Human Visual Acuity in Analysis of Intervention in the Landscape of Coxilha Rica/Brazil

Vivian Da Silva Celestino Reginato,Samuel Abati

doi:10.4236/jgis.2020.122004

Vivian Da Silva Celestino Reginato, Samuel Abati

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.4236/jgis.2020.122004

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Abstract

The Drovers’ Paths are remnants of important land access roads from Rio Grande do Sul to São Paulo at the time of Colonial Brazil. They were built and used between the 18th and 20th centuries, particularly in the region of Coxilha Rica. The main objective of this research is to develop a method for decision-making applied to the territorial landscape management in the Coxilha Rica. The method consisted of generating criteria to map the visibility spot reached from the main selected points; define the human visual acuity, realize bibliographic research, use cartographic and historical documents, inter-views, as well as field surveys that enabled the identification, characterization and mapping of historical farms and drovers’ paths. After data processing, the information was entered into the cartographic database; the data were cross-checked and analysis was made of the visibility of the surrounding farms and stone-walled corridors. Quality assessments showed that, with the visibility polygons, and through the use of cartographic tools, we could cross-check between different levels of information and analyze landscape intervention alternatives in order to minimize environmental impacts. When applying the method in the Coxilha Rica it was possible mapping the visibility polygon, taking human visual acuity into consideration, based on historical farms and stone-walled corridors; and making spatial analyses to explore alternatives to intervention (installation of power transmission systems) in order to preserve the scenic environment of the region. In the end, the decision was by does not construct the system.

Highlights

By the time of Colonial Brazil, around the 18th century, important land routes were built and used until the mid-20th century to transport mule trains and cattle for commercial supply purposes between Rio Grande do Sul and the gold mine region, passing through Sorocaba (São Paulo state) and Campos de Lages in Santa Catarina state
When applying the method in the Coxilha Rica it was possible mapping the visibility polygon, taking human visual acuity into consideration, based on historical farms and stone-walled corridors; and making spatial analyses to explore alternatives to intervention in order to preserve the scenic environment of the region
Historical and cultural remnants of this period are present throughout a region called Coxilha Rica, and because of its unique features, the Institute of National Historical and Artistic Heritage (IPHAN)—a Brazilian federal agency linked to the Ministry of Culture, responsible for preserving the diversity of contributions of the different elements that make up the Brazilian society and its ecosystems showed concern for the preservation of these elements in the region, for Coxilha Rica’s tourist potential, historical farms, old stone-walled corridors, local cuisine, and horseback riding fields, and for its outstanding hydrological potential

Summary

Introduction

By the time of Colonial Brazil, around the 18th century, important land routes were built and used until the mid-20th century to transport mule trains and cattle for commercial supply purposes between Rio Grande do Sul and the gold mine region, passing through Sorocaba (São Paulo state) and Campos de Lages in Santa Catarina state. IPHAN, concerned about the preservation of the scenic environment, and taking into account the significant number of hydroelectric projects under analysis, requested that the companies involved in the projects should work together to develop a method to minimize a negative impact on the area in the future. Such concern was relevant, because of environmental damage that could be caused, and because of the visual impact resulting from the installation of transmission systems in the scenic environment. To generate visibility polygons for the region of Coxilha Rica; To generate thematic maps at different scales

Theoretical Background

Study Area

Materials and Methods

Results and Analysis

Final Remarks