This study aimed to evaluate the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) data in morphometric characterization of watersheds, through the comparison of the characteristics obtained from SRTM data and topographic letters, by using the Geographic Information System (GIS). The study considered the Ribeirão Salobra basin, its area is about 540 km². The percentage difference in the morphometric data obtained between the two methods was less than 11%, except for the index of circularity (22%) and average slope (55%). The use of SRTM data allows the morphometric characterization of watershed and can help management of water resources. In addition, this is an easy and economic alternative to minimize costs and job times.
digital elevation models; water resource management; hydrology
