[Quantitative analysis of urban forest structure: a case study on Shenyang arboretum]

The spatial features and attribute data of urban forests in Shenyang arboretum were acquired by using aerial photographs and field investigation. After systemic and quantitative analysis of the species composition and spatial distribution pattern of urban forest community based on geographic information system (GIS), the following results were achieved: 1) the vegetation in the arboretum was rich and in a good condition. Phellodendron amurense, Robinia pseudoacacia, and Ulmus punita were the main species according to their abundant individuals and relative dominance. The spatial distribution pattern of this vegetation indicated that it was in a growing level and in the best state for ecological benefits; 2) the tree species relative dominance based on vegetation quantity had no distinct relationship with the species abundance, and the species having abundant individuals might have a low relative dominance; and 3) the curve displayed in the relationship diagram between tree individuals and tree height showed ascending and protruding. With the increment of tree height class, the individuals were unchanged nearly at the beginning, but when the height was more than 12 m, the individuals reduced distinctly, and the curve displayed a quickly declined trend. The relationship between tree individuals and tree diameter at the breast height (DBH) showed the same result.