Abstract
This paper assesses, using landscape metrics, the fragmentation of the Brazilian Cerrado caused by Brasília’s urban sprawl. The study is divided into three analysis: i) diachronic analysis; ii) synchronic analysis; and iii) scenario of non-urban sprawling of the city. The diachronic analysis (1953-2013) studies the Distrito Federal’s landscape transformations focusing on urban areas and on natural areas. The synchronic analysis compares urban densities and urban compactness in Brazilian’s metropolitan areas (São Paulo / SP, Rio de Janeiro / RJ, Belo Horizonte / BH, Recife / PE, Porto Alegre / RS, Salvador / BA, Brasília / DF, Fortaleza / CE and Curitiba / PR) in 2015. The hypothetical scenario of Brasília’s non-urban sprawling shows the shape and size that the city could have if it were denser and more compact. Results indicate that a denser and more compact urban scenario could have preserved more of the city's natural landscape.
Keywords:
Landscape Fragmentation; Urban Sprawl; Urban Compactness; Brasília; Cerrado