Geotecnologias e análise urbana: possibilidades e limitações analíticas a partir do desenvolvimento urbano ambiental do município de Sete Lagoas

Abstract

The matters related to the production of space are widely studied, presenting a historical and vast theoretical and methodological framework available for consultation by those who intend to delve into the subject. However, it is also known that the phenomena that shape and/or transform the space around us, regardless of its categorization or typology (urban, rural, for example), are dynamic and constantly being updated. In addition, technological development often drives and accelerates these transformations, while also promoting in-depth analysis and presenting the possibility of a multiscale and temporal interpretation of these phenomena. It is in the wake of this process of development, updating, and evolution that geotechnologies are included, a set of spatial analysis tools that contribute to a greater understanding of space and its relationships. Environmental dynamics, such as the use of natural resources, infrastructure, and the availability of fundamental services, are some of the issues that arise when analyzing human settlements. Urban management deals with these and other problems, elements, and processes that cross our individualities and add up to the phenomenon of collectivity, imposing several challenges. How to balance environmental quality and urban growth? How to deal with the limitations of the physical environment and ensure access to basic services necessary for the full consolidation of citizens' rights? How to balance environmental dynamics with social demands in the light of popular participation? These and other questions open up space for the construction of a methodological and analytical horizon. Thus, based on previously constructed knowledge, such as Milton Santos' theoretical elaboration of the technical, scientific, and informational environment, this study aimed to discuss environmental urban development using the municipality of Sete Lagoas - MG as a case study, using geotechnologies as an analysis tool from which it was possible to identify that industrialization has been a decisive factor in the historical process of urban expansion, and that mechanisms of control and urban management have not been able to ensure the sustainability of fundamental elements for the maintenance of activities that develop in its territory, such as water recharge, an important environmental service that has been neglected in the process of territorial management and which compromises the storage function of the karstic aquifer under which the urban area has consolidated. In addition, it was possible, with a relatively short time (2 years) and low investment, to develop an interactive webGIS tool that has the potential to reduce the distance between users (population) and managers, requiring, however, the development of social control mechanisms and strategies that ensure the security and effectiveness of popular participation in this type of tool.