Metodologia para detecção de áreas socioambientalmente vulneráveis: o caso do distrito do Campeche, no município de Florianópolis – SC, Brasil

A sociedade contemporânea lida constantemente com questões intensas de mudanças climáticas e influências destas em diversas partes do planeta, com diversos reflexos nas regiões costeiras. Minimizar os impactos ambientais e efeitos no ecossistema em áreas zoneadas conceitualmente opostas, então sobrepostas ou limitantes geograficamente, é um desafio para o poder público, seja pelo prisma do planejador, da gestão do território, entre outros agentes do espaço geográfico. É urgente que mecanismos para otimização da identificação dessas áreas sejam pesquisados e promovidos, uma vez que os desdobramentos da passividade desses equívocos ou falhas entre zoneamentos territoriais podem incidir em impactos socioambientais e socioeconômicos incomensuráveis aos atores locais. Esta pesquisa abordará, portanto, um método para a identificação de áreas potenciais de riscos de conflitos socioambientais, alicerçado por técnicas de geoprocessamento, como a análise espacial. O método proposto foi aplicado no distrito do Campeche (Florianópolis – SC), lugar passivo dessas discussões e influenciado (in)diretamente por mudanças climáticas e discussões ambientais. Palavras-chave: Política ambiental. Gerenciamento costeiro. Planejamento urbano. Análise espacial. Campeche (Florianópolis, SC)

Development of a web application based on MCDA and GIS for the decision support of river and floodplain rehabilitation projects

Rivers have been modified significantly during the last 200 years in Switzerland. These modifications were done for protection purposes (protection against floods), construction of hydropower plants, gain of land or other human activities. These artificial transformations have reduced, sometimes drastically, the natural dynamic of the rivers, which has reduced biodiversity, and has also increased the risk of flood. The awareness of the importance of river in a more natural state has conducted to a modification of the law on water protection in Switzerland (2011) and the rehabilitation of heavily affected rivers has now become a task that all cantons have to tackle. However the choice of which measures are the best to apply is not simple for decision makers who have to take into account multiple factors, but who are also confronted with different stakeholders who do not necessarily all share the same point of view (scientists, farmers, inhabitants, policy makers, ...) The present study has consisted of the development of a Web-GIS (geographic information systems) application to help decision makers in this task, by using the multicriteria decision analysis (MCDA) method and by automating all the needed computations. Beside the MCDA computation, the production of maps is also a central functionality. To ensure the reliability of the result, a sensitivity analysis tool was added, which uses the Monte Carlo simulation technique. The application was developed using PHP, Javascript and Java, and by using open source libraries and softwares (for instance Geoserver, Geotools, MySQL,…). It was designed to let possible extensions be added easily, by using a modular approach to perform the different processes. The web application enables a fast and easy computation and enables each user to set his own preferences (including the weights of the different factors). A score for each alternative is given as result, as well as maps. The ease of sharing data and results is also a great advantage in projects such as river restorations, where multiple stakeholders' desires must be taken into account.Résumé Les rivières suisses ont été fortement modifiées durant les 200 dernières années. Ces modifications ont été faites pour diverses raisons, protection contre les crues, construction de centrales hydro-électriques, gain de terrain ou autres activités humaines. Ces transformations artificielles ont parfois réduit de manière drastique la dynamique naturelle des rivières, ce qui a fortement affecté la biodiversité, mais a également fait accroître le danger lors de crues. De nos jours la réhabilitation de rivières fortement modifiées est devenue une tâche à laquelle chaque canton doit s'atteler. Cependant le choix des mesures à prendre n'est pas aisé pour les décideurs, qui doivent prendre en compte de nombreux critères, mais sont également confrontés à divers groupes d'intérêt qui n'ont pas nécessairement le même point de vue (scientifiques, agriculteurs, habitants, politiciens, ...). La présente étude a consisté dans le développement d'une application web - sig (système d'information géographique) dans le but d'aider les décideurs dans cette tâche, en utilisant une méthode d'analyse multicritères d'aide à la décision (MCDA) et en automatisant tous les calculs nécessaires. A côté de l'analyse multicritères, la production et visualisation de cartes est aussi une fonctionnalité centrale. Pour s'assurer de la fiabilité des résultats, un outil d'analyse de sensibilité, utilisant une méthode de simulation (Monte Carlo), a été ajoutée. L'application a été développée en PHP, Java et Javascript, utilisant des outils open source (par exemple Geoserver, Geotools, MySQL, …) et laissant le champ ouvert à de possibles extensions par la modularisation des différents processus. L'application web permet une analyse multicritère simple et rapide, et permet à chaque utilisateur d'utiliser ses propres préférences dans le calcul (en donnant les poids de son choix aux différents critères). Un score pour chaque alternative est donné comme résultat, ainsi que des cartes. La facilité d'échange de données et de résultats qu'offre une application web, est aussi un grand avantage dans un projet tel que la restauration d'une rivière, où de multiple groupes d'intérêts doivent être pris en compte.Rivers have been modified significantly during the last 200 years in Switzerland. These modifications were done for protection purposes (protection against floods), construction of hydropower plants, gain of land or other human activities. These artificial transformations have reduced, sometimes drastically, the natural dynamic of the rivers, which has reduced biodiversity, and has also increased the risk of flood. The awareness of the importance of river in a more natural state has conducted to a modification of the law on water protection in Switzerland (2011) and the rehabilitation of heavily affected rivers has now become a task that all cantons have to tackle. However the choice of which measures are the best to apply is not simple for decision makers who have to take into account multiple factors, but who are also confronted with different stakeholders who do not necessarily all share the same point of view (scientists, farmers, inhabitants, policy makers, ...) The present study has consisted of the development of a Web-GIS (geographic information systems) application to help decision makers in this task, by using the multicriteria decision analysis (MCDA) method and by automating all the needed computations. Beside the MCDA computation, the production of maps is also a central functionality. To ensure the reliability of the result, a sensitivity analysis tool was added, which uses the Monte Carlo simulation technique. The application was developed using open source libraries and softwares and was designed to let possible extensions be added easily, by using a modular approach to perform the different processes. The web application enables a fast and easy computation and enables each user to set his own preferences (including the weights of the different factors). A score for each alternative is given as result, as well as maps. The ease of sharing data and results is also a great advantage in projects such as river restorations, where multiple stakeholders' desires must be taken into account

