Spatiotemporal Evolution Characteristics and Pattern Optimization of Production-living-ecological Functions of Territorial Space in Chongqing Section of the Three Gorges Reservoir Area

Rapid urbanization and industrialization have driven the evolution of the functional pattern of territorial space. Exploring the spatiotemporal evolution rules of the "production-living-ecological" functions can provide a scientific basis for optimizing the functional layout of territorial space. Taking Chongqing section of the Three Gorges Reservoir Area as a case study, this study used geographic data, land use data and social-economic data to investigate the evolution process of the "production-living-ecological" function of the territorial space. The model methods were employed, including spatio-temporal difference, obstacle degree and comparative advantage index. The results show that: (1) From 2010 to 2020, the evolution of "production-living-ecological" functions generally exhibited the varying spatial and temporal patterns, such as declined production functions, improved living functions and slightly increased ecological functions. The low-value areas of production function were mainly concentrated in 8 districts and counties within the central urban area, while the high value areas were distributed in 14 districts and counties outside the central urban area. The gap between the high and low extreme values showed a decreasing trend. The high and low values of living function showed the opposite spatial change trend compared with those of production function. The agglomeration trend of ecological function was not apparent, and the spatial distribution trend of high and low values was similar to that of production function. (2) Based on the spatiotemporal differences in evolving "production-living-ecological" functions and the diagnosis and identification of development obstacles and dominant functions, the measurement for optimizing and constructing of the future territorial spatial pattern was proposed. It is necessary to build a modern living and producing core agglomeration area in the 8 core urban districts dominated by mountainous and hilly landforms. In 7 outer districts and counties like Fuling District dominated by parallel ridges, valleys, and hills, it is imperative to establish a production-ecological mixed zone for coordinating modern industrial and agricultural development and ecological protection. Peripheral 7 districts and counties, like Wulong District featured mountainous landforms, it is to establish policy piloting areas for integrated conservation of ecological production for integrating ecological restoration and construction and agricultural and tourism development.