Multitemporal dynamics of urbanization in the metropolitan region of Belém: evidence of anthropism in an Amazon scenario

Abstract

This study aims to identify/map the multitemporal dynamics of urbanization in the Metropolitan Region of Belém, showing anthropism through the observation of population growth in the region. To achieve the proposed objective, the study used remote sensing from 1984 to 2020, applying the physical indices NDBI, NDWI, NDVI and BSI to highlight the use and coverage of areas of interest in the region. The results showed that, during the study period, there was a vegetation suppression of 390 km²; the urban core was concentrated in the southwest of the region with approximately 2 million residents; the rate of urbanization rose to 96.27%, higher than that of Brazil (90%) and the anthropized areas, in 1989, covered 19% of the region. It was inferred that the physical indexes can be incorporated into the studies to provide important information about the urban and regional environment. Satellite images are of great importance in the preparation of multitemporal studies of urban expansion and physical indices can be incorporated into studies to provide important information on the urban and regional environment, especially if focused on territorial planning, which aims to maintain from priority areas to the maintenance of Amazonian ecosystems, enabling better use of space and less impact on environmental systems.