The Integration of Dual Evaluation and Minimum Spanning Tree Clustering to Support Decision-Making in Territorial Spatial Planning

Spatial planning, a policy instrument for creating sustainable environments that meet the needs of the current and future generations, has been implemented extensively worldwide. However, it is difficult for urban planners to thoroughly determine the spatial value of a territory and make informed decisions regarding the efficient utilization of regional resources in the real world. This study proposes a novel methodological framework for spatial pattern optimization that can guide future land use by integrating Minimum Spanning Tree (MST) clustering with a comprehensive evaluation system (dual evaluation). Furthermore, the validity of this framework is demonstrated through a case study of territorial spatial planning in Deyang, China. The findings indicate that (1) the methodological framework presented in this study offers valuable guidance for the spatial arrangement of territorial resources, especially in practical projects; and (2) the combination of dual evaluation and MST clustering can facilitate automatic regionalization to identify spatial clusters exhibiting functional similarity in terms of land use. By focusing on methodological advancements, this study concludes that the integration of dual evaluation (DE) and MST clustering not only simplifies the identification of optimal land-use patterns but also promotes a more systematic and efficient approach to support spatial planning.