensitivity (hyposensitivity). Emergent themes included individual and personal factors, sensory affordances, the benefits of outdoor environments, ambient environmental factors, materiality, spatial design, navigating environments, pedestrian-centric transportation, sensorimotor movement, safety, refuge, human settlement types, social environments, and accessibility plus inclusion. Subthematic patterns within these larger thematic categories were also identified. Study participants revealed significant sensory barriers and sensorially supportive elements of designed outdoor environments, along with promising design interventions. The findings unveil the advantages of designing multi-sensory landscapes tailored to atypical sensory needs, emphasizing the importance of fostering inclusion by designing landscapes that reflect the communities they serve. This concept is encapsulated in the development of the Sensory Responsive Environments Framework (SREF), the emergent theoretical framework of this study.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exploring Multisensory Landscapes: 2023 Visual Resource Stewardship Conference)
Open AccessArticle
Urban Echoes: Exploring the Dynamic Realities of Cities through Digital Twins
by
Piero Boccardo, Luigi La Riccia and Yogender Yadav
Land 2024, 13(5), 635; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13050635 - 8 May 2024
Abstract
Digital twins (DTs) are highly valuable tools for urban planning as they provide a virtual replica of the physical city, integrating real-time data and simulations to enhance the decision-making and management processes. The use of DTs expands the possibilities for data integration and
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Digital twins (DTs) are highly valuable tools for urban planning as they provide a virtual replica of the physical city, integrating real-time data and simulations to enhance the decision-making and management processes. The use of DTs expands the possibilities for data integration and visualization in urban contexts. This includes real-time data measurements from multiple sources, such as sensors and IoT devices, facilitating comprehensive insights. DT’s virtual representation helps authorities and planners visualize urban dynamics and improve their understanding of urban ecosystems, energy efficiency, traffic management, emergency response, and more. DT supports the simulation and modeling of different scenarios in an urban built environment, enabling the predictive analysis of transformation decisions and the anticipation of future trends and challenges. This paper highlights the assumptions and ongoing progress in the development of a DT for the city of Turin (Italy), focusing on a range of applications, such as the extraction of built and natural environment features, land use data, road network and pavement quality, and signage, along with continuous model updates over time.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Progress in Urbanisation Dynamics Research Ⅱ)
Open AccessArticle
Spatiotemporal Pattern and Spatial Convergence of Land Use Carbon Emission Efficiency in the Pan-Pearl River Delta: Based on the Difference in Land Use Carbon Budget
by
Zhenggen Fan, Wentong Xia, Hu Yu, Ji Liu and Binghua Liu
Land 2024, 13(5), 634; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13050634 - 8 May 2024
Abstract
Research on land use carbon emission efficiency (LUCEE) in the Pan-Pearl River Delta (PPRD) can aid in formulating regional differentiated carbon reduction strategies. In this work, the inversion of carbon emissions using night-time light (NTL) data and the modified Carnegie Ames Stanford Approach
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Research on land use carbon emission efficiency (LUCEE) in the Pan-Pearl River Delta (PPRD) can aid in formulating regional differentiated carbon reduction strategies. In this work, the inversion of carbon emissions using night-time light (NTL) data and the modified Carnegie Ames Stanford Approach (CASA) model were used to measure the net carbon emissions from land use (NCELU). On this basis, the SBM-undesirable model was used to assess the LUCEE. Additionally, the exploratory spatial data analysis (ESDA), Dagum Gini coefficient, and spatial convergence model were further introduced to analyze the spatial correlation, regional differences, and convergence trend of the LUCEE. Findings indicate that: (1) The NCELU showed an increasing fluctuation. During the period of 2006–2020, the NCELU increased from −168.58 million tons to −724.65 million tons. (2) The LUCEE exhibited a three-phase fluctuating downward trend of “decrease–rise–decrease”. The LUCEE first decreased from 0.612 in 2006 to 0.544 in 2008, then gradually increased to 0.632 in 2016, and finally decreased to 0.488 in 2020. Spatially, the LUCEE manifested a distribution characteristic of “high in the north and south, low in the middle”, with distinct spatial clustering features. (3) The overall Gini coefficient in the study period increased from 0.1819 to 0.2461. The primary contributor to the overall difference over the entire sample period was hypervariable density. (4) The PPRD and its various subregions displayed significant features of absolute and conditional β convergence. The speed of regional convergence from fastest to slowest was central > west > east, with the absolute convergence speeds of 0.0505, 0.0360, and 0.0212, respectively. Finally, policy recommendations are proposed to achieve regional carbon neutrality for the PPRD.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Land Use Change, Carbon, and Markets)
