Thematic maps for land consolidation planning in Hubei Province, China

<p>Land consolidation is the most effective land management approach to optimize land-use structure and improve the natural environment. This study aims to shed light on land consolidation planning processes in China, and to highlight the characteristics and contents of thematic maps in provincial-level planning. The study area, Hubei Province, has an area of 1,85,900 km² and is located in Central China. The land consolidation potential, that is, the net increase area of arable land was calculated according to the land consolidation types in each county. The spatial characteristics of land consolidation potential, key areas, and key engineering and projects were presented on a scale of 1: 5,00,000 utilizing counties as evaluation units. The thematic maps can provide important information for policymakers and planning workers, and guide any subsequent land consolidation planning at the county level in China.