Sensoriamento remoto aplicado à caracterização e mapeamento das alterações na cobertura vegetal da cidade de Timon – MA

The city of Timon (MA) has been a reflection of uncontrolled growth, similar to what occurs in other Brazilian cities. In this context, this study aimed to map and characterize changes in vegetation over the past 26 years to understand the spatial dynamics of occupation held in this municipality. The methodology used was basically render the Landsat satellite images Landsat 5 and 8, provided by the National Institute for Space Research (INPE) using the software Spring 2.7. Image processing started with the atmospheric correction to minimize the atmospheric effects of radiance, to then create the mosaic, then the RGB composition of the bands, the clipping area of study and classification. All these procedures have indicated an increase in the urban area, consequently a decrease of the area of vegetation. The vegetation was removed for construction of housing and also to provide firewood for bakeries of Timon and nearby town Teresina – PI. Making a comparative analysis between the years of 1990 and 2016 the urban area had an expansion of 4.9% in this period. Justified by the increase in population density caused by socio-economic factors and the need to purchase a home, encouraged by the Federal Government''s housing programs.