WebGIS implementation for dynamic mapping and visualization of coastal geospatial data: A case study of BESS project

Within an E.U.-funded project, BESS (Pocket Beach Management and Remote Surveillance System), the notion of a geographic information system is an indispensable tool for managing the dynamics of georeferenced data and information for any form of territorial planning. This notion was further explored with the creation of a WebGIS portal that will allow local and regional stake-holders/authorities obtain an easy remote access tool to monitor the status of pocket beaches (PB) in the Maltese Archipelago and Sicily. In this paper, we provide a methodological approach for the implementation of a WebGIS necessary for very detailed dynamic mapping and visualization of geospatial coastal data; the description of the dataset necessary for the monitoring of coastal areas, especially the PBs; and a demonstration of a case study for the PBs of Sicily and Malta by using the methodology and the dataset used during the BESS project. Detailed steps involved in the creation of the WebGIS are presented. These include data preparation, data storage, and data publication and transformation into geo-services. With the help of different Open Geospatial Consortium pro-tocols, the WebGIS displays different layers of information for 134 PBs including orthophotos, sed-imentological/geomorphological beach characteristics, shoreline evolution, geometric and morphological parameters, shallow water bathymetry, and photographs of pocket beaches. The WebGIS allows not only for identifying, evaluating, and directing potential solutions to present and arising issues, but also enables public access and involvement. It reflects a platform for future local and regional coastal zone monitoring and management, by promoting public/private involvement in addressing coastal issues and providing local public administrations with an improved technology to monitor coastal changes and help better plan suitable interventions

An Operational Web-Based Indicator System for Integrated Coastal Zone Management

Coastal zones are under severe pressure from anthropogenic activities, as well as on-going climate change with associated sea level rise and increased storminess. These challenges call for integrated and forward looking solutions. The concept on Integrated Coastal Zone Management, as defined during the last twenty years, provides the overall policy frames, but tools to support the planning and management efforts are almost lacking. Furthermore, the forward-looking dimension to embrace the effects of climate change is nearly absent in most implementations. The BLAST project, financed by the European Union Regional Fund through the INTERREG IV North Sea Region Programme, aimed at developing a web-based decision support system to assist Integrated Coastal Zone Management from a climate change perspective, and the current paper describes the methods used and the computing platform for implementing a decision support system. The software applied in developing the system is mainly Open Source components, thus, facilitating a more widespread use of the system

From coastal defense to coastal adaptation. The role of costal boundary lines in coastal management plans: a comparative study between Portugal and South Africa

