Based on GIS and landscape pattern theory

dynamic landscape pattern of land use and soil and water loss in the Ertan Reservoir area of Yanbian County were analyzed using translated data from remote sensing images in 1988

1999

and 2003.Results showed that the area percentage of farmland decreased obviously

while the percentage of woodland

bush-land

and grassland increased.The patch number of farmland increased and its mean patch area and patch density decreased.The patch number of woodland decreased

its mean patch area increased

and its patch density decreased.The patch number of grassland and its mean patch area increased and its patch density decreased.The AWMSI of farmland

woodland

bush-land

and sparse forestland decreased slightly and its patch shape became simple.The AWMSI of grassland increased and its patch shape became complicated.In view of the land-level

the general characteristics of landscape pattern change were that the patch number and patch density increased

while the mean patch area and LPI decreased

indicating an increase in fragmentation degree.The CONTAG decreased

while IJI increased

implying an enhanced connectedness of landscape.Landscape diversity and relative land use rationality index increased

indicating that an improved land use structure.Soil and water loss status in the Ertan reservoir area of Yanbian county was improved greatly from 1988 to 2003.