Spatiotemporal Characteristics and Habitat Quality Analysis in the Temperate Desert Sub-Region of Ordos Plateau, China
Round 1
Reviewer 1 Report
This paper evaluated the spatial and temporal characteristics of land use and habitat quality in the temperate desert sub-region of Ordos Plateau using patch-generating land use simulation (PLUS) and integrated valuation of ecosystem services and trade-offs (InVEST) models. Overall, the research approach of this paper is clear and the data is detailed. In order to improve the quality of the thesis, it is recommended to pay attention to the following issues:
(1) The methods used in the paper are relatively mature and lack a summary of the main innovative points and highlights. Therefore, it is recommended to add relevant explanations in the discussion section.
(2) Some of the language in the paper needs further polishing and adjustment.
(3) Suggest increasing the prediction time of the PLUS model from 2025 to 2035 to increase the scientificity and explanatory power of the prediction results.
(4) The images in the text should maintain sufficient resolution, and the font size should be equal to or larger than the main text font.
(5) The main body should pay attention to the logical relationships between different parts.
Suggest breaking down some difficult to understand long sentences into several short ones to enhance the readability of the paper.
Author Response
Response to Reviewer 1 Comments
Point 1: The methods used in the paper are relatively mature and lack a summary of the main innovative points and highlights. Therefore, it is recommended to add relevant explanations in the discussion section.
Response 1: I revised the discussion in the section of the paper and added a summary of the main innovations and highlights of the paper.
Point 2: Some of the language in the paper needs further polishing and adjustment.
Response 2: I have revised and embellished some words and phrases in the paper.
Point 3: Suggest increasing the prediction time of the PLUS model from 2025 to 2035 to increase the scientificity and explanatory power of the prediction results.
Response 3: Since the PLUS model predicts future land use needs to verify the accuracy of the model. Using the land use data of Ordos Temperate Plateau Desert sub-region in 2000 to predict the land use in 2010, the Kappa coefficient shows less than 0.7, which is not in line with the accuracy of PLUS model use, so the land use pattern of Ordos Temperate Desert sub-region in 2030 was not chosen to be predicted.
Point 4: The images in the text should maintain sufficient resolution, and the font size should be equal to or larger than the main text font.
Response 4: I adjusted the resolution of the images in the paper and the font size of the legends in the images.
Point 5: The main body should pay attention to the logical relationships between different parts.
Response 5: I revised some of the statements in the thesis to make the logical relationship between the various parts of the thesis clearer. Also, the long sentences in the thesis were shortened.
Finally, thank you for checking out my paper.
Author Response File: 
Author Response.pdf
Reviewer 2 Report
Good job.
Congradulations.
Author Response
Thank you very much for taking time out of your busy schedule to review my thesis. Attached is the revised paper, and I would like to ask for your criticism again.
Author Response File: Author Response.pdf
Reviewer 3 Report
The present research paper contributes with analysis and methods to integrate the precise land use change predictions of the PLUS model with the user-friendly habitat quality calculations of the InVEST model. The goal is to examine land use and habitat quality changes within the Ordos Plateau between 2000 and 2020. By considering natural development and ecological protection scenarios, the study projects the future land use to 2025. Ultimately, the research aims to offer insights into establishing ecological civilization and implementing regional planning and development strategies in the Ordos Plateau region.
I have the following comments and suggestions for including information and improvements:
Abstract
The authors should incorporate additional details regarding the methodologies employed and the specific numerical values of the main results. The existing version of the abstract should encompass this information to enhance its robustness and completeness.
Introduction
Providing a more explicit rationale for testing the model in various counties or locations sharing similar characteristics is imperative. This inclusion is vital to lend a broader perspective to the study, ensuring that the results do not appear to be confined to local importance alone.
Additionally, it is crucial to describe the objectives of the work directly and with greater clarity. While the complete introduction may reveal the purpose, explicitly stating it will assist readers in comprehending the work's significance more readily.
Methods
More details must be included in the sections 2.2 Research data, 2.3.1. PLUS model, 2.3.2. InVEST model.
1. The authors should incorporate a comprehensive flowchart outlining each stage of the processing undertaken in the study. Furthermore, it is vital to provide a detailed description of each processing stage to enhance readers' understanding.
2. Another critical aspect is to include a dedicated section in the paper specifically addressing the methods and results pertaining to the validation of the maps derived from the final model. This step is crucial for establishing the credibility and reliability of the findings. By providing explicit details on the validation process, readers will gain confidence in the accuracy of the results obtained.
3. In addition, it is essential to incorporate a thorough justification for the selection of the models employed in the study. Elaborating on the reasoning behind choosing these particular models will provide readers with a clearer understanding of their suitability for the research objectives.
4. Furthermore, providing detailed information about the specific settings and values chosen for each parameter will enhance transparency and reproducibility, allowing other researchers to replicate and build upon the study's findings effectively.
Results
1. It is recommended to reconsider the color scheme of the map presented in Figure 2, as certain colors, such as those representing wasteland and water, may be challenging to discern. A revised color palette should be carefully selected to ensure improved visual clarity and ease of interpretation.
2. Additionally, if feasible, a slight increase in the size of all figures would be beneficial. Enlarging the figures would enhance their visibility and allow readers to better appreciate the details and patterns presented in the visual representations. This adjustment will contribute to a more comprehensive and informative presentation of the data and findings.
3. Is it necessary to use six decimal places in Figures 4 and 5? The excessive precision of the decimal values may not contribute significantly to the reader's understanding of the color variations depicted in the figures. It is recommended to consider reducing the decimal places to a more reasonable level that aligns with the level of detail required for interpretation.
4. The resolution of figure 8 was not good. Please replace the figure.
Disscution
1. Incorporating citations that provide conceptual support for the results obtained in this section is of utmost importance. By referencing relevant literature, the authors can strengthen the validity and significance of their findings, establishing a solid theoretical foundation.
