Exploration of Eco-Environment and Urbanization Changes Based on Multi-Source Remote Sensing Data—A Case Study of Yangtze River Delta Urban Agglomeration

Abstract

Rapid urbanization inevitably exerts pressure on the surrounding ecological environment, and balancing the relationship between the ecological environment and urbanization is crucial for sustainable urban development. Taking the Yangtze River Delta urban agglomeration (YRDUA) as a case study, this paper utilizes MODIS data and nighttime light data to construct the MODIS Remote Sensing Ecological Index (MRSEI) and Comprehensive Nighttime Light Index (CNLI) distributions to depict ecological environment quality and urbanization levels. Based on this, the Coupled Coordination Degree (CCD) model is employed to calculate the coupling coordination level between the two, and the Geodetector is used to analyze the underlying causes affecting the CCD. The results indicate the following: (1) the overall ecological environment of the YRDUA tends to be stable, but there are significant differences between regions. Areas with deteriorating ecological conditions are concentrated in cities with higher rates of urbanization changes. (2) All cities are developing towards coordination, but there are imbalances in development among different regions. (3) The key factors affecting the CCD are derived from socioeconomic elements rather than natural elements, with the interaction between GDP and DEM having the strongest explanatory power for the CCD. (4) The CNLI is positively correlated with the CCD, the MRSEI is negatively correlated with the CCD, and the level of urbanization is the decisive factor for CCD changes. The research findings can provide theoretical guidance for promoting sustainable urban development.