COMPARATIVE PERFORMANCE OF DIGITAL ELEVATION MODELS IN THE PARAÍBA VALLEY AND THE NORTH COAST OF SAO PAULO, BRAZIL

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14393/RCG2610878173

Keywords:

Remote sensing, Geospatial analysis, Altimetry, Disasters

Abstract

Digital elevation models (DEMs) are essential for urban planning. In regions undergoing urbanization on complex terrain, such as the Metropolitan Region of Vale do Paraíba and Litoral Norte (RMVPLN) in São Paulo, DEMs help reduce vulnerability to extreme events, such as landslides, floods, and erosion, by providing a technical basis for accurate diagnoses and interventions tailored to the territory. This study compares the altimetric accuracy of five free models (Copernicus, ALOS PALSAR, ASTER, SRTM-NASA, and SRTM-INPE) in relation to official Brazilian Geodetic System (SGB) data made available by the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE). Statistical analyses were performed using Pearson's correlation coefficient (r), coefficient of determination (R²), and the Durbin-Watson test (d). The results indicated the superiority of the Copernicus and ALOS PALSAR models (r = 0.999, R² = 0.999, and d = 1.7), with Copernicus performing better in mountainous areas and ALOS PALSAR performing better in coastal areas. ASTER and SRTM revealed limitations on steep terrain and at high altitudes. These outcomes provide technical support for the consistent management of territory and the environment in the RMVPLN. This support contributes to the prevention and adaptation of policies in risk areas and the protection of vulnerable populations.

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Author Biographies

  • Rodrigo Cesar da Silva, University of Taubaté

    Holds a degree in Geography (Licentiate and Bachelor’s) and a Master’s in Environmental Sciences, both from the University of Taubaté (UNESP), and a PhD in Natural Disasters from São Paulo State University (UNESP). Currently works as a professor at the Paula Souza State Center for Technological Education, teaching subjects such as Geography, Spatial Data Processing, Geodesy, Remote Sensing, Spatial Location and Image Interpretation, and Cartography. Has experience in research and development, with a focus on the registration, storage, and geoprocessing of databases using Geographic Information Systems (GIS).

  • Willian José Ferreira, University of Taubaté

    Graduado em Física pela Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), mestre em Ciências Ambientais pela Universidade de Taubaté (UNITAU) e doutor em Geofísica Espacial pelo Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas Espaciais (INPE). Atua desde 2002 no Laboratório de Biogeoquímica Ambiental do INPE, desenvolvendo pesquisas sobre emissões de gases de efeito estufa e suas relações com mudanças no uso do solo e ambientes aquáticos, com ênfase na contribuição científica para políticas públicas de mitigação e adaptação ambiental. Desde 2013, é docente no Instituto Básico de Ciências Exatas da UNITAU. Em 2015, passou a integrar o Instituto de Pesquisas Ambientais em Bacias Hidrográficas (IPABHi), elaborando estudos e relatórios técnicos na área de Hidrologia Ambiental. Em 2023, passou a compor o corpo docente do Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Ambientais da UNITAU, atuando no Mestrado Acadêmico em Ciências Ambientais (MACA) e no Mestrado Profissional em Ecodesenvolvimento e Gestão Ambiental (MPEDGA), com foco em pesquisas voltadas à Hidrologia e à Gestão Hídrica.

  • Celso de Souza Catelani, University of Taubaté

    Holds a degree in Geography (Licentiate and Bachelor's) and a Master's in Environmental Sciences from the University of Taubaté (UNITAU), and a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from São Paulo State University “Júlio de Mesquita Filho” (UNESP), in the field of Energy, with emphasis on Environmental Management and Sustainability, through the School of Engineering of Guaratinguetá (FEG). Serves as a researcher at the Institute for Environmental Research in Watersheds (IPABHi) and in the Graduate Program in Environmental Sciences (PPGCA) at UNITAU, where he has taught courses such as Remote Sensing and Geoprocessing, Environmental Hydrology, and Sustainable Development, in addition to collaborating in other subjects related to the use of geotechnologies.

  • Angelo Ricardo Balduíno, Instituto Federal do Tocantins

    Holds a degree in Environmental Management from the Universidade Norte do Paraná (UNOPAR), a Master's in Environmental Sciences from the University of Taubaté (UNITAU), and a PhD in Environmental Sciences from the Federal University of Tocantins (UFT). He is a full professor and researcher at the Instituto Tocantinense Presidente Antônio Carlos (ITPAC), in Porto Nacional (TO), and also a researcher at the Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of Tocantins.

  • Thiago Moura Figueredo, University of Taubaté

    Holds a degree in Geography (Teaching and Bachelor’s) from the University of Taubaté and a specialization in Environmental Auditing, Licensing, and Management from the Universidade Norte do Paraná (UNOPAR). Works as an independent geographer and Geography teacher at Colégio Siciliano in Pindamonhangaba (SP), with experience in topics related to geographic education and applied environmental issues.

  • Marcelo dos Santos Targa, University of Taubaté

    Holds a degree in Agronomy from the University of Taubaté (UNITAU), a master’s degree in Agronomy with an emphasis on Energy in Agriculture from São Paulo State University “Júlio de Mesquita Filho” (UNESP), and a PhD in Agronomy in the field of Irrigation and Drainage from the “Luiz de Queiroz” College of Agriculture, University of São Paulo (ESALQ/USP). He is a full professor at UNITAU, where he has been teaching since 1987 in the Agronomy and Civil Engineering programs, offering courses such as Hydrology and Watershed Management, Hydraulics, Irrigation and Drainage, and Applied Hydrology.

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Published

2025-12-08

Issue

Vol. 26 No. 108 (2025): Dezembro

Section

Artigos

License

Copyright (c) 2025 Rodrigo Cesar da Silva, Willian José Ferreira, Celso de Souza Catelani, Angelo Ricardo Balduíno, Thiago Moura Figueredo, Marcelo dos Santos Targa

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How to Cite

SILVA, Rodrigo Cesar da; FERREIRA, Willian José; CATELANI, Celso de Souza; BALDUÍNO, Angelo Ricardo; FIGUEREDO, Thiago Moura; TARGA, Marcelo dos Santos. COMPARATIVE PERFORMANCE OF DIGITAL ELEVATION MODELS IN THE PARAÍBA VALLEY AND THE NORTH COAST OF SAO PAULO, BRAZIL. Caminhos de Geografia, Uberlândia, v. 26, n. 108, p. 185–201, 2025. DOI: 10.14393/RCG2610878173. Disponível em: https://seer.ufu.br/index.php/caminhosdegeografia/article/view/78173. Acesso em: 25 dec. 2025.