Sustainability, Vol. 10, Pages 4649: Research on the Optimization of Regional Green Infrastructure Network (Sustainability)

With the rapid rate of urbanization, green infrastructure land is increasingly being converted to urban construction land, and the fragmentation of regional green infrastructure (GI) networks is intensifying. The connectivity of a GI network is of paramount importance for maintaining both regional biodiversity and regional ecosystem service capacity, among others. In this paper, an innovative approach to planning a GI network is presented. The proposed approach is based on the Morphological Spatial Pattern Analysis (MSPA) method, minimum path method, and circuit theory. Using the Zhengzhou-Kaifeng metropolitan area in China as a case study, we argue that the combination of the MSPA method and circuit theory can more fully and comprehensively identify the components of a GI network and its key areas. The methodology consists of three steps: (i) Identifying the cores and bridges of the GI by the MSPA method based on land use data, followed by determining the hubs of the GI network by assessing the connectivity of the core area; (ii) establishing potential connecting corridors between hubs by the minimum path method; (iii) identifying the `pinch point` area of the potential connecting corridors based on current density by applying circuit theory. This approach not only makes identification of the `hubs` and `links` in the green infrastructure network more scientific and comprehensive, but it also further identifies `pinch point` areas of the connecting corridors that require priority protection or recovery. The research results can be used as a practical reference for urban planners when planning urban land use.