Sistemas de Información Geográfica para el Desarrollo Sustentable de las ciudades chilenas

Abstract

The process of urban sprawl of Chilean metropolis and médium-size cities have been analyzed using models and statistical tools provided by Geographical Information Systems, like multiple regression and logistic analyses, Markov Chains and Celular Automats. Environmental impacts of urbanization, such as urban heat, biomass and soil moisture islands have been measured integrating air photographs, satellite images and digital cartography. As a consequence, important observed levels of environmental degradation and social segregation are urgently requiring environmental planning and management for sustainable development of large and intermediate cities.