Next Article in Journal
Supporting Local Implementation of the European Green Deal through a Place-Based, Participatory Approach: Methodology for a Comprehensive Analytical Framework
Previous Article in Journal
Building a Resilient and Sustainable Sorghum Value Chain in Tanzania’s Lake Zone Region
 
 
Article
Peer-Review Record

Revealing the Environmental Characteristics of Towns in the Middle Himalayas Using a Geographic Information System and Self-Organizing Map

Sustainability 2023, 15(20), 15110; https://doi.org/10.3390/su152015110
by Aike Kan 1,2, Qing Xiang 3,*, Xiao Yang 1, Huiseng Xu 1, Xiaoxiang Yu 3 and Hong Huang 1
Reviewer 1: Anonymous
Reviewer 2:
Reviewer 3:
Reviewer 4:
Sustainability 2023, 15(20), 15110; https://doi.org/10.3390/su152015110
Submission received: 10 July 2023 / Revised: 1 September 2023 / Accepted: 13 September 2023 / Published: 20 October 2023
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Climate Change Adaptation for Urban Areas)

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

This article is very interesting, and the author selected 194 towns in the Gaomulangma region of China and Nepal as the research subjects. The environmental characteristics of towns were analyzed using GIS and SOM methods. The reviewer suggests making revisions before publication.

1.Abstract is the eye of the article and must be refined to highlight the innovation of the research, rather than simply repeating the results.

2.In the introduction, the author provides an overview of the differences in the geographical and environmental backgrounds of towns, as well as the socio-economic connections between towns. However, the summary and induction of existing literature are clearly insufficient, and there is a lack of sufficient literature to support it. A SCI paper with only 30 references clearly indicates that the author's references are insufficient. The following relevant references should be considered for reference and citation.

[1] https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-021-18126-6

[2] https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2022.115607

[3] https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2022.115158

3.In the final part of the introduction, although the author briefly introduced the innovation of this article, it is not enough and needs further supplementation and improvement.

4.The images in the article are attractive, but high-quality images are better.

5.The citation format of the article is incorrect, and it needs to be verified and modified according to the requirements of the journal.

6.The conclusion or discussion section should explain and enhance limitations of the research, and provide prospects for future research,

Author Response

Title:Revealing the Environmental Characteristics of Towns in the Middle Himalayas Using GIS and SOM

Thank reviewers and editors for your comments. We revised our manuscript according to the comments. We also presented explanations for some of the questions raised by the reviewers.

Note: All major changes are red-marked in the revised manuscript.

Response to Reviewer 1 Comments

1.Abstract is the eye of the article and must be refined to highlight the innovation of the research, rather than simply repeating the results.

Reply: Thank you for your comments. We have revised the abstract based on your feedback.

 

2.In the introduction, the author provides an overview of the differences in the geographical and environmental backgrounds of towns, as well as the socio-economic connections between towns. However, the summary and induction of existing literature are clearly insufficient, and there is a lack of sufficient literature to support it. A SCI paper with only 30 references clearly indicates that the author's references are insufficient. The following relevant references should be considered for reference and citation.

[1] https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-021-18126-6

[2] https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2022.115607

[3] https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2022.115158

Reply: Thank you for your comments. We have improved the introduction section and supplemented it with references, including the literature you recommended:

 

  1. Zhang, M.; Tan, S.; Zhang, X. How do varying socio-economic factors affect the scale of land transfer? Evidence from 287 cities in China.Environ Sci Pollut Res. 2022, 29, 40865–40877. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-021-18126-6.

 

  1. Liang, Y.; Song, W. Integrating potential ecosystem services losses into ecological risk assessment of land use changes: A case study on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.J Eneirov Manage. 2022, 318, 115607. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2022.115607.
  2. Zhang, Y.; Zhao, Z.; Fu, B.; Ma, R.; Yang, Y.; Lü, Y.; Wu, X. Identifying ecological security patterns based on the supply, demand and sensitivity of ecosystem service: A case study in the Yellow River Basin, China.J Eneirov Manage, 2022, 315, 115158. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2022.115158.

3.In the final part of the introduction, although the author briefly introduced the innovation of this article, it is not enough and needs further supplementation and improvement.

