A retrospect and prospect of researches on regional physio-geographical system (RPGS)
自然地域系统研究的回顾与展望

Researches on regional physio-geographical system (RPGS) aim at studying natural complex of the earth surface, revealing rules of regional differentiations and exploring physio-geographical regionalization at different scales, from a regional point of view. Based on review of RPGS researches at home and abroad, the paper raises that the late 18th to the early 19th century is the initial period of RPGS research. Since the 1940s it has been a decision-making period for government, particularly a period serving the agriculture. And following the 1980s it is a research period of ecological regionalization. Researches of the topic will provide scientific basis for the formulation of strategic policies on regional resources exploitation and utilization, biodiversity conservation and regional sustainable development. It briefs the existing issues and debates in the study of RPGS such as various understandings on the theory of geographical zonality and principles of regionalization, the essentials of and selection of index system for ecological and geographical regionalization, demarcation of several important boundary lines of China's RPGS, consideration of human impact and mountain division and jurisdiction. It points out the future studies of RPGS will continue penetrating into methodologies of theories and construct more complete regionalization system, further perfect understandings of eco-environment and laws of other regional differentiations; and to strengthen interdisciplinary studies of natural and human sciences based on sufficient studies of physical regional differentiations. Approaching from studies of RPGS, to set up comprehensive index system consisting of both human and natural factors for the purpose of dividing different hierarchical systems so as to occupy important positions for the study of integrated framework. Future studies of RPGS should further focus on possible human impacts and feedbacks which will become a joint subject and trend of researches of RPGS. The objectivity of the results will be further enhanced. To this end, typological studies, process studies and regional studies should be closely integrated, either considering regional unit as an organic whole of resources and eco-environment or emphasizing relationships among regions. For the sake of convenient retrival and storage, database of different regional scales should be set up and perfected for conducting integrated researches of different dimensions and units along with graphic presentations by using the latest mathematic and physical statistical methods with the aid of GIS and merging results of regional surveys, remote sensing method and fixed-site experiments into one.