The shape index and fractal dimension of landscape are not only related to the area and shape of individual patches

but also related to the number of heterogeneous patches contained in the landscape matrix. In nature

patches are often encased and embedded with each other

which will affect the fractal dimension and the shape index of patches

as well as the function of patches. In this study

the shape index and shape fractal dimension of matrix with different number of patches were simulated. The results show that: with the increase of patches in the matrix

the fractal dimension and shape index will become larger

the fractal dimension will approach to 2

and the shape index will diverge. Fractal dimension may be better used as an ecological variable. The divergence of shape index must be processed before it can be applied to ecological model. This study provides a reference for the selection and application of landscape shape index.