Abstract
This paper presents the results of integrated environmental analysis of the Ribeirão do Pinhal drainage basin, undertaken with geographic information systems and spatial analysis techniques. The empirical analysis of environmental fragility methodology was used to identify areas that require more attention for improving environmental conditions. Because more than 60% of the study area has weak or very weak potential fragility grades, the natural characteristics of the basin may be considered appropriate. Regarding the environmental fragility, i.e. taking into account human actions, the basin has more than 50% of its area with weak or very weak grades. However, more than 40% of the study area has environmental fragility above their potential fragility grades. This situation indicates the presence of intensive land uses beyond natural landscape restoration processes. These sectors require that stricter territory management policies be implemented.
Highlights
One of the greatest challenges when selecting for analysis methods for environmental studies is dealing with a large set of data and information and producing diagnoses that can be interpreted in order to apply effective public policies in territory management and planning
This research aimed to apply the methodology of environmental fragility mapping by using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) techniques and spatial analysis to identify areas that require more attention in their management by the involved social actors, seeking preservation of environmental quality
Since delineation of the potential fragility polygons were very close to those of soil class polygons, we assumed that spatial distribution of potential fragility was mainly associated to the mapped soil classes at the watershed, with relief taking a secondary role to this fragility
Summary
One of the greatest challenges when selecting for analysis methods for environmental studies is dealing with a large set of data and information and producing diagnoses that can be interpreted in order to apply effective public policies in territory management and planning. Improvements in the user interface have enhanced their utilization in diagnostic and environmental studies for professionals from several fields. According to Ross (1994), analysis of natural and disturbed environments using geotechniques allows the understanding of study results by a wide range of professionals and even by people without technical training in areas related to environmental science. The survey of physical and biotic resources that support anthropic action, such as topography, soils types and climate for environmental planning, should allow an integrated analysis, and identify the potential fragility of the natural system
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