Analysis of the land use structure changes based on Lorenz curves

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Geography
• Economics

Background:

• Land use change is a critical aspect of global change research.
• It directly impacts land resource security and sustainable development.
• Traditional studies often employed environmental simulation models.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze land use structure changes in Jilin Province's western plain.
• To apply economic models, specifically the Economic Lorenz curve and Gini coefficient, to land use analysis.
• To offer a simpler, more intuitive approach to studying land use dynamics.

Main Methods:

• Utilized the Economic Lorenz curve to visualize land distribution.
• Employed the Gini coefficient to quantify land use inequality.
• Analyzed land use data for the period 1989-2004.

Main Results:

• Observed a 'two near and two far' pattern in Lorenz curves.
• Noted a 'two increased and two decreased' trend in the Gini coefficient.
• Cultivated and unused land areas increased (more uniform distribution), while grassland and water bodies decreased (less uniform distribution).

Conclusions:

• Economic models provide a straightforward and intuitive method for land use change analysis.
• The study highlights significant shifts towards uniformity in some land types and increasing unevenness in others.
• Findings offer valuable insights for land management and sustainable development strategies.