Applications of the Shannon Diversity Index in Landscape Ecology: A Meta-Synthesis Approach

This study aims to provide a conceptual contribution to the literature by systematically and comparatively evaluating the applications of the Shannon Diversity Index (SDI) in landscape pattern and diversity analyses, focusing on its scale sensitivity, data resolution, and relationship with ecosystem services. Peer-reviewed articles published between 1990 and 2025 were reviewed, and 38 studies meeting the inclusion criteria were subjected to detailed analysis. Through systematic coding and content analysis, SDI applications were compared across data type, resolution, scale, analytical tools, and ecological interpretation dimensions. The findings demonstrate that SDI reliably represents both spatial and compositional diversity across various landscape types, with higher SDI values corresponding to stronger mosaic structures and greater ecological resilience. Furthermore, a positive correlation was identified between SDI and key ecosystem services, particularly in relation to water regulation, carbon storage, and soil erosion mitigation. By establishing a methodological typology that categorises Shannon Diversity Index (SDI) applications based on scale sensitivity and data resolution, this research offers a novel conceptual framework to the literature. Furthermore, the proposed implementation guidelines provide a strategic roadmap for researchers to effectively functionalise these theoretical constructs within landscape ecology.