Land use mapping and evolution through aerial photographs and orbital images, in Santa Bárbara D'Oeste (SP)

Abstract

Land use was studied in Santa Bárbara D'Oeste,SP in an area of 14,625 ha. Two land use mappings were made using pancromatic aerial photographs (date 25/6/78), in a scale of 1:35,000 and orbital images from LANDSAT-5 satellite (date 12/8/91) in a scale 1:100,000, at bands 3, 4 and 5 and color composition 3/4/5. Interpretation keys for aerial photos and orbital images were established to assist map making. For land use identification photos presented more details. On the other hand, orbital images at band 3 and color composition 3/4/5 were more efficient in relation to the other bands. Sugar cane crop area did not change in the studied period (1978-1991), forest and pasture areas had a reduction and urban areas increased. Using the land capability classification, most of the studied area feU in class IV: land more appropriate for pasture or perennial crops like sugar cane, with the need of intensive conservation managements technics, with agricultural practices based on high technological levels.