Abstract: Based on GIS technology,the MSS image in 1978 and the TM images in 1986,1990,1995 and 1999 were used to study the landscape spatial changes in Shenzhen during the past two decades.The results showed that the regional landscape in Shenzhen changed dramatically,from a typical agricultural landscape to a rapidly urbanizing landscape.The percentage of cultivated land decreased from 31.06% to 2.67%,while that of built-up area increased from 0.33% to 22.52%.The landscape diversity index showed a tendency of increase in 1978～1995,followed by a decrease in 1999.The index of landscape contagion decreased firstly and then increased,and the landscape fragmentation index increased from 0.0042 to 0.0073.Modified fractal dimension index showed the same tendency as landscape contagion index.Human activity was the main driving factor for landscape change.The change of geometry shape of landscape patches was driven by the economic interests of individual economic cells,and that of spatial configuration of landscape components was associated with the allocation of industries.The diversity of the whole landscape was mainly associated with the natural and ecological conditions such as topography and landform,while its change was strongly affected by the whole level of social and economic development.

Key words: Landscape pattern, Landscape changes, Driving force, Shenzhen