Research on Spatial Coupling Coordination of Population Shrinkage and Land Use Efficiency from the Human–Land Relationship Perspective: Case Study of Zhejiang Province, China

It has long been assumed that population shrinkage signifies a decline, potentially leading to decreases in both economic performance and land use efficiency (LUE). To provide a foundation for understanding the coupling coordination of the human–land relationship, this study explores the actual relationship between population change and LUE in the population-shrinking regions of Zhejiang Province. A multivariate remote sensing spatial data platform was developed for the period 2010–2020, and the shrinkage rate calculation method was applied, while LUE was assessed using the Super-SBM model. The coupling coordination algorithm was then employed to identify the different types of human–land relationships and their spatial distribution. The findings reveal that the county unit is the main spatial unit of population shrinkage in Zhejiang Province, and that the LUE changes in the province show significant spatial differentiation characteristics. Meanwhile, there are four types of human–land linkages in the shrinkage areas of Zhejiang Province, with no instances of a severe lack of coordination. Targeted strategies for each human–land relationship type are proposed to mitigate unreasonable urban expansion, shift the incremental development pattern, and reduce land resource waste.