An important issue for scientific and policy works in China is determination of the most ecologically sound configuration for millions of people inhabiting towns and cities. Developing green space system strategies is becoming a hotspot of urban ecological research. This manuscript presents a landscape ecological method for developing green infrastructure using the town of Jimo, in Shandong Province, China, as a case study. The structure of green space was analyzed using FRAGSTATS software based on land use data. Applying the Patch-Corridor-Matrix Model theories of landscape ecology, we assessed the ecological suitability, sensitivity and connectivity of green space based on the Geographical Information System (GIS), using Fuzzy Sets Theory, the Delphi method and the Cost-distance model, respectively. Finally, by optimizing patterns using a weighted overlay and integrated analysis method, we constructed a green space system for the town composed of rigid protected areas and flexible developable areas.
From the aspect of green space elements, green matrixes needing protection involve agro-lands in the west, the Dagu watershed and hills/swamps in the east. Small groves, ponds, and woodland patches may become important ecological stepping stones among matrixes. The ecological connectivity of green spaces in Jimo is good but lacks obvious greenways. Therefore, with the assistance of eco-cost distance analysis of urbanization, future greenway alternatives proposed include an eastern hill forest greenway and a western river-reservoir greenway. From the aspect of space patterns, a green space system, with rigid protected areas and flexible areas of potential development, has a conjugative relationship with the construction space. Moderating conflicts between urban expansion and natural protection is important. As a result, this green space system has been successfully applied to Master Planning for the town of Jimo. A green space strategy for towns, based on green space assessment and pattern optimization, provides an effective approach for space development and management in towns.