[Objective] The relationship between the spatial-temporal variation characteristics of vegetation coverage and topography in Anhui Province was explored in order to provide a theoretical basis for local resource development and ecological environment construction. [Methods] With the support of GIS and RS technology

MODIS / NDVI data of Anhui Province from 2001 to 2019

land classification data from 2001 to 2019

and DEM elevation and aspect topographic data of Anhui Province were used to analyze the spatio-temporal variation characteristics of vegetation coverage and its relationship with topographic factors. [Results] The seasonal variation characteristics of vegetation coverage in Anhui Province were obvious. In January and October to December

the vegetation coverage of Anhui Province was low

and the mountain area was higher than the plain; from February to May

vegetation coverage of Huaibei Plain was high

and decreased rapidly in June; from July to September

the vegetation coverage of Anhui Province was high

with most of the areas greater than 0.8

and the smallest spatial differences observed in the mountain and plain areas. The annual change rate of vegetation coverage was 0.003 9/a

and this change rate was significantly correlated with time (R2=0.814 8). Differences in vegetation coverage in the four seasons were obvious at different altitudes. Vegetation coverage below 200 m was affected by underlying surface types and showed low values. Vegetation coverage increased sharply between 200 m and 350 m

and presented a downward trend above 1 250 m. Vegetation coverage during the four seasons followed the order of summer > autumn > spring > winter. The north and south slopes presented the maximum and minimum values

respectively. Differences of vegetation coverage in the south and north mountain areas showed a downward trend over time. The annual average vegetation coverage differences of south and north mountains were lowest in summer (0.009 3) and highest in autumn (0.014 2)

while values in spring and winter were 0.013 9 and 0.012 5

respectively. [Conclusion] Altitude and aspect affected the dynamic variation characteristics of vegetation coverage significantly in Anhui Province. Considering these terrain characteristics is necessary for reasonable development and utilization of land surface resources

as well as for protecting the ecological environment.