Abstract: In the purpose of providing theoretical support for the eco-environment construction and soil-water loss prevention in Zhejiang Province, we estimated the vegetation coverage of Zhejiang Province in 2009-2018 using an improved dimidiate pixel model based on monthly NDVI values obtained from using MVC maximum synthesis method according to MODIS_NDVI data in 2009-2018. Moreover, in line with DEM data and the division of forest land in the Plan for the Protection and Utilization of Forest Land in Zhejiang Province (2010-2020), we probed into the spatial-temporal changes in the vegetation coverage of Zhejiang Province. Results unveiled that: 1) From 2009 to 2018, Zhejiang Province featured an overall high vegetation coverage, with a slow downward trend. 2) The spatial pattern of vegetation coverage in 2018 differed little with that in 2009. Vegetation coverage in south and west mountainous and hilly area was the highest, followed by that in central Zhejiang hilly basin area, east Zhejiang coastal hilly island area, and northern Zhejiang plain area in sequence. Areas with stable vegetation coverage accounted for 62.79% of the total area; the area of vegetation degradation was larger than the area of improvement. Vegetation degradation was most serious in the northern Zhejiang plain area, accounting for 6.73% of the total area. In particular, the south Zhejiang mountain area witnessed the most notable improvement of vegetation coverage, occupying 4.87% of the total area. 3) The change of vegetation coverage with geographical factors was relatively stable; within different elevation ranges, areas with obvious degradation were below 100 m, and obvious improvement above 200 m; within different slope ranges, areas with evident degradation were between 0° and 5°, and apparent improvement above 15°; vegetation coverage changed slightly with slope gradient.

Key words: vegetation coverage, MODIS_NDVI, difference of vegetation chage, spatiotemporal change, Zhejiang Province