Geosciences
IBGE launches report on 3rd Workshop on the Brazilian Relief Classification System
August 06, 2025 10h00 AM | Last Updated: August 06, 2025 02h31 PM
The report brings significant advances for the standardization of geomorphological mapping, focusing on the cartographic representation of the 1st taxon and on the conceptual definition of the 2nd taxon of the system -Picture: André Pelech/IBGE
The Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE) released today (6) the report of the 3rd Workshop on the Brazilian Relief Classification System (SBCR), held in June 2024 at the headquarters of the Brazilian Geological Service (SGB/CPRM), in Rio de Janeiro (RJ). The report brings significant advances for the standardization of geomorphological mapping, focusing on the cartographic representation of the 1st taxon and on the conceptual definition of the 2nd taxon of the system.
The meeting brought together experts and partner institutions aiming at consolidating a unified taxonomic system for the classification of relief in Brazil. The initiative continues the process of standardization of geomorphological mapping on a national scale, which began in 2019 with the first workshop promoted by the IBGE in partnership with the SGB/CPRM and the Brazilian Geomorphology Union (UGB). The second workshop occurred in 2023 and recorded important advances in the SBCR, like the conceptualization of the five major relief classes of the first taxonomic level: mountains, plateaus, trays, lowered surfaces and plains.
The IBGE´s manager of Natural Resources Mapping of the Division of Environment, Andre Pelech stressed that the “SBCR's workshop is a key event for the construction of relief taxonomy. There is an opportunity to bring together the greatest Brazilian experts in relief mapping from different institutions. This taxonomy is an important tool for the standardization of geomorphological mapping in the Brazilian territory, allowing different technicians and researchers to compare and share their maps with each other, with the scientific community and society as a whole”.
In addition to the IBGE, the 3rd Workshop on the Brazilian Relief Classification System (SBCR) brought together experts from different institutions, such as the Brazilian Geological Service (SGB/CPRM), the Brazilian Geomorphology Union (UGB), public Universities and the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (Embrapa).
The Collaborative Local Cores (NLCs) also played a prominent role in the discussions. Created in the 1st Workshop, these cores are responsible for gathering regional information and supporting the activities of the SBCR National Executive Committee. In the most recent meeting, the contribution of the NLCs was discussed to improve the 1st taxon map, considered essential for the consolidation of the system and its application to teaching materials aimed at basic education.
During the event, advances were discussed and approved for the standardization of geomorphological mapping in Brazil. Among the topics discussed, the cartographic representation of the 1st taxon of the SBCR and the conceptual definition of the 2nd taxon stood out, key steps for the development of the system. The workshop also addressed the general and genetic aspects of the karst, to contextualize the classification of this subsystem to be built under the SBCR.
“The 3rd SBCR Workshop was fundamental for the advancement of scientific discussions about the 1st and 2nd taxons of the development taxonomy under development. It is expected that, in 2025, discussions will evolve into the 3rd taxon, promoting better integration with the most detailed taxons of the technogenic, fluvial, coastal and karstic relief subsystems. In addition, from 2026 onwards, it is expected to begin activities so that a first version of SBCR's taxonomy can be presented to the public, thus marking an important step in building the system,” explained Andre Pelech.
