STUDIES ON THE QUARTA COLÔNIA DE IMIGRAÇÃO ITALIANA/RS: OPERATING METHODS IN ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENTS

Abstract

Works involving environmental assessments can be performed using Geographic Information Systems. Considering the possibilities, the present study aims to operationalize an environmental assessment methodology for Região da Quarta Colônia de Imigração Italiana, Rio Grande do Sul, in order to identify areas of environmental fragility and agricultural potential. Thematic maps were organized on clinography, geology, geomorphology, pedology and land use in the region. These integrated a weighted multicriteria assessment. Weights were assigned to the thematic maps and scores to the classes contained in the maps. The weight for the maps was 20%, while the scores of the classes oscillated between 0 and 10. For the analysis, combinations between the classes contained in the maps were generated, producing scores of 3 to 9 for environmental fragility, and 2 to 9 for agricultural potential. The results showed that the application of an environmental assessment allows the analysis of the fragility and potentiality to a greater or lesser level. Through the results of the assessment of environmental fragility, the classes of high and low fragility stood out. From the results of the analysis of agricultural potential, a predominance of the medium potential class was detected, followed by very high potential.