Open AccessArticle
Feasibility of Using SWIR-Transformed Reflectance (STR) in Place of Surface Temperature (Ts) for the Mapping of Irrigated Landcover
by
Mohammad Abuzar, Kathryn Sheffield and Andy McAllister
Land 2024, 13(5), 633; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13050633 - 8 May 2024
Abstract
(1) Background: A simple approach to map irrigated landcover has been introduced by using measures derived from the optical spectral range as an alternative to the thermal range. It has been demonstrated that substituting surface temperature (Ts, ‘thermal approach’) with SWIR-transformed reflectance (STR,
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(1) Background: A simple approach to map irrigated landcover has been introduced by using measures derived from the optical spectral range as an alternative to the thermal range. It has been demonstrated that substituting surface temperature (Ts, ‘thermal approach’) with SWIR-transformed reflectance (STR, ‘optical approach’) to detect surface moisture is feasible with comparable results. (2) Methods: Using an iterative thresholding procedure to minimize within-class variance, the bilevel segmentation of variables derived from Landsat-8 representing surface moisture and vegetation cover was achieved for the 2020–2021 summer for a key irrigation district in Australia. (3) Results: The results of irrigated landcover by the optical approach were found to be comparable with those obtained by the thermal approach. The classification accuracy was assessed using water delivery records at the farm level. Although the overall accuracy was high in both cases, the optical approach (97.6%) performed slightly better than the thermal approach (93.9%). (4) Conclusions: The feasibility of using STR to map irrigated landcover has been confirmed by a high-level overall accuracy assessment. This has broader implications in terms of irrigated landcover assessment, as the use of satellite imagery in these applications may not necessarily be limited to microwave or thermal sensors.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Land Use and Land Cover Mapping)
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Open AccessArticle
Climate Warming Benefits Plant Growth but Not Net Carbon Uptake: Simulation of Alaska Tundra and Needle Leaf Forest Using LPJ-GUESS
by
Cui Liu, Chuanhua Li and Liangliang Li
Land 2024, 13(5), 632; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13050632 - 8 May 2024
Abstract
Climate warming significantly impacts Arctic vegetation, yet its future role as a carbon sink or source is unclear. We analyzed vegetation growth and carbon exchange in Alaska’s tundra and needle leaf forests using the LPJ-GUESS model. The accuracy of the model is verified
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Climate warming significantly impacts Arctic vegetation, yet its future role as a carbon sink or source is unclear. We analyzed vegetation growth and carbon exchange in Alaska’s tundra and needle leaf forests using the LPJ-GUESS model. The accuracy of the model is verified using linear regression of the measured data from 2004 to 2008, and the results are significantly correlated, which proves that the model is reliable, with R2 values of 0.51 and 0.46, respectively, for net ecosystem carbon exchange (NEE) at the tundra and needle leaf forest sites, and RMSE values of 22.85 and 23.40 gC/m2/yr for the tundra and needle forest sites, respectively. For the gross primary production (GPP), the R2 values were 0.66 and 0.85, and the RMSE values were 39.25 and 43.75 gC/m2/yr at the tundra and needle leaf forest sites, respectively. We simulated vegetation carbon exchanges for 1992–2014 and projected future exchanges for 2020–2100 using climate variables. Under SSP1-2.6, SSP2-4.5, and SSP5-8.5 scenarios, GPP values increase with higher emissions, while the NEE showed great fluctuations without significant differences among the three pathways. Our results showed although climate warming can benefit vegetation growth, net carbon assimilation by vegetation may not increase accordingly in the future.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability, 3rd Volume)
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Open AccessArticle
Impacts of Streetscape Features on Individual Social Capital: Applying Korea’s Neighborhood Data to Street View Images to Improve Lives of the Socially Vulnerable
by
Sunmin Kim, Junehyung Jeon, Youngre Noh and Ayoung Woo
