Landscape configuration shapes cultural ecosystem service perception and interrelationships in the urban parks of Lhasa

Abstract

Abstract A central challenge in sustainable urban design is quantifying how landscape spatial configuration influences public perception of cultural ecosystem services (CES), particularly in ecologically sensitive high-altitude regions. This exploratory study explored the relationships between landscape configuration and CES perception in Lhasa’s urban parks, adopting text mining of social media comments( $$n=3319$$ ), landscape pattern analysis, spatial mapping, and questionnaire validation. Six CES dimensions were identified, with significant variations in service provision across Parks. Statistical correlation analysis suggested that specific landscape metrics were meaningfully related to CES perception: the Largest Patch Index (LPI) exhibited a strong positive linear relationship with recreation perception ( $$R^2=0.713$$ ), while the Landscape Shape Index (LSI) showed a quadratic trend with aesthetic perception. Spatial analysis revealed distinct spatial patterns for each perceived service. Field surveys supported these exploratory linkages, with mean agreement scores ranging from 3.87 to 4.52 on a 5-point Likert scale. Correlation analysis among CES dimensions revealed negative associations indicative of perceptual interrelationships: Recreation was negatively associated with heritage and culture ( $$r=-0.75$$ ) and education ( $$r=-0.82$$ ), while heritage and culture and education were positively associated ( $$r=0.90$$ ), reflecting synergy. These findings suggest that landscape configuration shapes multidimensional CES perceptions through distinct pathways, forming spatial-functional interactions among perceived services. This study provides exploratory empirical evidence on the impact of landscape configuration on CES perception in high-altitude cities, reveals the interrelationships within perceived service bundles, and offering insights for Park design and management aimed at balancing diverse service needs.