Evaluating the corresponding relationship between the characteristics of resource utilization and the level of urbanization: a case study in Chengdu-Chongqing Economic Circle, China

The Chengdu-Chongqing Economic Circle is an important center for promoting economic growth in the western region. Clarifying the driving force and restrictive factors of the urbanization development in Chengdu-Chongqing area is conducive to the further development of the region. Firstly, this study uses geospatial information to describe the resource consumption characteristics of the Chengdu-Chongqing Economic Circle. Then, Moran index has been used to test the spatial agglomeration relationship. Finally, the Chengdu-Chongqing Economic Circle is classified according to the characteristics of natural resource utilization and spatial relations. The results show that (1) the relationship between the comprehensive utilization of natural resources and urbanization in the Chengdu-Chongqing Economic Circle is high in the east and low in the west, and the two places jointly drive the development of the north and the south. (2) From 2015 to 2020, the comprehensive utilization capacity of natural resources in the core area on the west side decrease, and the core area on the east side increase. Urbanization in the north and south is slow, and the direct utilization capacity of natural resources needs to be improved. (3) The city with the best coordination relationship between comprehensive utilization of natural resources and urbanization is on the periphery of the core cities of the Chengdu-Chongqing Economic Circle, and the protection and management measures of the core cities for natural resources do not match their urbanization level.