Multilevel analysis of a riverscape under rapid urbanization in the Yangtze delta plain, China: 1965–2006

River networks are the typical hydrological characteristic of the Yangtze delta plain. They have important ecological service functions and a unique landscape, which has been significantly degraded during the past 50 years. Qingpu District in Shanghai has been used as study area to develop an integrated method for riverscape assessment in floodplain areas with a dense river network. This integrated method bridges geomorgraphy, landscape, and regional planning. Indicators of sinuosity, connectivity, and circuitry have been integrated into a three-level framework, including river, intersection, and river network level. Furthermore, this method was integrated by the geographic information system method and stepwise regression to identify the riverscape response to the changes in the use of the land. The spatial and temporal changes of the riverscape and land use were calculated for each grid (3000 m × 3000 m) from 1965 to 2006. The results indicated that the riverscape had been significantly degraded during the study period in terms of sinuosity, connectivity, and circuitry reducing. The land use changed significantly with more building areas and less water regions and agricultural land. Additionally, the regression results indicated that several specific land use conversion types had had strong effects on the change in the riverscape structure. Finally, according to the assessing method, we have proposed specific planning and management recommendations based on the pressure-state-response model to protect the riverscape from the impact of rapid urbanization.