52

Using conventional methods to map pioneer phenomena in Brazilian Amazonia poses numerous problems. In particular, the administrative mesh referred to in statistics is too large to provide an accurate picture. Geographical information systems, which can process and compare spatial information, offer new perspectives here. This paper presents two examples: one involving the calculation and mapping of population densities based on a comparison between the municipal mesh and cleared areas, and one attempting to assess the correlation between the presence of roads and deforestation. In both cases, although they raise new questions, the maps produced seem to provide a more accurate picture of the scale and location of pioneer phenomena in Brazilian Amazonia.