Based on the RS images

survey and statistic data of the study area

17 radiatively circular bands and 2 spatial samples were built starting from central area with the support of GIS. The spatial pattern

variation of landscape gradient and urbanization effect were analyzed by using landscape pattern indexes with remote sensing images and spatial gradient statistical analysis. The results indicated that landscape structure complexity and fragmentation in Zhuhai urban area gradually increased. The area of urban building

road and forest increased obviously

while the area of farm

bare land

water

shrub and beaches decreased. The change of landscape pattern showed that urbanization effect enlarged. With the movement of spatial sample from centre to urban fringe

the area of farm increased and urban building decreased gradually. The gradient directions of urbanization were obvious. Natural environment and human disturbance influenced the temporal and spatial landscape patterns Duing the past 15 years

the urban area of Zhuhai has extended 10 km to the northwest and 12 km to the southwest. With the study of spatial gradient

we can quantitatively analyse urban gradient expansion and structure change. The research is significant for urban planning and resources protection.