Coupling Ecological Security Pattern Establishment and Construction Land Expansion Simulation for Urban Growth Boundary Delineation: Framework and Application

Reasonable delineation of the urban growth boundary (UGB) plays a vital role in guiding orderly space and ensuring environmental health. Existing methodologies for UGB have failed to address significance ecological security. Therefore, this study presents framework that couples security pattern (ESP) establishment construction land expansion (CLE) simulation delineate UGB. The proposed is applied Nanchang Metropolitan Area (NCMA) southeastern China. First, we established regional ESP NCMA 2018 based on an improved minimum cumulative resistance model. areas low-, medium-, high-level were 1050.75, 736.42, 720.59 km2, respectively. Second, implemented multi-scenario CLE 2025 cellular automata–Markov A natural development scenario was superior protection scenarios social, economic, at scale. Accordingly, delineated with scale 687.87 dynamic adjustment using results scenario. rationality scientificity verified by comparing layout planning City. incorporating provides useful tool similar urbanized cities. Its application conducive achieving win–win outcome development.