2. Furthermore, it is imperative for the authors to include a dedicated section that compares the results derived from the methods and analyses proposed in the article with existing findings in the literature. This comparative analysis will allow readers to contextualize the novel contributions of the study and understand how the results align or diverge from prior research. By highlighting similarities, differences, and potential implications, this comparative discussion will enrich the scientific discourse surrounding the topic and contribute to the advancement of knowledge in the field.
Conclusions
Please include insights into future research directions, based on the findings of the current study, the authors can contribute to the continuous progress and development of the field. This forward-looking perspective will not only inspire further investigations but also facilitate the establishment of a roadmap for future researchers to explore uncharted territories and build upon the knowledge gained from this research endeavor.
Author Response
Response to Reviewer 3 Comments
Methods
Point 1: The authors should incorporate a comprehensive flowchart outlining each stage of the processing undertaken in the study. Furthermore, it is vital to provide a detailed description of each processing stage to enhance readers' understanding.
Response 1: I have added flowcharts to the methods section of the paper and added details to the methods to describe the methods.
Point 2: Another critical aspect is to include a dedicated section in the paper specifically addressing the methods and results pertaining to the validation of the maps derived from the final model. This step is crucial for establishing the credibility and reliability of the findings. By providing explicit details on the validation process, readers will gain confidence in the accuracy of the results obtained.
Response 2: .The accuracy evaluation index for the validation of the PLUS model in this paper is the Kappa coefficient. In the methods section of the paper there is a description of the Kappa coefficient value greater than 0.7, which meets the criteria for the use of the PLUS model.
Point 3: In addition, it is essential to incorporate a thorough justification for the selection of the models employed in the study. Elaborating on the reasoning behind choosing these particular models will provide readers with a clearer understanding of their suitability for the research objectives.
Response 3: In the introduction of my thesis, I have explained the reasons for selecting the PLUS model and the InVEST model for the thesis, mainly based on previous studies and the applicability of the models.
Point 4: Furthermore, providing detailed information about the specific settings and values chosen for each parameter will enhance transparency and reproducibility, allowing other researchers to replicate and build upon the study's findings effectively.
Response 4: In the methods section of my thesis I describe the sources of reference for the model parameter settings, which are mainly based on the manuals for using the model and existing studies in the study area.
Results
Point 1: It is recommended to reconsider the color scheme of the map presented in Figure 2, as certain colors, such as those representing wasteland and water, may be challenging to discern. A revised color palette should be carefully selected to ensure improved visual clarity and ease of interpretation.
Response 1: I modified the color scheme of Figure 2 in the results section to ensure its legibility and to ensure that the colors representing the wasteland and the water bodies are more clearly distinguishable.
Point 2: Additionally, if feasible, a slight increase in the size of all figures would be beneficial. Enlarging the figures would enhance their visibility and allow readers to better appreciate the details and patterns presented in the visual representations. This adjustment will contribute to a more comprehensive and informative presentation of the data and findings.
Response 2: I made changes to the image size and color scheme in the results section, as well as to the size of the legend in the figure to ensure a more informative presentation of the data and study results.
Point 3: Is it necessary to use six decimal places in Figures 4 and 5? The excessive precision of the decimal values may not contribute significantly to the reader's understanding of the color variations depicted in the figures. It is recommended to consider reducing the decimal places to a more reasonable level that aligns with the level of detail required for interpretation.
Response 3: Figures 4 and 5 show the habitat quality and habitat degradation, respectively, based on the calculated results showing that the changes are mainly concentrated in the 3-6 decimal places. Therefore, it is easy to distinguish the changes by keeping 6 decimal places.
Point 4: .The resolution of figure 8 was not good. Please replace the figure.
Response 4: I modified the resolution and color scheme of Figure 8 so that Figure 8 meets the requirements for the resolution of the paper images.
Disscution
Point 1: Incorporating citations that provide conceptual support for the results obtained in this section is of utmost importance. By referencing relevant literature, the authors can strengthen the validity and significance of their findings, establishing a solid theoretical foundation.
Response 1: I have added references in the discussion section to explain the validity and significance of the findings.
Point 2: Furthermore, it is imperative for the authors to include a dedicated section that compares the results derived from the methods and analyses proposed in the article with existing findings in the literature. This comparative analysis will allow readers to contextualize the novel contributions of the study and understand how the results align or diverge from prior research. By highlighting similarities, differences, and potential implications, this comparative discussion will enrich the scientific discourse surrounding the topic and contribute to the advancement of knowledge in the field.
Response 2: I add paragraphs to the paper to describe the similarities and differences between the methods presented in the article and the results derived from the analysis and the existing findings in the literature.
Finally, thank you for checking out my paper.
Author Response File: Author Response.pdf
Round 2
Reviewer 1 Report
Suggest increasing the prediction time of the PLUS model from 2025 to 2035 to increase the scientificity and explanatory power of the prediction results.
I don't think language is a problem.
Author Response
Response to Reviewer 1 Comments
Point 1: Suggest increasing the prediction time of the PLUS model from 2025 to 2035 to increase the scientificity and explanatory power of the prediction results.
Response 1: Thank you for reviewing my paper and providing valuable comments. I have again revised and improved the statements of the paper. For your proposal to add the PLUS model to project the land use pattern of the study area in 2035. Since the PLUS model predicts the land use pattern of Ordos Temperate Plateau Desert in 2035, there is accuracy verification that does not meet the application requirements, so it is predicted for this.
Reviewer 3 Report
The authors have implemented the revisions as advised. Based on this, the current version of the manuscript is ready for publication in the journal Land.
Author Response
Thank you very much for taking the time and effort to read my article.