Land 2024, 13(5), 631; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13050631 - 8 May 2024
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Neighborhood social vulnerability is a dimension of vulnerability that influences society’s response to external factors, encompassing various social factors tied to socioeconomic and demographic attributes at the neighborhood level. While previous studies have explored the associations between vulnerable neighborhoods and stressors like environmental
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Neighborhood social vulnerability is a dimension of vulnerability that influences society’s response to external factors, encompassing various social factors tied to socioeconomic and demographic attributes at the neighborhood level. While previous studies have explored the associations between vulnerable neighborhoods and stressors like environmental hazards, understanding of their impact on residents’ social capital remains limited. Moreover, the role of built environments in mitigating these effects is uncertain. This study investigates the impact of neighborhood social vulnerability, alongside streetscape features, on individual social capital in Seoul, South Korea. Using a stratified random sampling method, we surveyed 1000 Seoul residents, assessing their social capital and demographics. In particular, six questionnaires based on a four-point Likert scale were used to measure the individual level of social capital: two questions for social networks, three questions for social participation, and one question for sense of community. Additionally, we employed a deep learning-based model to analyze Google Street View images for detailed streetscape features. Our analysis, utilizing multiple and ordinal logistic regression models, reveals that walkable environments and neighborhood prosperity, indicated by factors like income, education, and street greenery, are linked to higher social capital. Moreover, less urbanized areas with lower land prices and greater openness to the sky also show positive associations. These findings underscore the potential of improving streetscape features to mitigate the negative impacts of neighborhood vulnerability, particularly in neighborhoods where low-income and less-educated residents are concentrated, offering insights for urban planners and community leaders.
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Open AccessArticle
Transformative Impact of Technology in Landscape Architecture on Landscape Research: Trends, Concepts and Roles
by
Xiwei Shen, Mary G. Padua and Niall G. Kirkwood
Land 2024, 13(5), 630; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13050630 - 8 May 2024
Abstract
The role of technology in landscape architecture (TLA) has significantly evolved since the 19th century, increasingly integrating with digital tools and technologies in the 21st century. Despite its growing importance, there is a notable deficiency in the scholarly literature regarding the progression of
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The role of technology in landscape architecture (TLA) has significantly evolved since the 19th century, increasingly integrating with digital tools and technologies in the 21st century. Despite its growing importance, there is a notable deficiency in the scholarly literature regarding the progression of TLA trends and their interplay with the core domains and research themes within landscape research. The influence of TLA on landscape research remains ambiguous, especially concerning its ability to generate new knowledge and impact design and sustainability practices. Furthermore, there is a critical need to delineate how TLA differs from allied general digital technology tools and to identify specific specializations that are emerging within the TLA field. To explore the above gaps, this study utilized a mixed methods approach involving secondary data from peer-reviewed publications, primary data from the archival research of winning projects, and expert interviews based on the two major research types of “Research through Design (RTD)” and “Research for Design (RFD)” to explore the TLA’s contribution. This research is significant as it: (1) identified the trend of TLA; (2) conceptualized the TLA, and (3) identified its role in relation to the core domains and research themes of landscape research.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Landscape Design, Evaluation and Management Created by Novel Technologies)
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Open AccessArticle
Theme Exploration and Sentiment Analysis of Online Reviews of Wuyishan National Park
by
Wei Fu and Bin Zhou
Land 2024, 13(5), 629; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13050629 - 7 May 2024
Abstract
The study aimed to explore the relationship and interaction between humans and nature in specific areas. Latent Dirichlet allocation topic recognition and SnowNLP sentiment analysis were used to extract the topics and analyze the sentiments from visitors’ online reviews of Wuyishan National Park.
