Uso de geotecnologias para o mapeamento de uso e cobertura do solo do município de Gilbués – PI, com ênfase em áreas degradadas prioritárias para o reflorestamento.

Abstract

The present work aims to analyze and map land use and land cover in the municipality of Gilbués, located in the southern region of the state of Piauí, with emphasis on identifying degraded areas that are priorities for reforestation. The study area is part of one of the largest desertification nuclei in Brazil and is highly impacted by anthropogenic actions such as deforestation and inadequate agricultural practices. The methodology adopted involved the use of geotechnologies, such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing, through the QGIS software and the Earth Explorer platform. The NDVI vegetation index was used to identify areas with greater soil exposure in order to assess reforestation suitability. Land use classification revealed the predominance of native vegetation, areas altered by agriculture, and exposed soils, highlighting desertification processes especially around the urban area. Based on spatial analysis, priority areas for vegetation restoration were identified considering the proximity to water bodies, remaining native vegetation, and susceptibility to erosion. This study may contribute to environmental planning and support public policies aimed at environmental restoration and sustainable management of the Cerrado in Piauí.