Geomorphological mapping from a global perspective: a bibliometric reconstruction of scientific publications (1990–2020)

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.11606/eISSN.2236-2878.rdg.2025.220684

Keywords:

Research paths, Semantic networks, Temporal analysis

Abstract

Bibliometric research is currently a valuable means of investigation. Its use to evaluate research on geomorphological mapping can indicate the characteristics and paths followed by this theme. In this sense, the present study aims to analyze, over time, the scientific publications indexed in the Scopus database that address methodologies related to geomorphological mapping in the last three decades (1990-2020), highlighting the different applications and importance of the theme. The Scopus platform was used for data collection, applying search strategies that included synonyms of the term "geomorphological mapping" combined by the Boolean operator OR. The sample was filtered by articles published between 1990 and 2020, with the search terms restricted to the title of the work, ensuring thematic precision. The data were exported for bibliometric analysis and construction of semantic networks in the VOSviewer software. The results revealed a progressive growth in publications from 2005 onwards, with emphasis on countries such as Italy, the United States, the United Kingdom, Spain and Brazil. The analysis of keywords identified thematic clusters associated with remote sensing techniques, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and spatial analysis methods, reflecting the integration between geomorphology and geotechnologies. International collaboration networks demonstrated interactions between researchers from different regions, without significant isolation. It is concluded that geomorphological mapping remains a growing scientific area, with methodological specialization and diverse applications, from environmental management to natural hazard prevention.

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Author Biographies

  • Jonathas Jesus dos Santos, Universidade de São Paulo. Faculdade de Filosofia, Letras e Ciências Humanas
    Geographer, Geography Professor and Researcher. Graduated in Geography from the State University of Feira de Santana (UEFS).
    Specialist in Data Science and Analytics (USP). Master in Environmental Sciences from the Postgraduate Program in Modeling in
    Earth and Environmental Sciences (PPGM/UEFS). He is currently pursuing a PhD in Physical Geography from the University of
    São Paulo (USP). Participated in the University Extension program at the Antares Astronomical Observatory Museum of Science
    and Technology. He teaches Geography in Elementary School II. Participated in technological innovation research projects at
    INCT, MapBiomas - Annual Mapping of Land Cover and Use in Brazil, and Subproject 7 of INOMEP/PRONEX (Effects of global climate
    change on the Caatinga).
  • Gabriel Santos da Mota, Universidade de São Paulo. Faculdade de Filosofia, Letras e Ciências Humanas

    Geologist by Federal University of Paraná, works professionally and academically in the areas of Disaster Risk Reduction, Urban Planning, Engineering Geology, Quaternary Geology, Complex Systems and Interdisciplinary Environmental Studies. Passing through public and private institutions, has Master's degree in Geography by Federal University of Rio Grande and Pedagogical Complementation applied for educational and scientific divulgation projects.

  • Rebeca Durço Coelho, Universidade de São Paulo. Instituto de Geociências

    Rebeca D. Coelho is a PhD student at the Institute of Geosciences, University of São Paulo, Brazil (IGc - USP), and a student researcher at the Spatial Analysis And Modeling Lab (SPAMLab) at the Institute of Energy and Environment, Brazil (IEE -USP). She has a BSc (Hons) in Geography, a Professional Education's License in Geography (2010-2015), and Master's in Physical Geography (2017-2020) from the same institution. She is interested in Geomorphology, Surface Processes, Digital Terrain Analysis (Geomorphometry), Natural Disasters, and Multiscale Analysis.

  • Jurandyr Luciano Sanches Ross, Universidade de São Paulo. Faculdade de Filosofia, Letras e Ciências Humanas
    Geographer graduated from the University of São Paulo (1972), with a master's degree and
    doctorate in Geography (Physical Geography) from the University of São Paulo (1987). Full
    professor at the University of São Paulo, he was head of the Department of Geography at the
    Faculty of Philosophy, Letters and Human Sciences at USP. He has experience in the area of ​​
    Geography, with an emphasis on Geomorphology, working mainly on the following topics:
    geomorphology, cartography, environmental management, ecological-economic zoning and territorial
    environmental planning. He was a consultant for the MMA for ZEE projects in the period 1992/2002.
    He served as consultant or scientific technical guidance in various Ecological-economic Zoning projects,
    Municipal Master Plans and Management Plans for Federal and State Conservation Units.

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Published

2025-05-20

Issue

Vol. 45 (2025)

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Artigos

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Copyright (c) 2025 Jonathas Jesus dos Santos, Gabriel Santos da Mota, Rebeca Durço Coelho, Jurandyr Luciano Sanches Ross

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How to Cite

Santos, J. J. dos, Mota, G. S. da ., Coelho, R. D. ., & Ross, J. L. S. . (2025). Geomorphological mapping from a global perspective: a bibliometric reconstruction of scientific publications (1990–2020). Revista Do Departamento De Geografia, 45, e220684 . https://doi.org/10.11606/eISSN.2236-2878.rdg.2025.220684