This study aimed to evaluate sugarcane growth dynamics occupation in land cultivated at six major cities of the North Fluminense, Rio de Janeiro, from 1984 to 2007. Eighteen images of Landsat TM sensor, visual interpretation and linear spectral mixing model (MLME) were used to generate thematic maps of sugar cane plantation spatial distribution and quantification. Based on these maps was possible to analyze the sugarcane field spatial distribution quantifying them in each municipality. The results indicated that between the years 2004 to 2007, there was a decrement in the total area occupied by the culture in 43,308.33 ha and, from 2000 to 2007 and increase of 24,422.72 ha, mainly in the Campos dos Goytacazes, São Francisco de Itabapoana and Cardoso Moreira municipalities. The MLME used allowed a real live mapping of the sugarcane areas.
linear spectral mixture model; soil use; Landsat
