Suitability Altitude Classification Study Of Human Settlements

Our country with vast territory, large population and a large span of elevation above sea level is the ideal area to study the habitat suitability altitude classification. Some studies show that altitude is one of the important factors in affecting the spatial distribution of population. In real life, especially in the travel process? many people are more or less feel the effects of altitude on human physiolog——mountain or altitude sickness, In addition, in the assessment of the surface environment, altitude is also an important factor to be considered. However, habitat suitability altitude classification and evaluation are also lack of systematic research.In this paper, the suitability grading of our living environment about altitude is studied, Using China’s sixth national census data, National administrative division of the sub-county map, National DEM data and human altitude "sensitive " data through the web-based survey. Besides,the verification is given by selecting typical province (Si Chuan Province) of our country. The following results have been achieved.1. The first good evidences supporting habitat suitability altitude classification scheme of China is established:Ⅰ, altitude of0-800m, very suitable;Ⅱ, altitude of800-1800m, suitable;Ⅲ, altitude of1800-2800m, some discomfort;Ⅳ, altitude of2800-3600m, not suitable for the ordinary people;Ⅴ,altitude of more than3600m above sea level, not suitable for the most people.2.Suitability evaluation of altitude of China is conducted:Ⅰ, area of346.18×104km2and population of1094.22×106people,81.92%of the total population living in36.5%of the country’s land area, mainly including eastern plains, hilly area, Sichuan Basin, and Junggar basin of our country;Ⅱ, area of279×104km2and population of167.94×106people,12.57%of the total population living in29.42%of the country’s land area, mainly including the vast majority of the second ladder of our country;Ⅲ, Area of66.66×104km2and population of62.8×106people,4.7%of the total population living in7%of the country’s total land area, mainly concentrated in the western edge of the second ladder, in the north of Yunnan Province and in the valley region of the first ladder; IV, Area of4239×104km2and population of5.28×106people,0.4%of the total population living in4.47%of the country’s total land area, mainly concentrated in the transition zone from the first ladder to the second ladder;V, Area of214.2×104km2and population of5.52×106people,0.41%of the total population living in22.58%of the country’s land area, mainly including the vast majority of Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.With the growth of China’s population and the development of social economy, the spatial extent of human activities is gradually expanded, existing the possible expansion from the plain to the plateau, from the low altitudes to the high altitudes-The study about the habitat suitability altitude classification and evaluation can provide a scientific basis for the future regional planning and the development of social economy, also can provide a decision reference for the arrangement of future tourism activities.