Spatial Analysis of Green Infrastructure in the Microregion of Anápolis-GO: Implications for Urban Planning

Objective: This study aims to analyze the Green Area Index (GAI), the Vegetation Cover Index (VCI), and the Vegetation Cover Percentage (VCP) in the urban areas of 20 cities in the microregion of Anápolis, Goiás, focusing on green infrastructure and its implications for urban planning. Theoretical Framework: The research is based on the importance of green infrastructure as an essential tool for enhancing ecosystem variability, reducing environmental pollution, and controlling urban heat islands, especially in expanding urban areas. Method: The study was conducted in two stages: first, images from the WPM/CBERS-4A and Google Earth Pro satellites were analyzed to quantify the GAI; in the second stage, the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) was used to calculate the area with vegetation cover. Results and Discussion: The city of Anápolis had the largest urban vegetation area, while the municipalities of Taquaral, Damolândia, and São Francisco de Goiás had the highest GAI and VCI. São Francisco de Goiás recorded the highest VCP (35.06%), followed by Damolândia (29,27%) and Araçu (28.29%). Research Implications: The study highlighted the need for public afforestation policies to improve the socio-environmental conditions of the analyzed cities. Originality/Value: This research contributes to the literature by providing robust data on the distribution of vegetation in medium-sized urban areas and its importance for sustainable urban planning.