2.2.4. Geographical Detector

Geographical detectors are a statistical tool that is used to detect the spatial differentiation of geographical phenomena and explain their driving forces [51]. The term was proposed by Wang Jingfeng [52]. In this study, we used the factor and interaction detection modules of a geographic detector to identify the main driving forces that affect the regional eco-environmental quality, and at the same time, try to explore the driving mechanism that affects the eco-environmental quality of Qinghai Province.

#### *2.3. Data Sources and Pre-Processing*

#### 2.3.1. Data Sources

In this study, we used the six periods land use data of Qinghai Province for the years 1980, 1990, 2000, 2010, 2015, and 2020 at 30 m × 30 m spatial resolution. The digital

elevation model (DEM) image data at 30 m spatial resolution and the datasets of the spatial differences of the precipitation and mean temperature of Qinghai were obtained from the Data Centre for Resources and Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences (https: //www.resdc.cn, accessed on 3 March 2022). We used the human–computer interactive visual interpretation method, which was based on the data from Landsat multispectral scanner system (MSS), thematic mapper/enhanced thematic mapper (TM/ETM), and Landsat8, which was used to interpret the data. The comprehensive interpretation accuracy of the method was not less than 90% and could thus meet the needs of this study. We used ArcGIS to extract the elevation, slope, and relief from the DEM data. The socio-economic data were collected from the Qinghai Statistical Yearbook and National Economic and Social Development Statistical Bulletin of each city, county, and district.
