Landscape Dynamic of the Zona de Expansão de Aracaju-Se

Abstract

The landscape of the “Zona de Expansão” of Aracaju/Se is distinguished by their genetic characteristics and the increasing advancement of human occupation in the past few decades. This study aims to analyze
the landscape evolution for 1978 and 2008, from the physical and man-made structurings. The methodological procedures used were: landscape units mapping for 1978 and 2008 and, geoprocessing with ArcGIS 9.3.1. The Patch-Corridor-Matrix model and Landscape Quantification method (or Structure Measurements) were applied in the analysis and interpretation of data. The landscape units identified for 1978 and 2008 encompassed: Marine Terrace, Dune/Interdune, Beach/Foredune, Tidal Plain and Anthropogenic Intervention. The increase of the occupied and partially occupied areas occurred over the natural landscape units, mainly over Marine Terrace and Dune/Interdune units. The Landscape Quantification method showed that despite the increasing of the Anthropogenic Intervention unit area, the natural landscape units still predominate on the studied landscape. According to the Patch-Corridor-Matrix model, the landscape investigated presents natural matrix (above 50% of the total area) interrupted by anthropogenic patches. Natural areas can become patches if human occupation continue to increase at fast pace presented in the past few decades. However, qualitative analysis indicated that the landscape of
the “Zona de Expansão” of Aracaju can be considered anthropized due to the high shredding degree. This study serves as subsidies for environmental planning.