The present study is about the evaluation of the environmental degradation of the Uberaba river watershed situated in a region called Triângulo Mineiro. It possesses an area of 241,904.30 ha, which encloses the cities of Uberaba, Veríssimo, Conceição das Alagoas and a small portion of Planura. In this study the map of ambient degradation was produced containing four levels: low, moderate, accented and severe. The parameters used in this classification were: vegetation, topography, soil/geology, natural potential for erosion, mechanization, agricultural area, population density, cattle-raising and area of conflict for which it was attributed values. For "the low" level of degradation it was defined values ≤ 13 points. For "the moderate" level, values situated in the interval of 14 to 16. Values between 17 and 19 for "the accented" level, and "the severe" level with values ≥ 20 points. This study consolidates the consequences of the inadequate use of land when it is not respected its natural aptitude. The areas with moderate level of degradation represent 47%; however the areas of accented level (48%) and severe (4%) represent 52%, what discloses a strong indication in the advance of the destruction of natural resources. The areas classified with low level represent only 1%, sufficiently inexpressive, detaching the indifference in the preservation of natural resources.
system of geographic information; geoprocessing; vulnerability
