Quantitative Model Construction for Sustainable Security Patterns in Social–Ecological Links Using Remote Sensing and Machine Learning

Abstract

With the global issues of extreme climate and urbanization, the ecological security patterns (ESPs) in the Qinling Mountains are facing prominent challenges. As a crucial ecological barrier in China, understanding the characteristics of ESPs in the Qinling Mountains is vital for achieving sustainable development. This study focuses on Yangxian and employs methods such as machine learning (ML), remote sensing (RS), geographic information systems (GISs), analytic hierarchy process and principal component analysis (AHP–PCA), and the minimum cumulative resistance (MCR) model to construct an ecological security network based on multi-factor ecological sensitivity (ES) and conduct quantitative spatial analysis. The results demonstrate that the AHP–PCA method based on ML overcomes the limitations of the single-weighting method. The ESPs of Yangxian were established, consisting of 21 main and secondary ecological sources with an area of 592.81 km2 (18.55%), 41 main and secondary ecological corridors with a length of 738.85 km, and 33 ecological nodes. A coupling relationship among three dimensions was observed: comprehensive ecological sensitivity, ESPs, and administrative districts (ADs). Huangjinxia Town (1.43 in C5) and Huayang Town (7.28 in C4) likely have significant areas of ecological vulnerability, while Machang Town and Maoping Town are important in the ESPs. ADs focus on protection and management. The second corridor indicated high-quality construction, necessitating the implementation of strict protection policies in the study area. The innovation lies in the utilization of quantitative analysis methods, such as ML and RS technologies, to construct an ecological spatial pattern planning model and propose a new perspective for the quantitative analysis of ecological space. This study provides a quantitative foundation for urban and rural ecological spatial planning in Yangxian and will help facilitate the sustainable development of ecological planning in the Qinling region.