Geospatial and thermal assessment of permanent preservation areas in the mata do buraquinho

environmental and urban implications

Abstract

This study aims to conduct an environmental and thermal analysis of the Permanent Preservation Areas (APPs) of the Mata do Buraquinho, located in João Pessoa, Paraíba, focusing on the characterization of native vegetation and its influence on the urban microclimate. The research uses Landsat-8 satellite imagery (OLI sensor) and the Digital Elevation Model (DEM) from TopoData, processed using QGIS software, allowing spatial and thermal analysis of the area. The originality of the study lies in the integration of geotechnological tools to investigate the role of urban APPs in climate regulation and biodiversity conservation, a topic still underexplored in the context of major cities in the Brazilian Northeast. The results indicate that the APPs of Mata do Buraquinho play a crucial role in mitigating urban heat islands, contributing to the maintenance of humidity, milder temperatures, and environmental quality in the surrounding urban area. The transformation of the area into a Botanical Garden, as established by a state decree, reinforces its ecological and scientific value. Theoretically, the study contributes to the understanding of urban APPs as essential green infrastructure for sustainable urban planning. Methodologically, it demonstrates the potential of remote sensing and GIS tools in assessing urban ecosystem services. Socially and environmentally, the findings emphasize the importance of preserving and valuing these areas for urban well-being and the development of environmentally sensitive public policies.