The accelerated urban expansion has promoted several negative impacts on the environment. The need of new methodologies that allows a more appropriate planning of the natural resources grows constantly. The objective of this research was to accomplish an environmental diagnostic in urban areas of Santa Maria - RS, Brazil, determining the land use conflicts through the Urban Land Use Potential System. Products and techniques of remote sensing and image geoprocessing were used. Improper land use is related to the fragility of the geological material and soil resources. Up to 33% of the area is used above its potential with inadequate construction and urban agriculture.
soil survey; pedology; soil; land use; remote sensing
