Results show that not only is LULC diversity visible as distinct patterns on the landscape, but also that these patterns relate to known features and areas of change – regardless of system type. While the two SESs do indeed exhibit the same directionality in the responses of their levels of LULC diversity to the different factors, the differences in their biophysical and socioeconomic characteristics result in different strengths of relationship. The findings of this research suggest that LULC diversity reflects the dynamic complexity of the human-dominated landscape. It responds in measurable ways to different factors influencing LULCC. The spatial arrangement of LULC diversity can be used as a means to quantify change in SESs. As such, it provides a means of abstracting landscapes so that comparisons can be made between landscapes and SESs that would otherwise be context-dependent.