Measurement of terrestrial ecosystem service value in China based on remote sensing

An estimation model for ecological service value was presented. With the measurement of the net primary productivity and vegetation coverage fraction based on remote sensing data, the terrestrial ecosystem service value of Chinas in 2000 was quantitatively estimated at 9.17 X 10(12) yuan (RMB). The spatial distribution of the ecological service value showed a decreasing trend from south east Chinas to north west China. It was consistent with the regional distribution of vegetation types. The service value varied with the different vegetation. Forests had the highest service value of 18789 yuan center dot hm(-2). It was 40.80% of the total terrestrial ecosystem service value. Bushes and farmlands had a higher service value of 13789 yuan center dot hm(-2) and 13054 yuan center dot hm(-2), which was 10.79% and 24.23% of the total value respectively. The service value was also varied with different ecosystem functions. Gas regulation contributed the highest value of 45.16% to the total service value. The contribution of soil conservation and water conservation was 28.83% and 14.44% respectively. The integrated approach, coupling ecology and remote sensing data, provided a new method to measure ecological service value. It can he estimated objectively and spatial-explicitly. However, some uncertainties were still existed in this approach, and should be improved in the future studies.