Comprehensive Evaluation System of Urban Forests and Case Studies

Author: Han Yi / Li Jiye
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-03-01
Features: What should a city be built like? How to address existing environmental issues in cities? How can ideal urban living environments be created? How much green space does a city truly need? What is the basis for quantifying it? How are the structure and distribution of urban forests? How do their forms and layouts integrate with the urban form? How can green spaces in built-up areas develop in coordination with urban forests, urban farmland, water bodies, and wetlands in suburban areas? Are the ecological service functions of green spaces being fully utilized? In the context of widespread urban land scarcity in China, how can conflicts between urban green spaces and other land uses be resolved to increase urban green space? This series of issues requires a practical and feasible solution.
Drawing on the achievements and practical experiences of urban forest research at home and abroad, combined with the current status and trends of urban forestry and ecological gardens in China, and based on fundamental ecological principles, this study proposes the concept of urban forests, defines the concept of urban forestry, and determines its research scope. On this basis, referring to data such as China's forest regionalization, and using factor analysis and cluster analysis to examine the influencing factors and types of urban forest development, the study identifies the favorable or limiting factors for urban forest development in the research area under the influence of climatic conditions, land use conditions, the current state of urban forest green spaces, economic conditions, and social conditions. It clarifies how urban forests can construct models based on existing conditions.
At the same time, by synthesizing existing research on urban forest structure and benefits, a comprehensive evaluation index system for modern urban forests covering ecological, structural, and landscape factors is established. Urban forest evaluation standards and procedures are developed, providing a scientific and rational methodology for urban forest evaluation. This aims to provide scientific quantitative indicators for urban forest planning in China, playing a role in overall control in urban forest planning. Through comprehensive urban forest evaluation, the optimal planning options can be selected to adapt to evaluations of the current state, planning, and construction achievements of urban forests.
Adopting the urban forest structural survey method commonly used by the U.S. Forest Service, this study investigates urban forests under both natural and urban environmental conditions in Baotou City. Using remote sensing, map data, and existing statistical data from specialized departments, the study analyzes the coverage and distribution of urban forests across various land use types in Baotou City. On this basis, the principle of statistical classification random sampling is applied to determine the number and distribution of sample points. Measurements are then conducted at these sample points to confirm the structural characteristics of urban forests in Baotou City, including species composition, community structure and dynamics, stratification structure, and spatial layout, as well as their type distribution.
Based on the study of the ecological service functions and landscape benefits of urban forests in Baotou City, the study compares the differences in ecological and landscape benefits among different structural communities, conducts a comprehensive evaluation, and establishes an urban forest type system adapted to their multifunctional characteristics.
According to the characteristics of Baotou City (natural conditions, plant species, cultural geography, historical and cultural background, urban type, economic strength, and development status), particularly the temperature and moisture conditions that critically constrain urban forest development, this study proposes construction plans, steps, and development paths for urban forests in Baotou City. It suggests construction models for different types of urban forests and communities, analyzes their existing problems, application conditions, adaptation range, model behavior, development directions, and solutions.