Abstract: Based on the air photos of four stages since 1959 in Guandishan forest region,and assisted by other forest survey information,four stages of landscape element patch digital maps were generated in ARC INFO.By analyzing the patch density and edge density of landscape,dynamic laws of landscape heterogeneity and patch characters were comprehensively explored in this paper.The results showed that patch density and edge density both could be used to study landscape heterogeneity and its dynamic character.The outline of patch transformation and patch character changes during forest restoration in the study area were expounded in the paper.Some principl proposals were also provided in the end for the planning of forest restoration in similar area.

Key words: arid area, remote sensing, decision tree model, dry and wet seasons, soil salinization.