Spatial scaling of land use/land cover and ecosystem services across urban hierarchical levels: patterns and relationships

Land use/land cover (LULC) patterns seriously affect ecosystem services (ESs), especially in highly developed urban agglomerations. Exploring how LULC and ESs change spatially across hierarchical levels understanding the possible mechanisms can promote sustainable planning of landscapes. By mapping spatial three largest agglomerations China, this study aimed to (1) identify scaling relations different levels, (2) explore these two types scaling, (3) examine relate policy implications. Based on LULC, we used Integrated Valuation Ecosystem Services Tradeoffs (InVEST) model other biophysical models quantify ES indicators. Then, scalograms were with respect changing extent. Developed land cropland exhibited most predictable responses Compared ESs, provisioning predictable. The at fell into general types: power laws city proper level exponential relationships metropolitan region agglomeration levels. both varied was closely related patterns. Integrating use help decision-makers formulate multi-scale landscape conservation strategies.