Reply: Thank you for your comments. We have supplemented and improved the introduction, and described the innovative points of the research in each paragraph of the introduction.Specifically as follows: 

“Therefore, analysing the Town environmental characteristics in the mid-Himalayan region and studying the regional characteristics of Town environment will promote the healthy and sustainable development direction and model of cities in this region. “

“However, the effective identification of differences in Town environmental characteristics is a prerequisite for the implementation of regulatory models and sustainable strategies”

“ Unsupervised classification models can divide a large number of unlabelled samples into several categories according to the "birds of a feather flock together" principle, based on the similarity of their data features [41-42]. Since the Town environment is the result of many driving factors, the use of GIS and SOM can quickly integrate terrain, climate and soil, water and land transport conditions and other environmental factors to effectively identify Town environmental characteristics.”

“Therefore, taking the central Himalayan region as the main research area, this paper analyses the influence of topographic environment, climate, soil and transport conditions on the formation, development and spatial pattern of cities in this region based on quantified data of Town geographical environmental characteristics. Furthermore, the environmental differences of cities in the central Himalayan region are revealed by using SOM to propose a governance framework adapted to climate and environmental changes.”  

4.The images in the article are attractive, but high-quality images are better.

Reply: Thank you for your comments. We have improved the figures in the article and increased the resolution.

5.The citation format of the article is incorrect, and it needs to be verified and modified according to the requirements of the journal.

Reply: Thank you for your comments. We have revised the manuscript according to the journal's requirements

  1. The conclusion or discussion section should explain and enhance limitations of the research, and provide prospects for future research

Reply: We have supplemented the limitations of the research and provided prospects for future research.

Reviewer 2 Report

This paper is based on GIS and SOM methodology to characterize the town environment, calculate the distribution of towns under different geographic factors such as topography, climate, soil, river, etc., and explore the impacts of different geographic environments on the characteristics of town siting, expansion, and livelihoods in the central Himalayan region. There are many issues that need to be addressed.

1. The abbreviation "SOM" appears in the title and abstract, but the full name is not listed in the abstract, making it difficult to understand.

2. In Section 2.2 of the article, there is no corresponding figure in the "Figures 2-3" that appeared in the article; in addition, the article mentioned here involves 9 environmental parameters that do not reach this number in Figure 3, and it is explained here "river distance" and "road distance" are two environmental parameters, but they are not reflected in Figure 3.

3. In Section 3.1 of the article, in the paragraph on slope and slope variability analysis, the first sentence emphasizes the influence of slope variability, but the next sentence explains "slope orientation variability becoming one of the important factors influencing settlement site selection", which is suggested to be deleted.

4. In the last sentence of the first paragraph of Section 4.1 of the article, "The results show that there is an obvious correlation between geographic environmental factors" is expounded. Does "The results" refer to Figure 4? In addition, it does not specify which factors There is a correlation between them, and whether the factor classification results shown in Figure 6 are already screened factors.

5. Figure 5 is the result of the SOM model, but the article does not analyze the meaning of this figure.

6. Several references may be added as appropriate.

Author Response

Title:Revealing the Environmental Characteristics of Towns in the Middle Himalayas Using GIS and SOM

Thank reviewers and editors for your comments. We revised our manuscript according to the comments. We also presented explanations for some of the questions raised by the reviewers.

Note: All major changes are red-marked in the revised manuscript.

Response to Reviewer 2 Comments

  1. The abbreviation "SOM" appears in the title and abstract, but the full name is not listed in the abstract, making it difficult to understand.

Reply: Thank you for your comments. We have supplemented the full name of SOM in the abstract. 

  1. In Section 2.2 of the article, there is no corresponding figure in the "Figures 2-3" that appeared in the article; in addition, the article mentioned here involves 9 environmental parameters that do not reach this number in Figure 3, and it is explained here "river distance" and "road distance" are two environmental parameters, but they are not reflected in Figure 3.

Reply: Thank you for your comments. We have supplemented the full name of SOM in the abstract. In the revision, we have reduced the environmental parameters to 6 unified parameters, and made corresponding unifications in relevant figures and tables.

  1. In Section 3.1 of the article, in the paragraph on slope and slope variability analysis, the first sentence emphasizes the influence of slope variability, but the next sentence explains "slope orientation variability becoming one of the important factors influencing settlement site selection", which is suggested to be deleted.

Reply: Thank you for your comments.We have revised the manuscript according to your suggestions. 

  1. In the last sentence of the first paragraph of Section 4.1 of the article, "The results show that there is an obvious correlation between geographic environmental factors" is expounded. Does "The results" refer to Figure 4? In addition, it does not specify which factors There is a correlation between them, and whether the factor classification results shown in Figure 6 are already screened factors.

