Environmental classification of squares in Marília/SP

Abstract

Public garden squares are the predominant typology of green areas in cities, presenting numerous environmental benefits. The arrangement of these spaces makes them more efficient and facilitates their management. The objective of this study was to stablish a method for evaluating squares in the city of Marília - SP. The municipality is located in an important water supply region, needings areas that favor water infiltration. The sample universe consisted of 113 squares distributed in 5 zones (center, north, south, east, and west). The sampling was randomly stratified, with 28.32% of the squares of each zone selected. Four parameters were established to compose the squares’ evaluation: total area (AT), permeable area (AP), tree density (DA), and tree cover (CA). Data were collected both on-site, by measuring canopy and counting tree individuals, and in the laboratory, using QGis 3.16.0, to obtain the total and permeable areas. After obtaining the values, each parameter was divided into 3 equal classes, considering the maximum and minimum values obtained for each parameter. The highest values, classified as ‘good’, were assigned 3 points, the average values, or ‘regular’, 2 points, and the lowest values, or ‘poor’, 1 point, generating a final score. For each square and an score for each zone. The ‘Joana Rodrigues dos Santos’ square obtained the highest score (10) with maximum values for AP, DA, and CA, therefore classifyied itself as a model to be followed. The ‘São Paulo’ and ‘Dr. Miguel Souza e Silva’ squares reached the lowest score (4) thus needing several interventions. The north zone presented the highest score (7.67) while the central zone, the lowest (5.25).