Thermal comfort in view of the Geography Climatology

Abstract

Major advances theoretical, conceptual and methodological were obtained by Geography Climatology since 1930 offering strategies for proper utilization of the potential of specifics climates, especially with regard to thermal comfort. Within this context, this article aims to rescue the importance of historical climatology, especially the urban climatology for land use planning and to analyze the various theories, concepts, methodologies used in geographical study of thermal comfort. It may be noted that there have been theoretical advances (rational and adaptive discourse) and conceptual (individual climate variables) in this field of knowledge. However, considering the national surveys, this issue still has some little development on methodologies because most of the methods used to analyze the thermal comfort index of the population are based on the thermal preferences of the population of mid-latitudes. Although there is no one standard to be used for the tropical environment it is important highlight the careful choice of the method to be used, once it can contribute to characterize different thermals sensations, given the variety of climate of the Brazil. The choice of appropriate methodology to be employed is crucial for making decisions in the planning and management, particularly of urban space.