Reply: Thank you for your comments. In the revision, we have unified the factors in all figures and tables, and supplemented the correlation coefficients of specific environmental factors in the correlation analysis. 

 

  1. Figure 5 is the result of the SOM model, but the article does not analyze the meaning of this figure.

Reply: Thank you for your comments. We have explained the results of this figure, specifically as follows:

“Based on the SOM results, we used GIS to show the distribution of cities in different geographical environment combinations. We found that the cities have an obvious north-south zonal distribution pattern, which reflects the regional differences in the living environment shaped by geographical differences. From north to south, the clustering results of cities according to environmental characteristics are cluster 5, cluster 4, cluster 6, cluster 1, cluster 3 and cluster 2. Combining Figure 5, we can identify the main environmental characteristics of the different clustered cities. For example, the cities in cluster 5 generally have higher altitudes but lower precipitation and vegetation cover. The cities in cluster 2 have extremely low altitudes and slopes, but higher precipitation and vegetation cover. Cluster 3 is similar to cluster 2 with relatively low altitude and high vegetation cover, but the slope of cluster 3 is significantly higher than that of cluster 2. Cluster 1 has lower altitudes but higher slopes and also higher vegetation cover. Cluster 4 has high altitude, high slope and low precipitation and vegetation cover. Cluster 6 is similar to cluster 4, but has higher altitudes and slopes than cluster 4.”

 

  1. Several references may be added as appropriate.

Reply: Thank you for your comments. We have supplemented the references.

Reviewer 3 Report

RE: Revealing the Environmental Characteristics of Towns in the Middle Himalayas Using GIS and SOM

The paper conducts an analysis of geographical and environmental backgrounds in middle Himalayan region and their socio-economic impacts. The study offers an interesting understanding of the geographical and environmental backgrounds of towns in the middle Himalayan region. The authors use multi-dimensional approach for the governance of this region, taking into account various stakeholders and considering climate and environmental changes.

However, the authors should address several key issues before moving forward.

First, new insight issue: Although your research provides an elaborate analysis of the region's geographical and environmental backgrounds, it fails to offer any new or particularly insightful findings to the existing body of literature on the subject. For a manuscript to be published, it should provide some novel information or perspective.

Two, methodological issue: While the use of GIS and SOM methods are acceptable, the justification for the selection of these methods and their implementation is not thoroughly explained in the manuscript. It is essential to provide a more detailed methodology section for the readers to fully comprehend the processes and to replicate the study if needed.

Third, limited analysis issue: The paper does not provide a comprehensive analysis of the socio-economic links between towns and their relationship with the geographical and environmental backgrounds. More granular data and thorough analysis would strengthen your argument.

Finally, recommendations for sustainability: Your conclusion suggests the integration of a multidimensional governance framework to promote sustainable environmental development in the region. However, the study does not provide any evidence or detailed analysis on how this framework would work, and it lacks clear recommendations on its implementation.

Moderate editing of English language is required.

Author Response

Title:Revealing the Environmental Characteristics of Towns in the Middle Himalayas Using GIS and SOM

Thank reviewers and editors for your comments. We revised our manuscript according to the comments. We also presented explanations for some of the questions raised by the reviewers.

Note: All major changes are red-marked in the revised manuscript.

Response to Reviewer 3 Comments

1.First, new insight issue: Although your research provides an elaborate analysis of the region's geographical and environmental backgrounds, it fails to offer any new or particularly insightful findings to the existing body of literature on the subject. For a manuscript to be published, it should provide some novel information or perspective.

Reply: Thank you for your comments. We have revised the introduction and abstract to emphasize the innovative points. The major findings include the analysis results on the environmental characteristics of mid-Himalayan towns, as well as the advantages and applicability of SOM in environmental research.

 

  1. Methodological issue: While the use of GIS and SOM methods are acceptable, the justification for the selection of these methods and their implementation is not thoroughly explained in the manuscript. It is essential to provide a more detailed methodology section for the readers to fully comprehend the processes and to replicate the study if needed.

