Ecological Sensitivity Assessment of Central Plains Cities Using RS/GIS Technology: A Case Study of the Zheng-Bian-Luo Urban Agglomeration

Focusing on the Zheng-Bian-Luo urban agglomeration in the Central Plains, this study selected six key indicators: elevation, aspect, slope, land-use type, vegetation coverage, and water buffer zone. The Delphi method, analytic hierarchy process, and weighted overlay were used to conduct a comprehensive ecological sensitivity analysis. The findings indicate that the water buffer zone exerts the most significant influence on the ecological sensitivity of the Zheng-Bian-Luo urban agglomeration, while elevation has the least impact, with respective weights of 0.308 and 0.049. The areas of extremely low and mildly sensitive ecological sensitivity in the Zheng-Bian-Luo urban agglomeration cover approximately 5872.48km², representing 31.59% of the total. These areas, primarily human-occupied and urbanized, are dispersed and concentrated in the eastern and southeastern coastal regions. The moderately sensitive areas encompass approximately 10,763.64km², constituting 37.07% of the total area. The area is mainly affected by factors such as terrain, vegetation coverage, aspect, and slope. The overall layout is relatively scattered. Therefore, while moderately developing the area, we must also pay attention to ecological protection and increase vegetation planting on the basis of shrubs. The areas classified as extremely high and highly sensitive encompass approximately 9096.96km², constituting 31.33% of the total. Primarily situated in water bodies and buffer zones, these areas require a focus on water and soil erosion issues. Overall, there is a consistent spatial distribution pattern showing a gradual decrease from northwest to southeast. Evaluating and analyzing the spatial distribution and extent of the ecological environment in the Zheng-Bian-Luo urban agglomeration provides valuable insights for future environmental protection and urban planning efforts in the region.