Study of applicability of different techniques for calibration and validation of land use cover change models in the context of expansion of sugar cane

• Grant number: 12/10956-1
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Master's degree
• Start date: September 10, 2012
• End date: December 09, 2012
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Sanitary Engineering - Environmental Sanitation
• Principal Investigator: Marcelo Montaño
• Grantee: Paula Madeira Gomes
• Supervisor: Pedro da Costa Brito Cabral
• Host Institution: Escola de Engenharia de São Carlos (EESC). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Carlos , SP, Brazil
• Institution abroad: Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Portugal
• Associated to the scholarship: 11/04385-9 - Modeling of the land use and instruments of environment policy: the sugar cane expansion at the watershed of Tiete/Jacaré (UGRHI 13), BP.MS

Abstract

The calibration and validation of land use cover change models (LUCC models) are considered crucial issues to their applicability. There are a lot of techniques to be used in these procedures, however, it is worth noting that there aren´t standard techniques defined so far. Therefore, researches must choose one of them according to the reality of their study area and principally the studied phenomenon. The goal of this research internship is to verify the applicability of different techniques for calibration and validation of LUCC models in the context of expansion of sugar cane in São Paulo state. The research internship plan presents as principal proposal the discussion with Professor Pedro da Costa Brito´s research group about the techniques and methods of assessment for calibration and validation procedures in the context of expansion of sugar cane, applied in Tietê/Jacaré watershed, located at São Paulo state. We expect this internship helps us to explore the different techniques for realizing these two procedures and identifying what techniques are the best for modelling expansion of sugar cane. (AU)