Reply: Thank you for your comments. We have provided more detailed explanations about the research methods and procedures in Section 2.3 Method. Specifically as follows:

“The study area spans high mountains, valleys and plains from north to south, with climate changing rapidly with altitude over relatively short horizontal distances, as do hydrology, vegetation, ecological conditions and the socio-economic environment. This rapid environmental change in turn affects culture and Town society. There is enormous heterogeneity in rainfall, vegetation and human livelihoods from north to south and east to west. At the local scale, the distribution of cities has a very close relationship with the natural environment, specifically manifested in the fact that the location, morphology and distribution of cities are influenced or even controlled to varying degrees by natural environmental factors such as climatic conditions, geomorphological characteristics and river network patterns. Therefore, this paper first obtained information on nine environmental factors, including elevation, slope, precipitation and land cover for 194 towns using ArcGIS 10.2, and then statistically analysed the number of towns at different intervals, which tentatively revealed the environmental characteristics of town distribution.

The SOM (Self-organizing map) analysis was then performed using the kohonen package in R (Fig. 2). The training size of the neural network was 194, each with 6 types of environmental factor data. In this study, the initial value of map size was first estimated using the Vesanto formula  (where  is the number of samples), and then the optimal map size was determined according to the minimum values of quantization error (QE) and topographic error (TE) [49]. QE is used to measure the average distance between each data vector and the best matching neuron, and TE measures the accuracy of the map in preserving the topology of the data. The SOM network cannot automatically determine the optimal number of classifications, so clustering methods must be combined to achieve a scientifically sound spatial clustering effect. In this study, the k-means method was used in combination with the Davies-Bouldin Index (DBI) to determine the optimal number of clusters. That is, k-means clustering trials were first performed based on different numbers of categories, usually from 2 to N, where N is the number of samples of all input data, and finally the Davies-Bouldin index was used to determine the optimal number of clusters [50].”

 

3.limited analysis issue: The paper does not provide a comprehensive analysis of the socio-economic links between towns and their relationship with the geographical and environmental backgrounds. More granular data and thorough analysis would strengthen your argument.

Reply: Thank you for your comments.We have provided more in-depth descriptions for Section 3. Results and Section 4. Discussion, supplementing the analysis results of data and discussions of viewpoints.

 

4.recommendations for sustainability: Your conclusion suggests the integration of a multidimensional governance framework to promote sustainable environmental development in the region. However, the study does not provide any evidence or detailed analysis on how this framework would work, and it lacks clear recommendations on its implementation.

Reply: Thank you for your comments.We have proposed recommendations based on the SOM clustering results.

Reviewer 4 Report

1.     Study area: Why does the study area span two countries? Is the distribution of their towns and cities affected by nationality divisions and border lines?

2.     Why is the study area the central Himalayas and why is this region representative of residents in complex mountain areas?

3.     Section 2.4 and Figure 2 cite this article https://doi.org/10.1016/j.asoc.2011.02.009 but there is no citation in this manuscript.

4.     Section 3, Why Natural Breaks Classification is used for altitude and slope instead of other classification methods?

5.     Section 3 does not mention vegetation coverage, and from Table 1, it is found that Equal interval classification is used for vegetation coverage, why Natural Breaks Classification is not used here?

6.     Figure 4, and Figure 5 are not cited in the text.

7.     Figure 6 presents the results of the research. However, the recommendation in section 4.2 is not well elaborated and justified.

Author Response

Title:Revealing the Environmental Characteristics of Towns in the Middle Himalayas Using GIS and SOM

Thank reviewers and editors for your comments. We revised our manuscript according to the comments. We also presented explanations for some of the questions raised by the reviewers.

Note: All major changes are red-marked in the revised manuscript.

Response to Reviewer 4 Comments

  1. Study area: Why does the study area span two countries? Is the distribution of their towns and cities affected by nationality divisions and border lines?

Reply: Thank you for your comments.We selected the study area based on geographical scope, and the selection of towns was not affected by national borders. Spanning the Himalayas, Sagarmatha National Park is a world-renowned high-altitude ecological tourism destination. Although China and Nepal have significant differences in the establishment of protected areas, the towns on the northern and southern slopes of Mount Everest have formed a shared regional cultural value. This region collectively provides spiritual enjoyment for visitors, including aesthetics and religious fulfilment. Formulating differentiated adaptation strategies based on the clusters and establishing a multidimensional governance framework that adapts to climate and environmental change by integrating multiple stakeholders is an effective strategy.

2.Why is the study area the central Himalayas and why is this region representative of residents in complex mountain areas?

