This study aims to analyze the ecological landscape patterns of Guilin’s ancient towns by integrating Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and the Landscape Index. It examines how urban growth, tourism, and modernization affect the ecological and cultural sustainability of heritage areas. Additionally, the study provides insights into sustainable heritage management by assessing spatial metrics related to landscape fragmentation and ecological connectivity. A quantitative research design was applied, and the analysis of landscape patterns and fragmentation was conducted with the help of GIS mapping and the Landscape Index. Data on spatial change were gathered and analyzed to determine variations in land use, patch density, edge contrast, and ecological connectivity over time. The paper used spatial measures to identify areas at high risk of fragmentation and assess how urbanization affected the historic landscape. The findings reveal considerable landscape discontinuity caused by urbanization, which leads to a reduction in green areas and ecological deterioration. Areas with high fragmentation were also identified. The results indicate that cultural and ecological sustainability in the historic towns of Guilin is threatened and that landscape change and heritage degradation are largely caused by urbanization and development related to the tourism industry. This research integrates GIS-based spatial analysis to propose data-driven conservation strategies. It contributes to sustainable urban planning and offers a replicable framework for heritage preservation in historically significant towns facing urbanization challenges.
This study aims to analyze the ecological landscape patterns of Guilin’s ancient towns by integrating Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and the Landscape Index. It examines how urban growth, tourism, and modernization affect the ecological and cultural sustainability of heritage areas. Additionally, the study provides insights into sustainable heritage management by assessing spatial metrics related to landscape fragmentation and ecological connectivity. A quantitative research design was applied, and the analysis of landscape patterns and fragmentation was conducted with the help of GIS mapping and the Landscape Index. Data on spatial change were gathered and analyzed to determine variations in land use, patch density, edge contrast, and ecological connectivity over time. The paper used spatial measures to identify areas at high risk of fragmentation and assess how urbanization affected the historic landscape. The findings reveal considerable landscape discontinuity caused by urbanization, which leads to a reduction in green areas and ecological deterioration. Areas with high fragmentation were also identified. The results indicate that cultural and ecological sustainability in the historic towns of Guilin is threatened and that landscape change and heritage degradation are largely caused by urbanization and development related to the tourism industry. This research integrates GIS-based spatial analysis to propose data-driven conservation strategies. It contributes to sustainable urban planning and offers a replicable framework for heritage preservation in historically significant towns facing urbanization challenges.
