Dynamics of linear erosion processes in urban areas: an approach based on GIS and CART algorithm

Tatiane Ferreira Olivatto; José Augusto Di Lollo; Denise Balestrero Menezes

doi:10.14393/rbcv78n0a-83083

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Published: 2026-07-02

DOI: https://doi.org/10.14393/rbcv78n0a-83083

Keywords:

Gullies, Ravines, Land Use, Geographic Information System, Decision Tree

Tatiane Ferreira Olivatto

Federal University of São Carlos

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5770-7088

José Augusto Di Lollo

São Paulo State University (UNESP)

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6703-5377

Denise Balestrero Menezes

Federal University of São Carlos

https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2962-3028

Abstract

Linear erosion is a significant geomorphological process that progresses through distinct stages—rills, gullies, and ravines—shaped by natural and anthropogenic factors. While extensively studied in rural environments, its occurrence and dynamics in urban areas remain understudied, despite their implications for infrastructure stability and urban planning. This study evaluates how parent material, soil types, land use, rainfall erosivity, and geomorphometric variables influence the formation of gullies and ravines in urban areas, using a case study in São Paulo State, Brazil. We used Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and the Classification and Regression Tree (CART) algorithm to analyze mapped linear erosion features, examining variables such as relief characteristics, soil properties, land use patterns, and hydrological factors. Results indicate that surface runoff and stormwater management play a crucial role in triggering and controlling erosion. Certain soil types, such as some Red-Yellow Argisols, when associated with convergent slopes, show a lower propensity for gully formation. More broadly, anthropogenic factors—particularly upstream and downstream land use—exert the greatest influence on erosion processes in urban areas. These findings underscore the need for erosion risk assessment to be integrated into urban planning strategies, contributing to resilient city development.

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Vol. 78 (2026): Publicação Contínua

Section

Cartography and GIS

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Author Biographies

Tatiane Ferreira Olivatto, Federal University of São Carlos

Ph.D. candidate in the Graduate Program in Urban Engineering at UFSCar, with a study abroad period at the Universidad Nacional del Litoral and a sandwich program at the Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, both in Argentina. Holds a Master’s degree in Urban Engineering from UFSCar and a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental and Sanitary Engineering from PUC Campinas, with a sandwich program at the University of South Australia. Specialization in Data Science from CeMEAI and ICMC/USP, technical training in Geomatics from the Technical College of Limeira (UNICAMP), and a specialization in University Teaching. She is dedicated to research that integrates geospatial information and remote sensing with artificial intelligence, particularly machine learning. She is currently a volunteer instructor in the extension project on systematic literature review and is a member of the research groups Urban Environmental Cartography, Methods and Techniques for Environmental Impact and Risk Assessment, and Cities and People: Connected, all of which focus on cloud processing (Google Earth Engine/Google Colab).

José Augusto Di Lollo, São Paulo State University (UNESP)

Full Professor at the Júlio de Mesquita Filho São Paulo State University (UNESP) in the School of Engineering at Ilha Solteira. Geological Engineer (UFOP, 1987), Master’s in Geotechnical Engineering (EESC/USP, 1991), Ph.D. in Civil Engineering – Geotechnical Engineering (EESC/USP, 1995), Lecturer in Engineering Geology (UNESP, 2000), Specialist in Geoprocessing (UFSCar, 2006), Postdoctoral Fellow in Urban Engineering (UFSCar - 2004-2006), Full Professor of Geology for Engineers (UNESP, 2010). He is active in the Graduate Programs in Civil Engineering at UNESP and Urban Engineering at UFSCar. He has experience in the fields of Geotechnical Engineering, Geosciences, and Urban Engineering, with an emphasis on environmental issues, focusing primarily on the following topics: characterization of the physical environment, erosion, collapsible soils, geotechnical and geo-environmental mapping, environmental impact assessment and neighborhood impact assessment, and natural hazard analysis.

Denise Balestrero Menezes, Federal University of São Carlos

She holds a bachelor’s degree in Geology from the Júlio de Mesquita Filho State University of São Paulo (1988), a master’s degree in Environmental Engineering Sciences from the São Carlos School of Engineering – USP (1995), and a Ph.D. in Geosciences and the Environment from the Júlio de Mesquita Filho State University of São Paulo (2001). She has worked as a consultant in the field of Geosciences, focusing on: mining, physical environment studies, watersheds, geological/geotechnical and geo-environmental studies, restoration of degraded areas, and soil and groundwater contamination. She is currently an Associate II Professor/Researcher in the Department of Civil Engineering and the Graduate Program in Urban Engineering at the Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar), conducting research on geological , anthropogenic deposits, groundwater, anthropized soils and sediments, degraded areas, geodiversity, and technological research on rocks.

How to Cite

FERREIRA OLIVATTO, Tatiane; AUGUSTO DI LOLLO, José; BALESTRERO MENEZES, Denise. Dynamics of linear erosion processes in urban areas: an approach based on GIS and CART algorithm. Revista Brasileira de Cartografia, Uberlândia, v. 78, 2026. DOI: 10.14393/rbcv78n0a-83083. Disponível em: https://seer.ufu.br/index.php/revistabrasileiracartografia/article/view/83083. Acesso em: 2 jul. 2026.

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