Reply: The complex mountainous habitats in the mid-Himalayas have nurtured many ethnic minorities and primitive cultures with distinctive features. The long history of harmonious coexistence between humans and nature has formed the World Heritage landscape belt surrounding the Himalayas, which is a microcosm of the cultural and geographical system landscape belt of the Himalayas.

3.Section 2.4 and Figure 2 cite this article https://doi.org/10.1016/j.asoc.2011.02.009 but there is no citation in this manuscript.

Reply: Thank you for your comments. We have supplemented the references. 

Ghaseminezhad, M. H.; Karami, A. A novel self-organizing map (SOM) neural network for discrete groups of data clustering. Applied soft computing. 2011, 11(4), 3771-3778. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.asoc.2011.02.009.

4.Section 3, Why Natural Breaks Classification is used for altitude and slope instead of other classification methods?

Reply: Thank you for your comments. We have modified the classification methods for altitude and slope gradient. The classification criteria for altitude levels and slope gradient levels are jointly developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

5.Section 3 does not mention vegetation coverage, and from Table 1, it is found that Equal interval classification is used for vegetation coverage, why Natural Breaks Classification is not used here?

Reply: Thank you for your comments. We have referred to relevant literature and adopted equal interval classification for grading of vegetation coverage

6.Figure 4, and Figure 5 are not cited in the text.

Reply: Thank you for your comments. We have revised the content.

7.Figure 6 presents the results of the research. However, the recommendation in section 4.2 is not well elaborated and justified.

Reply: Thank you for your comments. We have revised the content in this part.

 

Round 2

Reviewer 1 Report

The article has been carefully revised according to the comments of the reviewers, and the quality has greatly improved. Well done! However, one issue that needs to be pointed out is that the revised version displays red font throughout, which is not a good choice. The reviewer is unable to discern the details of the modifications. In addition, the reviewer believes that there is still room for improvement in the introduction section of the article.

Specific opinions.

The introduction needs further supplementation and improvement. It indicates the background of research needs and innovation. The introduction review is an important window for comparing the differences between existing research results and the author's research results.

For example, in the first paragraph of the second page of this article, "Current research on Town environmental characteristics mainly focuses on ecological environment and urbanization, Town spatial layout and geographic conditions". The subsequent expressions do not provide support for this conclusion. Therefore, it is necessary to supplement some references here to confirm, rather than just being comprehensive and without description. The reviewer suggests supplementing the following references to support your concluding viewpoint.

(1) https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolind.2022.108705 ; [This literature can provide support for Town environmental characteristics mainly focusing on ecological environment and urbanization]

(2) https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scs.2022.104226 ; [This literature can provide support for spatial layout and geographic conditions]

Author Response

Thanks to the reviewers and editor for their comments. We revised the manuscript based on the comments. We also provide explanations for some of the issues raised by the reviewers.

 

NOTE: All significant changes are marked in red in the revised manuscript.

 

Reply to reviewer 1 comment

 

The introduction needs to be further supplemented and improved. It demonstrates the context for research needs and innovation. The introduction review is an important window to compare the differences between the existing research results and the author's research results.

 

For example, in the first paragraph of the second page of this article, "Current research on urban environmental characteristics mainly focuses on ecological environment and urbanization, urban spatial layout, and geographical conditions." Subsequent statements do not support this conclusion. Therefore, it is necessary to add some reference materials here to confirm, rather than just being comprehensive and not describing. Reviewers suggest supplementing the following references to support your concluding points.

 

(1) https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolind.2022.108705 ;[This document can provide support for the characteristics of urban environment mainly based on ecological environment and urbanization]

 

(2) https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scs.2022.104226 ;[This document can provide evidence for spatial layout and geographical conditions]

 

Reply: Thanks for your comment. We've revamped the introduction based on your feedback.

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Reviewer 2 Report

All the corrections I mentioned in the first round have been made. Good Work.

Author Response

Thank you for your comments

Reviewer 3 Report

RE:Revealing the Environmental Characteristics of Towns in the Middle Himalayas Using GIS and SOM

The paper in revised version is a commendable effort in exploring the unique environmental attributes of towns in the mid-Himalayan region, a subject that is both timely and crucial given current climate change challenges and rapid urbanization.The topic is highly relevant and could make a significant contribution to the field of sustainable urban planning and environmental studies. The methodologies employed, including GIS for statistical data analysis and SOM for town classification, are rigorous and apt for the research questions posed.The paper succeeds in bridging academic research with practical governance strategies, a transition that is often lacking in similar studies.

