Digital terrain analysis: tool for pedoform identification in the "Mar de Morros" watershed (MG)

This study reports on the use of GIS (Geographical Information System) tools for identifying and mapping landform units and soilscapes in a case study of a watershed in the region of Viçosa, Minas Gerais state, based on a topographical base map at a 1:50000 scale. Field work was undertaken to estimate the degree of accuracy of landform units / soilscape identification, obtaining an agreement of 72 % between the automatic and field work classification, and to correlate obtained soilscapes with dominant soil classes. After adjustments, a preliminary synthesized pedogeomorphic map was produced, which can assist soil mapping. The method of classifying landforms based on a digital elevation model (DEM) as well as on the calculation of landform attributes (elevation, slope angle, slope form) represents a quick and economic option, compared with manual drawing based on stereoscopical identification of landforms from aerial photographs.

SIG; digital elevation model; landform attributes; soils/landform identification