This paper proposes a modification of the Modified Normalized Difference Water Index (MNDWI) called Rescaled Water Index (RWI), aiming to enhance the delineation and performance of water body mapping in urban contexts. To evaluate the proposed index, we compare its performance in mapping Water Surfaces (WSs) in different cities in South America with the results obtained by other well-known water indices, namely, Normalized Difference Water Index (NDWI), MNDWI, Automated Water Extraction Index (AWEIsh, and AWEInsh)). We utilized images from the Sentinel satellites (2A and 2B), all acquired in June 2021, focusing on cities located south of the Tropic of Capricorn to obtain images with the highest incidence of shading, whose spectral response complicates the mapping of WSs. In this scenario, the present study revealed that selecting the best single index for mapping all WSs is an arduous task, as their performances varied across the analyzed locations. Overall, the performance of the indices, evaluated by the partial Receiver Operating Characteristic (pROC) curve and non-water misclassification point restrictions, revealed quite close results, especially considering the RWI, NDWI, and MNDWI. In the six cities analyzed, the RWI outperformed in three. Additionally, when considering the results for all the cities, the RWI outperformed all the other indices. Our study also rainforced the importance of the complementarity of the indices to improve the performance of the mappings. Such results, therefore, were interpreted as an essential contribution to water body mapping, considering its practical applications in environmental monitoring and water resource management in urbanized areas.

Este artigo apresenta o estado da arte de uma plataforma de monitoramento de áreas verdes urbanas − UrbVerde − para municípios do Estado de São Paulo. Sua construção se baseia em Cloud Computing e sensoriamento remoto orbital. Objetiva-se prover métricas de monitoramento das desigualdades socioambientais a partir das escalas municipal e intraurbana, incluindo indicadores de vegetação, temperatura de superfície e sistemas de espaços livres (parques e praças), relacionando-os com dados populacionais agrupados por setores censitários. Constitui-se, assim, uma base de informações acompanháveis e de livre acesso com potencial de aplicação para a construção de políticas públicas, a exemplo do programa Município VerdeAzul. Por meio das ferramentas interativas de análise e correlação de dados, destaca-se o aspecto inter-relacional das variáveis geográficas envolvidas, representando um ganho de inteligência de governança. Além disso, a abordagem utilizada fornece novos olhares sobre a distribuição e a acessibilidade das infraestruturas verdes nos municípios, promovendo a sensibilização dos gestores e uma maior inclusão da população nos processos de tomada de decisão. Deste modo, espera-se, com o apoio de uma tecnologia disruptiva, estimular conjuntamente o processo de suporte à decisão para a retomada verde na Década da Restauração de Ecossistemas (2021-2030), viabilizando o processo de transformação dos municípios em cidades inteligentes e sustentáveis.

Land regularization in favelas is a challenging and complex issue in the Brazilian context, involving legal, social, economic and urban aspects. In this scenario, the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), popularly known as drones, emerges as a promising tool with the potential to significantly assist in land regularization activities in informal settlements. This article aims to explore and highlight the potential of UAVs in the regularization of informal settlements, evidencing their ability to provide accurate, up-to-date and detailed geospatial information. UAVs can perform aerial photogrammetric surveys, capturing high-resolution images and generating georeferenced orthomosaics and 3d models of the areas of interest. However, the effective implementation of UAVs in land regularization faces several obstacles and challenges. One of the main challenges is the need for adequate standardization for the use of these technologies in slum areas, considering the particularities and specific demands of these settlements. In addition, issues related to privacy, security, access to the data collected and training of the professionals involved also require attention. Another relevant aspect is the gap between the scientific and technological research developed so far and the discussions on the right to housing. The research has been directed, for the most part, to meet the demands of financial capital, with emphasis on the agribusiness sector, leaving aside the needs of communities in situations of housing vulnerability. Therefore, it is essential to promote a closer integration between scientific research, legislation and public policies aimed at land regularization in favelas, in order to ensure that the use of UAVs is guided by ethical, inclusive and socially just principles. Only in this way will it be possible to fully harness the potential of these technologies to promote decent housing and access to fundamental rights in informal urban areas. DOI:https://doi.org/10.56238/Connexpemultidisdevolpfut-028

Cartographic resources play a crucial role in facilitating communication across various sectors, including research projects focused on low-income communities. Despite this, some researchers still adhere to colonialist and exploitative approaches. This study aims to promote equitable university–community interaction though cartographic resources, aid academic and vulnerable community users in choosing a better platform for their work, and provide insights to developers for improving the platforms to better serve the user profiles of community members. To achieve this, we examined the use of cartographic resources in five projects within low-income communities (commonly referred to as favelas or so-called “slums”) in three Brazilian cities, all guided by equitable principles. The study unfolds in four stages: (i) data collection from documents and interviews; (ii) systematization into seven analytical categories—cartographic resources, data, personnel, processes, equipment, general objectives, and specific objectives; (iii) analysis of eight cartographic resources; and (iv) a critical examination of the outcomes. The synthesis of the collected information identified 65 characteristics/demands, with 17 common to all projects, including vector feature creation, thematic map design, printed map usage, and satellite imagery. We also identified 53 geographic information system (GIS) functionalities required for the projects, predominantly related to vector data generation and editing. The outcomes demonstrate the benefits of project methodologies, contributing to a decolonial university–community praxis. Additionally, they underscore the potential of digital cartographic resources, functioning not solely as data collection tools but also as powerful instruments that empower slum residents to advocate for improvements and foster local development.

The use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) can contribute significantly to land regularization activities of slums. This article seeks to demonstrate the potentia...

In the context of the crisis of multilateralism following the 2008 financial crisis, projects financed by multilateral organizations have exacerbated socio-environmental conflicts in the Global South, particularly in Latin America. The conflict mediation processes conducted by Accountability Mechanisms are expected to result in socio-environmental reparations, a claim that has been disputed by affected communities. This article analyzes the conflicts surrounding International Financial Institution (IFI) Financing in development projects for cities and regions in the Global South. The question is: how have Independent Accountability Mechanisms (IAMs) addressed environmental injustices resulting from projects financed by International Financial Institutions? To understand this issue, the objective of the research is to understand the accountability strategies of the Independent Mechanisms and the sustainability discourse of Multilateral Organizations. The research focus was defined based on the activities of Independent Accountability Mechanisms (IAMs), which organized several virtual meetings with civil society during 2020 and 2021. The methodology employed participant observation, with findings documented in a field notebook. The theoretical framework draws on the concept of environmental justice, both in its American version, as articulated by Dr. Robert Bullard, and its Latin American counterpart, often referred to as the 'environmentalism of the poor,' by Joan Martínez Alier. The results revealed the limitations of IAMs in mediating and investigating violations of social and environmental safeguards. Socio-environmental reparations for communities affected by projects funded by International Financial Institutions (IFIs) fall outside the scope of IAMs' activities. Additionally, the IFIs have not established socio-environmental reparation funds for these affected communities. The data collected through participant observation and recorded in the field notebook were interpreted and analyzed within this theoretical framework. These findings can provide valuable insights to improve decision-making processes, promoting greater equity and sustainability in the relationships between IFIs and communities impacted by large-scale projects in Latin America.