Research on the Development Path of Rural Low-altitude Airspace from the Perspective of Regional Functional Transformation

YE Hong; DIAO Yulong; XIANG Xiaomin; LI Lingyi; YU Kai; CHEN Ke

doi:10.3969/j.issn.1000-0232.2025.11.010

Abstract：At the critical phase of China's urban-rural restructuring,emerging technologies are catalyzing a leapfrog development of rural infrastructure by deeply integrating with territorial functions and helping rural areas in China explore characteristic transformation routes.By reviewing the co-evolution of technologies and rural functions,this study reveals the intrinsic relationship between technological iteration and the introduction and integration of key development nodes in a rural area.At present,the functional paradigm of rural territories is being fundamentally reconfigured.The production system has transitioned from a purely agricultural base to a diversified,technology-driven economy that integrates the use of sub-surface,surface,and aerial spaces.In living systems,rural settlements are evolving into high-quality living environments for a broader population,thereby facilitating the high-quality,distinctive development of public services.Rural ecosystems are evolving from fundamental ecological conservation to ecological capitalization and strategic spaces,aiming to assetize ecological resources and convert them into economic value.The urban-rural relationship shifts from the"urban-dominated and rural-attached"pattern to the"urban-rural multicenter synergistic development."Rural areas can become high-quality production and living areas that support integrated development on par with urban areas.The value of rural low-altitude airspaces was redefined through a deep mutual promotion between low-altitude technologies and rural area functions.Hence,rural low-altitude airspaces become rural spatial carriers with substantial functions,and they are expected to further promote functional transitions in rural areas.1)In the production system,these technologies mobilize three-dimensional production factors,establish efficient circulation networks,and foster new rural industries.2)In the living system,they enhance the quality of life services,strengthen the resilience of protected zones,and contribute to high-quality human settlement construction.3)In the ecological system,they improve ecological resilience,facilitate the capitalization of ecological resources,and promote green,sustainable development.4)In the urban-rural relationship,they enable coordinated air-ground development,advance comprehensive urban-rural connectivity,and accelerate integrated development with equal value between urban and rural areas.Comprehensively considering various constraints against low-altitude airspace development,the study identified the following current problems in the core chain of"development objects-contents-guarantees"through low-altitude scenario practices and economic theories.Regarding"development objects",there is a deviation in development focus and inadequate division;for"development content",there is a project-oriented tendency in the low-altitude development paradigm and a lack of accuracy in industrial selection;and for"development guarantees",the institutional construction lags behind disruptive technological innovations.Based on the dual perspectives of problem orientation and goal orientation,this study proposes the following developmental pathways for rural low-altitude airspace:1)align technological capabilities with practical demands by establishing a"two-tier screening and phased advancement"approach,prioritizing rural areas surrounding pilot cities for airspace reform,areas adjacent to transportation hubs,and functional rural clusters.Further focus should be placed on regions with advanced agriculture,forestry,animal husbandry,and fisheries;areas experiencing logistical bottlenecks;and areas dominated by cultural and tourism industries.2)Clarify the categories of low-altitude economy products and establish a classified investment model centered on"infrastructure-projects."Further,the industrial selection criteria based on local endowments,market demands,and regional capabilities should be established.3)Implement a special management zone system for rural low-altitude airspace and adopt a pilot zone model to drive holistic development.Enhance civil-military-government coordination mechanisms across dimensions,such as airspace approval rights,infrastructure planning authority,usage rights,and revenue rights.Additionally,new rural infrastructure should be incorporated into the scope of revitalized collective operational construction land,and low-altitude airspace should be integrated into rural planning as a production factor alongside land.4)With considerations to technological characteristics and regional features,the concept of multi-scale,differentiated,and dynamically adjustable airspace units should be introduced in response to the mid-to long-term trend of low-altitude economic development transcending administrative boundaries.