Study on mechanism of landuse conversion in metropolitan area: a case study of Lanzhou metropolitan area, China

Along with its economic reform, China has experienced a rapid urbanization. It is very prominent that the agricultural lands such as farmlands, woodlands and grasslands, converted to building lands with the higher benefit. This study took Lanzhou metropolitan area in China as an example. Firstly, direction of landuse conversion was confirmed based on interpretation on the TM 2, 3, 4 integrated images 1986 and ETM + 2, 3, 4 integrated 2000 in Lanzhou metropolitan area. And the basic pattern of landuse conversion was analyzed. Secondly, according to the governmental statistics data from 1986 to 2000, we found out the driving factors of landuse conversion by principal component analysis and Granger causality test. Influence degree of the driving forces was estimated by using regression analysis method. Thirdly, from the views of market economy and government intervention, the regulative mechanism of landuse conversion was analyzed theoretically. In the end, some feasible suggestions were put forward to harmonize foodstuff production and economy development.