DYNAMICS OF URBAN EXPANSION AND LAND VALORIZATION IN MARTINS/RN BETWEEN 2000 AND 2025

Abstract

Based on a question that sought to highlight how land use and occupation altered the local urban landscape throughout the 21st century, this study aimed to analyze, in geographical space and time, the use and occupation of urban land in the city of Martins, Rio Grande do Norte, between the years 2000 and 2025, using geotechnologies as support. The applied methodology analyzed bibliographies and public documents, as well as conducted field and laboratory research that consisted of the production of cartographic products that allowed us to understand the dynamics of urban land use and occupation, understanding the spatial implications of this process. Nine subdivisions opened after 2000 were identified, which were georeferenced and vectorized, distributing 2,702 lots. Of these, in April 2025, 750 (27.76%) contained built-up areas, while 1,952 (72.24%) of them had no buildings, demonstrating that there are still areas for expansion in this city. It is concluded that the reduced value of the buildings is due to real estate speculation and the city's tourist profile, which attracts people from the region and raises land values, distancing itself from the reality of the local population.