However, this paper still needs to deal with some issues as follows: 

1.The abstract cuts off at a certain point and doesn't provide a full overview of the study. The abstract should encapsulate the entire paper, including its objectives, methods, results, and conclusions.

2.While the paper in the abstract mentions the towns are classified into six categories, it does not clarify what these categories signify. The full paper should offer a thorough discussion of these categories.

3.It would be helpful to compare SOM's efficacy with traditional methods for a more robust understanding of its advantages and limitations.

4.As for policy recommendations, more specifics are needed to assess their viability. 

Author Response

Thank reviewers and editors for your comments. We revised our manuscript according to the comments. We also presented explanations for some of the questions raised by the reviewers.

Note: All major changes are red-marked in the revised manuscript.

Response to Reviewer 3 Comments

1.The abstract cuts off at a certain point and doesn't provide a full overview of the study. The abstract should encapsulate the entire paper, including its objectives, methods, results, and conclusions.

Reply: Thank you for your comments. We have revised the abstract based on your feedback.

 

 

2.While the paper in the abstract mentions the towns are classified into six categories, it does not clarify what these categories signify. The full paper should offer a thorough discussion of these categories.

Reply: Thank you for your comments. The following content shows the situation of the 6 clustering results. 

“From north to south, the clustering results of cities according to environmental characteristics are cluster 5, cluster 4, cluster 6, cluster 1, cluster 3 and cluster 2. Combining Figure 5, we can identify the main environmental characteristics of the different clustered cities. For example, the cities in cluster 5 generally have higher altitudes but lower precipitation and vegetation cover. The cities in cluster 2 have extremely low altitudes and slopes, but higher precipitation and vegetation cover. Cluster 3 is similar to cluster 2 with relatively low altitude and high vegetation cover, but the slope of cluster 3 is significantly higher than that of cluster 2. Cluster 1 has lower altitudes but higher slopes and higher vegetation cover. Cluster 4 has high altitude, high slope and low precipitation and vegetation cover. Cluster 6 is similar to cluster 4, but has higher altitudes and slopes than cluster 4.”

 

 

3.It would be helpful to compare SOM's efficacy with traditional methods for a more robust understanding of its advantages and limitations.

Reply: Thank you for your comments. The following content compares the SOM method with traditional clustering methods.

“The design of indicator thresholds or interpretation rules relies too much on the expert's understanding of regional laws and has low versatility and automation, which can easily lead to large uncertainties in classification results [36-37]. Multivariate statistical methods (CA and PCA) cannot simultaneously reveal the correlation and classification of different variables and samples, especially for high-dimensional and complex data sets. To overcome the subjectivity and low automation of methods based on indicator thresholds or feature interpretation, some scholars have proposed unsupervised classification methods based on self-organizing feature mapping neural network (SOFM) models and clustering methods [38-40]. Unsupervised classification models can divide a large number of unlabeled samples into several categories according to the "birds of a feather flock together" principle, based on the similarity of their data features [41-42].”

  1. As for policy recommendations, more specifics are needed to assess their viability. 

Reply: Thank you for your comments. We have supplemented more details in the Policy implications 

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Reviewer 4 Report

Only two concerns left:

1. The Himalayas are both a high-altitude belt and a national boundary. Is the distribution of villages on either side of it therefore more influenced by the country's borderline or by the altitude? Are there any studies to prove this?

2.Your modified classification methods for altitude and slope gradient should be mentioned in your manuscript.

 

Author Response

Thank reviewers and editors for your comments. We revised our manuscript according to the comments. We also presented explanations for some of the questions raised by the reviewers.

Note: All major changes are red-marked in the revised manuscript.

Response to Reviewer 4 Comments

  1. The Himalayas are both a high-altitude belt and a national boundary. Is the distribution of villages on either side of it therefore more influenced by the country's borderline or by the altitude? Are there any studies to prove this?

Reply: Thank you for your comments. Our manuscript has demonstrated the influence of altitude. In future research, we will further analyze whether there is an influence of national boundaries.

 

2.Your modified classification methods for altitude and slope gradient should be mentioned in your manuscript.

Reply: Thank you for your comments. We have revised based on your feedback.

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Round 3

Reviewer 1 Report

The author carefully revised the article according to the reviewer's comments, and the quality has been greatly improved. The reviewer recommends publishing the revised manuscript.

Back to TopTop