Urban areas have a high level of spatial heterogeneity. Therefore, examining the degree of drivers in urban functional zones (UFZs) is important. In this study, point of interest (POI) data were used primarily to identify UFZs. Random forest (RF) and geographically weighted regression (GWR) models were used to analyze the influence of drivers on land surface temperature (LST). Landsat imagery showed that the urban center had a significantly higher LST than the coast and forested mountains in downtown Dalian. Residential zones accounted for most of the uptown area (37%). UFZs in built-up areas generally had high temperature levels, exceeding 37°C. The normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) was the most important in almost all UFZ types. Modified normalized difference water index (MNDWI) and albedo showed uncertain positive/negative correlations in different UFZs. There was also a positive correlation between UFZs and road density (RD). The importance and correlation between the gross domestic product (GDP) and population density (POPD) were not statistically significant. The patch density (PD) was similar to the landscape shape index (LSI) in terms of importance; however, the PD was relatively suitable in terms of correlation. The agglomeration index (AI) showed a significant negative correlation.

Intensified due to rapid urbanization and global warming-induced high temperature extremes, the urban heat island effect has become a major environmental concern for urban residents. Scientific methods used to calculate the urban heat island intensity (UHII) and its alleviation have become urgent requirements for urban development. This study is carried out in Zhongshan District, Dalian City, which has a total area of 43.85km² and a 27.5km-long coastline. The mono-window algorithm was used to retrieve the land surface temperatures (LSTs), employing Landsat remote sensing images, meteorological data, and building data from 2003, 2008, 2013, and 2019. In addition, the district was divided into local climate zones (LCZs) based on the estimated intensities and spatiotemporal variations of the heat island effect. The results show that, from 2003 to 2019, LCZs A and D shrank by 3.225km² and 0.395km², respectively, whereas LCZs B, C, and 16 expanded by 0.932km², 0.632km², and 2.056km², respectively. During this period, the maximum and minimum LSTs in Zhongshan increased by 1.365°C and 1.104°C, respectively. The LST and UHII levels of all LCZs peaked in 2019. The average LSTs of LCZs AC increased by 1.610°C, 0.880°C, and 3.830°C, respectively, and those of LCZs 16 increased by 2°C4°C. The UHIIs of LCZs A, C, and D increased by 0.730, 2.950, and 0.344, respectively, and those of LCZs 16 increased from 1.3702.977 to 3.7445.379. Overall, the regions with high LSTs are spatiotemporally correlated with high building densities. In this study, the land cover was then classified into four types (LCZs AD) using visual interpretation and object-oriented classification, including forested land, low vegetation, bare ground, and water. Besides, the buildings were categorized as LCZs 16, which, respectively, represented low-density low-rises buildings, low-density high-rises buildings, low-density super high-rises buildings, high-density low-rises buildings, high-density high-rises buildings, and high-density super high-rises buildings.

The research on the spatial distribution and evolution of ancient settlements from the Neolithic Age to the Bronze Age in Dalian area is of great significance for a profound understanding of the prehistoric human-land relationship in Dalian area. The results showed that: ① The number of settlement sites in Dalian area showed an overall upward trend from the Mid-Neolithic to the Bronze Age. Most sites during the three periods studied were to be found 0–50 m above sea level (asl), with a significant increase in the number of sites located >50 m asl during the Bronze Age. In terms of gradient of slope, all settlements were concentrated on coastal plains or in low-altitude, hilly areas on relatively gentle slopes ranging between 0 and 6°. Settlements from each period faced in all directions, and were mainly located in river valleys or low-altitude mountain valleys with low terrains.② The proximity of ancient settlements to river courses during the Mid Holocene evolved, with Mid and Late Neolithic settlements usually distributed in the range beyond 3 km of the river buffer zone; the distribution of Bronze Age sites was relatively uniform, reflecting an increasing demand for water resources; the density of settlements was clustered between the Mid Neolithic and the Bronze Age, Neolithic sites being both the smallest in number and the most concentrated. ③ The spatiotemporal distribution and evolution of settlements in the Dalian area were influenced by the contemporary climate: the Mid Neolithic climate was warm and humid, and settlements were distributed principally on the various islands near present-day Dalian, and especially Guanglu Island; the Late Neolithic climate became increasingly drier and cooler, stimulating cultural advances and a slight increase in the number of ancient settlements, which gradually developed in the areas in and around present-day Dalian; during the cold and dry Bronze Age, the number of settlements across the Dalian region reached their peak, and it is widely distributed in various areas of Dalian. To a certain extent, this reflected a continuous improvement in the ability of the human population to adapt to the natural environment.