Analysis of land use change on urban landscape patterns in Northwest China: A case study of Xi’an city

Abstract Xi’an, an inland city in Northwest China, borders the Qinling Mountains to the south and Wei River to the north. This city is rich in biodiversity and occupies a unique position in China. In the past few decades, human activities have led to great changes in land use in Xi’an city, and the ecosystem has experienced an accelerated fragmentation process. This study analyzed the degree of land use change and landscape fragmentation in the region. Land use data in 1990, 2000, 2010, and 2018 were used to evaluate the effects of land use change on the landscape pattern in Xi’an city at different scales using mathematical models and landscape indices. Results show that from 1990 to 2018, built-up land expanded the most, from 7.34 to 13.51%. Cropland decreased the most, from 40.12 to 29.81%. Overall, the fragmentation degree of cropland patches decreased, and the fragmentation degree of built-up land patches increased. The landscape patterns of different districts and counties show different change directions. The results can provide necessary information for land use planning and land resource allocation in inland cities in Northwest China.