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The study aimed to explore the relationship and interaction between humans and nature in specific areas. Latent Dirichlet allocation topic recognition and SnowNLP sentiment analysis were used to extract the topics and analyze the sentiments from visitors’ online reviews of Wuyishan National Park. The conclusions were as follows: (1) The tourists mainly expressed positive emotions toward Wuyishan National Park, and the tourists acknowledged its ecological environment and natural and cultural heritage value. (2) The tourists’ comments focused on four themes: tourism activities and facilities, natural and cultural heritage value, characteristic tourism products, and tourism management and services. Natural experience was the main tourism activity in Wuyishan National Park, while cultural activities were related to the tea culture. (3) The tourist facilities, ticket and reservation mechanism, and management and services of Wuyishan National Park were the main concerns of the tourists. The study suggested that Wuyishan National Park could be transformed from a tourist destination into a comprehensive national park that provides recreational experiences and environmental education. This should be conducted by (1) developing detailed natural and cultural education and experience products and (2) improving public service functions and enhancing the public welfare of the national park.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Utilization of National Parks’ Natural Resources and Community Livelihood)
Open AccessArticle
Analysis of Peatland Research Trends Based on BERTopic
by
A-Ram Yang, Jeongyeon Chae and Eunho Choi
Land 2024, 13(5), 628; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13050628 - 7 May 2024
Abstract
Peatlands comprise approximately 3% of the land area worldwide. Peatland exists in most countries, including tropical, subtropical, and boreal regions. Accordingly, peatland has garnered increased research attention as a potential countermeasure against climate change. Therefore, it is necessary to identify and comprise the
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Peatlands comprise approximately 3% of the land area worldwide. Peatland exists in most countries, including tropical, subtropical, and boreal regions. Accordingly, peatland has garnered increased research attention as a potential countermeasure against climate change. Therefore, it is necessary to identify and comprise the topics constituting global peatland research. In this study, we applied BERTopic—a topic modeling technique—to analyze relatedness between research topics to classify global peatland research trends, evaluate changes over time, and analyze the relationships between topics. To this end, we searched the keyword “peatland” on ScienceDirect—a global academic publication data platform—and collected the titles and abstracts from 10,158 publications from 1953 to 2022 for dynamic topic modeling and network analysis. Eighty-two peatland research topics were identified, which were combined into 15 main topics. Over time, an increasing trend was observed in topics related to production, management, and fire. In addition, upon analysis of the relationships between topics, three groups centered on fire, peatland value, and carbon were identified. We anticipate that the findings of this study can be expanded to analyze trends in research related to fires in peatlands, regional characteristics of peat soil, prediction of greenhouse gases emission and mitigation due to peatland fires, and prediction of future peatland research topics.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Restoration of Tropical Peatlands: Science Policy and Practice)
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Topic Editors: Paulo Pereira, Murray Gray, Maria da Glória GarciaDeadline: 20 May 2024
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New Advances in Paleolithic Sites and Early Human Settlement
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Topic Editors: Jun Peng, Jingran Zhang, Yujie Guo, Guoqiang Li, Chongyi E, Xiangjun LiuDeadline: 31 August 2024
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Challenges in the Framework for Integrated Approaches in Vulnerable Coastal Areas: Case Studies & Innovative Proposals
Guest Editor: Salvador García-Ayllón VeintimillaDeadline: 24 May 2024
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Advances in Landscape Visual Quality Assessment in the Decade of Ecosystem Restoration
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Global Change in Mediterranean Regions: Potential Impact of Climate Drift and Land Use on Soil Erosion and Land Degradation
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