Abstract: Based on land use and land cover data of Yan'an city in 1990, 2000, 2010 and 2015, the land-use cover change characteristic in different period was analyzed by using the methods of the land-use transition matrix, land-use change rate and land-use degree. The results showed that the land-use types had significantly changed from 2000 to 2010. The farmland area had significantly reduction, but the forestland area had increased greatly and the construction land area had increased significantly. The reason was the implementation of Grain for Green Program and the development of urbanization. In 1990—2000 and 2010—2015, the land-use change was relatively small, because these two periods were in the early and late stages of Grain for Green Program. During the whole period of 1990—2015, land use was in the time of adjustment, but the overall situation remained unchanged.

Key words: Yan'an city, land use and cover change, transition matrix, land use change