Spatiotemporal heterogeneity and influencing factors of human activity intensity in the Guangxi Beibu Gulf Zone, China

Quantitatively investigating and assessing the spatiotemporal variation in the human activity intensity (HAI) and its influencing factors are crucial for coordinating regional human–land relationships and protecting the eco-environment. However, the scale, variation pattern, and driving factors of the human activity intensity in the Guangxi Beibu Gulf Zone have not yet been determined. To bridge this gap, this study focused on evaluating and analyzing the spatiotemporal variation characteristics of the HAI from 2000 to 2020 by a quantitative model based on multi-period land use data, field survey data, and statistical data. Moreover, the socioeconomic and geographical determinants were investigated using the PCA method and Geodetector model. The results showed that (1) the overall HAI value was relatively high and increased from 18.97% in 2000 to 20.06% in 2020. The HAI value in Haicheng District was always the highest and peaked at 60.78% in 2020. (2) Spatially, approximately 19.88% of the area exhibited high HAI values, and these areas were mainly distributed in urban districts, county seats, towns, and farming areas. In contrast, the areas with low HAI values were mainly concentrated in mountainous areas and natural reserves. (3) The HAI exhibited a significant spatial agglomeration effect, and HAI hot spots were concentrated mainly in areas with intense change, such as economic development zones, industrial parks, urban suburbs, and towns with added counties. (4) The HAI was affected by various influencing factors, and the explanatory power of multiple factors for the HAI change was greater than that of a single factor.