The link between climate change and sea level rise has long been assumed by the scientific community. Climate change has been increasing sea levels and intensifying coastal extreme weather events in duration and frequency, aggravating flood risk, which may result in permanent submersion of coastal zones. Furthermore, the world’s population has been growing, mostly in coastal zones, following a tendency that will continue in the coming decades. People and infrastructure are now more exposed and scenarios point to increasing exposure. In this regard, decision-making is now urged to respond to immediate constraints by implementing and reinforcing short- to medium-term responses through coastal defences whenever and wherever possible, while more proactive medium- to long-term coastal adaptation interventions are necessary to complement shorter-term measures. Therefore, many countries have been adopting coastal boundary lines, commonly referred to in the literature as setback lines, in their coastal management policies. Portugal referred to as a developed country, and South Africa as a developing country, both felt the need to adapt to these new challenges. Both countries have been subject to increasing coastal hazards and rising sea levels, while population in built-up areas along the coast has increased, exacerbating exposure, and consequently introduced significant changes to their coastal management policies, namely by incorporating setback lines. In order to acquire relevant information and views, semi-structured interviews were conducted with key-actors at National, Regional and Local Government levels, Academics, and Consultants, in both countries. Results suggest that different (political) backgrounds can lead to different outcomes. In Portugal, the implementation of Safeguard Lines is the responsibility of the Central Government, while in South Africa, Coastal Management Lines are a Provincial Government responsibility. Several constraints to the implementation of setback lines were identified by key-actors. In South Africa, more than in Portugal, the lack of a National Level methodological guidance raised some concerns related to the adoption of different methodologies by each Province, leading to increased implementation delays. In both countries, the national (mandatory) coverage of the lines was mentioned to be a major challenge due to restrictive and prohibitive regimes imposed by this type of lines, particularly in built-up environments. In the past, only the (few) most capacitated municipalities have adopted such coastal management measures. In both countries, key-actors have mentioned a general mistrust in Local Government due to the history of exceptions for development in restricted demarcated coastal areas. Both countries recognized the importance of public participation in the planning process through the policies in force. However, Portugal has grounded its methodology on the natural sciences and the contributions of stakeholders in this field of expertise have been reduced. South Africa had an equally solid natural science-based component, however, the social sciences component is crucial in the implementation of their lines. It should be noted, however, that both countries had limitations on the quality and availability of Geographic Information. Given this duality, it can be concluded that a "one size fits all" methodology does not apply to the implementation of setback lines in the case study countries.A relação entre as alterações climáticas e a subida do nível do mar foi há muito tempo assumida pela comunidade científica. As alterações climáticas têm contribuído para a subida média do nível do mar e para a intensificação (duração e frequência) de eventos climáticos extremos costeiros, agravando o risco de inundação, o que poderá resultar na submersão permanente das zonas costeiras. Acresce que a população mundial tem vindo a aumentar, principalmente nas zonas costeiras, uma tendência que continuará nas próximas décadas. Pessoas e infraestruturas estão agora mais expostas e os cenários apontam para um agravamento. Neste sentido, há que tentar responder às limitações existentes, implementando e reforçando medidas de curto e médio prazo (defesas costeiras) e de médio e longo prazo (intervenções de adaptação costeiras). Assim, vários países têm adotado Faixas de Salvaguarda nas suas políticas de gestão costeira. Portugal referido como um país desenvolvido, e a África do Sul como país em desenvolvimento, sentiram a necessidade de se adaptar a estes novos desafios. Ambos estão sujeitos às vulnerabilidades costeiras e à subida do nível do mar, registando simultaneamente um aumento das áreas construídas e da população, exacerbando a exposição e originando mudanças significativas nas suas políticas de gestão costeira, nomeadamente incorporando Faixas de Salvaguarda. Com o objetivo de obter informações relevantes foram conduzidas entrevistas semiestruturadas a atores-chave aos níveis do Governo Central, Regional e Local, Académicos e Consultores, em ambos os países. Os resultados sugerem que diferentes circunstâncias (políticas) podem originar resultados distintos. Em Portugal, a implementação de Linhas de Salvaguarda é da responsabilidade do Governo Central, enquanto que na África do Sul, as Coastal Management Lines são implementadas ao nível da Província. Foram identificados vários constrangimentos à implementação das Faixas de Salvaguarda pelos atores-chave. Na África do Sul, mais do que em Portugal, a falta de uma orientação metodológica ao nível Nacional implicou a adoção de diferentes metodologias em cada Província, levando a sucessivos adiamentos na sua implementação. Em ambos os países, a cobertura nacional (obrigatória) das Faixas de Salvaguarda foi identificada como o grande desafio, particularmente em ambientes construídos, devido aos regimes restritivos e proibitivos impostos por estes instrumentos. No passado, apenas alguns municípios mais capacitados adotaram este tipo de medidas. É referida, em ambos os países, uma desconfiança generalizada relativamente ao Governo Local devido ao histórico de exceções permeáveis à construção em áreas costeiras demarcadas. Ambos os países demonstraram reconhecer a importância da participação pública nos processos de planeamento e políticas em vigor. No entanto, Portugal fundamentou a sua metodologia nas ciências naturais sendo as contribuições das partes interessadas particularmente reduzidas. A África do Sul teve igualmente uma componente sólida baseada nas ciências naturais, no entanto, a componente associada às ciências sociais demonstrou ser crucial para a implementação destas faixas. Deve-se notar, no entanto, que em ambos os casos houve limitações devido à qualidade e disponibilidade de Informação Geográfica. Dada essa dualidade de critérios, pode-se concluir que uma metodologia "one size fits all" não se adequa à implementação de Faixas de Salvaguarda nos países em estudo

Sustainable Agriculture and Advances of Remote Sensing (Volume 1)

Agriculture, as the main source of alimentation and the most important economic activity globally, is being affected by the impacts of climate change. To maintain and increase our global food system production, to reduce biodiversity loss and preserve our natural ecosystem, new practices and technologies are required. This book focuses on the latest advances in remote sensing technology and agricultural engineering leading to the sustainable agriculture practices. Earth observation data, in situ and proxy-remote sensing data are the main source of information for monitoring and analyzing agriculture activities. Particular attention is given to earth observation satellites and the Internet of Things for data collection, to multispectral and hyperspectral data analysis using machine learning and deep learning, to WebGIS and the Internet of Things for sharing and publishing the results, among others