Spatial heterogeneity in functional evaluation, spatio-temporal evolution and zoning schemes of production-living-ecological space in China

Scientifically identifying the spatial-temporal evolution characteristics of production-living-ecological space (PLES) and their inherent interrelationships is of great significance for achieving optimized spatial layout and sustainable development of national territory. In this study, multi-source spatial-temporal data were integrated to evaluate the heterogeneity and analyze the spatio-temporal evolution of PLES functions in China from 2000 to 2020. The authors identified the spatial clustering and coordination characteristics of PLES at the city level in China and proposed corresponding zoning and regulatory schemes accordingly. The results are as follows. (1) The overall spatial pattern of production space exhibited a trend of "high in the east and low in the west, with significant clustering and minimal dispersal," and overall expansion outweighed contraction during the study period. Along the Hu Huanyong Line living space generally followed a spatial pattern of "high in the east and low in the west" and remained relatively stable over the study period. Overall, ecological space in China exhibited a spatial pattern of being "higher in the hinterland and lower along the coast," displaying a trend of expansion throughout the study period. (2) During the period from 2000 to 2020, the spatial functions of PLES at the city level in China exhibited strong clustering characteristics. Among them, the positively correlated clustering areas of production space continued to expand, while the living space remained relatively stable. The positively correlated clustering areas of ecological space showed a pattern of "expansion in the northeast and contraction in the west." Based on this analysis, corresponding zoning and regulatory schemes were proposed in 2020 for different spatial clustering types at the city level in China. Production space was divided into agricultural development zone, urban development zone, potential development zone, and optimization and transformation zone. Living space was categorized into core living zone, potential residential zone, and moderate development zone. Ecological space was designated as ecological protection zone, function enhancement zone, and low-carbon development zone. (3) During the period from 2000 to 2020, the coupling and coordination degree of the spatial functions of PLES at the city level in China exhibited a spatial progression from west to east with the Hu Huanyong Line as the boundary. Its evolution exhibited waveform characteristics. Cities with high degrees of coupling and coordination primarily expanded outwards from the North China Plain and coastal areas of South China, whereas low-value areas gradually contracted towards the interior of northwestern regions. Based on this analysis, corresponding zoning and regulatory schemes were proposed in 2020 for the coordination degree of PLES at the city level in China. Specifically, they were categorized into production development zone, life gathering zone, collaborative development zone, living optimization zone, and living transformation zone. This comprehensive study meticulously discerns the multifaceted functions of PLES across diverse land plots of the same land type, and proposes zoning schemes and differentiated regulatory measures based on the clustering and coordination patterns characteristics in China. The diverse and meticulous analytical outcomes herein serve as invaluable scientific references for the meticulous development of China's territorial space.