Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region is a typical subtropical karst region with severe rocky desertification in China.Based on the SPOT-VEGETATION images used as the main data source

the distribution of rocky desertification in Guangxi Province in 1998

2003

and 2007 is inversed by combining maximum value composites(MVC) method and dimidiate pixel model with geology

landform

and landuse map.Additionally

in FRAGSTATS platform

the evolutionary characteristics of rocky desertification in the 10 years are analyzed by selecting some landscape pattern indexes

such as Shannon Diversity Index(SHDI) and Contagion(CONTAG)

and using spatial analysis method of landscape.Results from the research show that the overall landscape level of rocky desertification in the region was characterized by high inner homogeneity and low landscape heterogeneity.The total rocky desertification area decreased by 177 283 hm2

indicating a good effect of management.The change in light rocky desertification was most significant and the area for this type of rocky desertification is the important and prime objective of management.