Several environmental and engineering assessments depend on utilizing Digital Elevation Models (DEMs). In the case of the Upper Jardim River Basin, which is used as an experimental area for hydrological studies, the correct representation of its surface is fundamental for determining the water flow energy and direction, and to define the area of the basin and related information with strong influence in mathematical modeling studies, for example. The aim of this study was to evaluate the DEM generated with the SICAD/DF database and, if necessary, to correct it based on measured DGPS data. The results show that the errors of the DEM generated with the SICAD/DF database are very high and do not follow certain spatial pattern. In the study area, the altitude errors of the SICAD database at the checkpoints ranged from 2.49 to 33.29 m. Using the DEM generated with the SICAD/DF database and the spatial distribution of the error, it was generated a corrected DEM of the Upper Jardim Experimental River Basin. Depending on the accuracy required for performing certain studies, the use of the SICAD altitude database must be corrected or it should not be used. The method presented in this study should be an alternative for certain applications.Pages: 8130-813
