GEOTECHNOLOGIES APPLIED TO THE GEOSPATIAL ASSESSMENT OF GEOSITES OF THE PROPOSED SERRA DO SINCORÁ GEOPARK, CHAPADA DIAMANTINA, BAHIA, BRAZIL

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14393/BGJ-v17n1-a2026-81010

Keywords:

Serra do Sincorá Geopark, Chapada Diamantina, Geological heritage, geosite

Abstract

The study addresses the application of geotechnologies in the geoenvironmental assessment of geosites within the Serra do Sincorá Geopark, located in the Chapada Diamantina region (Bahia, Brazil). Grounded in the concepts of geoheritage, geoconservation, and environmental analysis, it adopts a qualitative-quantitative approach based on Geographic Information Systems (GIS), through the overlay of spatial layers. Remote sensing data were employed, including orbital images, digital elevation models, geological, geomorphological, and environmental vector bases, as well as geosite records provided by the GEOSSIT platform. The analysis encompassed 32 geosites, organized into thematic classes and evaluated according to criteria such as lithology, landform compartmentalization, slope, inclusion within conservation units, and vegetation cover, estimated using the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI). Results highlight the lithological control in the distribution of geosites, with predominance of Mesoproterozoic terrains from the Espinhaço Supergroup, particularly the Tombador Formation. The highly competent sandstones of this formation sustain escarpments, incised valleys, and scenic viewpoints of high aesthetic value. From an environmental perspective, shrub vegetation associated with rupestrian fields and climatic seasonality predominates, implying sensitivity to public use. It was observed that more than 80% of the geosites are located within conservation units, although anthropogenic pressures and gaps in protection instruments persist. It is concluded that the use of geotechnologies provides relevant technical support for the development of thematic maps, which serve as strategic tools for defining guidelines for geosite use and for territorial planning within the Serra do Sincorá Geopark.

Author Biographies

  • Daniel Oliveira Santos, Southwest Bahia State University

    Undergraduate student in Geography at the State University of Southwest Bahia (UESB); recipient of a Scientific Initiation (FAPESB) scholarship in the project "Geoenvironmental Characterization of Geosites in the Serra do Sincorá Geopark Using Remote Sensing and GIS," coordinated by Professor Dr. Artur Veiga; volunteer content analyst in the free project "Explica Enem," aimed at students intending to enter higher education, working in the areas of Humanities (Geography) and Languages ​​(Spanish); member of the study group "Territory, Work and Memory" coordinated by Professor Dr. Miriam Cléa Coelho; serves as Treasurer of the Academic Center of Geography, Ana Emília Ferraz administration (2025-2026).

  • Sanmy Silveira Lima, Southwest Bahia State University

    Holds a degree in Geology from the Federal University of Sergipe (2014) and in Geography from Estácio de Sá University (2021). Also holds a master's degree in Geosciences and Basin Analysis from the Federal University of Sergipe (2017) and a doctorate in Geosciences (UFPE; 2021). Currently a Postdoctoral Researcher in the Postgraduate Program in Geography at the State University of Southwest Bahia (UESB). Has experience in the area of ​​Geosciences, with an emphasis on Geology and Geography, working mainly on the following topics: Remote Sensing, Geomorphology, Aerogeophysics, Geochronology, Geodiversity, and Environmental Analysis.

  • Artur José Pires Veiga, Southwest Bahia State University

    Holds a degree in Geography from the State University of Southwest Bahia (1994). Specialist in Informatics from UESB (1998); Specialist in Remote Sensing and Geographic Information Systems from UFPB (1998). Master's degree in Sustainable Development from UnB (2001). Doctorate in Architecture and Urbanism from UFBA (2010). Currently a researcher at the Meteorological Station and Full Professor at the State University of Southwest Bahia, he coordinates the AMPLAS Research Group (Environment, Planning and Sustainability). He has experience in the area of ​​Geoprocessing and Planning, mainly working on the following themes: Environment, Planning and Sustainability.

  • Eduardo Silveira Bernardes, Southwest Bahia State University

    Graduated in Geology (1987), Master's in Regional Geology (2001) and PhD in Regional Geology (2005) from UNESP. Works as a researcher in the area of ​​Geosciences, with emphasis on the areas of: Conservation Units, Geological Heritage and Geoparks. Develops research in Paleontology, Remote Sensing and Landscape. Full Professor at UESB (State University of Southwest Bahia - Vitória da Conquista campus) where he teaches Geology and Paleontology in the Geography, Biology and Agronomy courses. Coordinator of LEPEG - Laboratory of Studies and Research in Geology at UESB. Member of the Scientific Council of AGS - Serra do Sincorá Geopark Association. Visiting Professor in the Department of Geography at UFC - Federal University of Ceará since July 2023, where he is developing a postdoctoral internship on the theme: Landscape and water management in Chapada Diamantina, Bahia.

  • Daniela Andrade Monteiro Veiga, Southwest Bahia State University

    She holds a doctorate, master's degree, and bachelor's degree in Architecture and Urbanism from the Federal University of Bahia. She is currently an adjunct professor at the State University of Southwest Bahia. She has experience in the area of ​​Urban and Regional Planning, with an emphasis on housing, working mainly on the following themes: social housing, housing deficit, urban sustainability, informal real estate market, and CAD/BIM/GIS technologies.

  • Fernanda da Silva Almeida, Southwest Bahia State University
    Holds a Bachelor's degree in Geography from the State University of Southwest Bahia (UESB), expected to graduate in 2025. Also holds degrees in Physical Education and Pedagogy. Received research grants from FAPESB (2023-2024) and CNPq (2024-2025). Participates in the research groups AMPLAS (Environment, Planning and Sustainability) and GRUPEG (Study Group on Geography Teaching). Develops activities focused on the areas of Cartography, Geoprocessing, Remote Sensing, Geodiversity, Environmental Education, Geoparks, and Geography Teaching.      
  • Welison Nascimento Meira, Southwest Bahia State University
    Holds a degree in Geography from the State University of Southwest Bahia (UESB). Has experience in the areas of Geography Education, Urban Geography, Geoprocessing, and Geosciences, working on research, teaching, and outreach projects. Was a recipient of a Scientific Initiation scholarship from the Bahia State Research Support Foundation (FAPESB), developing studies on urban growth and socio-spatial dynamics in southwest Bahia, in addition to volunteering as a student in research using remote sensing and GIS in the Chapada Diamantina region. Was a member of the Environment, Planning and Sustainability Research Group (AMPLAS) and is currently a member of the Geography Education Research Group (GRUPEG). Worked as a teaching assistant in Geography undergraduate courses and has published scientific articles in journals, book chapters, and conference proceedings, focusing on Geography education, textbooks, pedagogical practices, urbanization, geotechnologies, and the popularization of Geosciences.      

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2026-08-27

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Copyright (c) 2026 Daniel Oliveira Santos, Sanmy Silveira Lima, Artur José Pires Veiga, Eduardo Silveira Bernardes, Daniela Andrade Monteiro Veiga, Fernanda da Silva Almeida, Welison Nascimento Meira

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GEOTECHNOLOGIES APPLIED TO THE GEOSPATIAL ASSESSMENT OF GEOSITES OF THE PROPOSED SERRA DO SINCORÁ GEOPARK, CHAPADA DIAMANTINA, BAHIA, BRAZIL. Brazilian Geographical Journal, Ituiutaba, v. 17, n. 1, p. 1–25, 2026. DOI: 10.14393/BGJ-v17n1-a2026-81010. Disponível em: https://seer.ufu.br/index.php/braziliangeojournal/article/view/81010. Acesso em: 31 aug. 2026.