Análise do uso e cobertura do solo em Palmas/TO a partir de imagens de sensoriamento remoto

Abstract

This study analyzed the relationship between land surface temperature and urban land use and cover in Palmas, Tocantins, emphasizing the assessment of urban thermal comfort and the identification of heat islands. The research, framed within the field of Civil and Environmental Engineering, sought to understand how construction decisions and urban planning directly influence the thermal behavior of urban surfaces and, consequently, the population’s quality of life. By integrating ECOSTRESS satellite data with MapBiomas (2023) classifications, it was possible to map and quantify intra-urban thermal variations, correlating them with different land-use patterns and building densities. The study is classified as applied research, adopting a quantitative approach and a descriptive and explanatory nature, and employs the hypothetical–deductive method to test the hypothesis that denser and more impermeable areas exhibit higher levels of thermal discomfort. The results revealed that South Palmas recorded the highest average temperatures, associated with horizontal urban expansion and low vegetation cover, whereas the Brejo Comprido and Orla da Graciosa areas displayed milder temperatures influenced by the lake and planned afforestation. However, the cooling effects observed were localized and derived from anthropogenic interventions rather than preserved natural ecosystems. The research contributes to Civil Engineering by providing technical support for the development of materials, construction methods, and urban planning strategies aimed at mitigating heat islands and enhancing thermal comfort in tropical cities.