ORIGINAL RESEARCH
Construction and Evaluation of Ecological
Security Patterns Using the PLUS Model and
Circuit Theory: A Case Study of Liuzhou, China
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College of Tourism and Landscape Architecture, Guilin University of Technology, Guilin 541004, China
Submission date: 2024-09-13
Final revision date: 2025-04-04
Acceptance date: 2025-04-13
Online publication date: 2025-06-18
Corresponding author
Hui Liu
College of Tourism and Landscape Architecture, Guilin University of Technology, No. 319, Yanshan Street, Yanshan District, Guilin , 514000, Guilin, China
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ABSTRACT
The efficacy of scientific ecological restoration in territorial spaces hinges on the accurate
identification of ecological restoration zones. Regional ecological security patterns were established
using the Patch-Generating Land Use Simulation (PLUS) Model and Circuit Theory. The research
findings are as follows: (1) By 2030, construction land will expand by 12.07%, while cultivated land
and water bodies will decline by 0.42% and 1.23%, respectively. Woodland areas are anticipated to
increase by 0.38%, thereby mitigating landscape fragmentation. (2) 13,994.62 km² of ecological sources
(60.29% of the study area) were identified, predominantly woodlands and water bodies, critical for
regional ecological stability. (3) 29 ecological corridors (1,740.55 km) were identified, with 15 strategic
corridors constituting 47.58% of the network. Key restoration areas included 112 ecological pinch points,
168 barriers, and 129 breakpoints. Tailored restoration measures are recommended based on
geographical characteristics and land use types. This study provides spatial guidelines for territorial
ecological conservation and restoration strategies.