3D modeling as a conservation tool to characterize endangered seasonally flooded ecosystems in the Volta Grande Do Xingu, Eastern Amazon, Pará, Brazil

The Volta Grande do Xingu (VGX) region in the southeastern Amazon forest of Brazil, characterized by its exceptional geomorphology and biodiversity, faces significant ecological challenges due to the construction of the Belo Monte Hydroelectric Complex (BMHC). This study aims to characterize and describe the seasonally flooded areas within the VGX that are at risk due to the BMHC’s operation by employing 3D modeling techniques. Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) were used to collect imagery, which was then processed using Structure-from-Motion Multi-View Stereo (SfM-MVS) techniques, resulting in the creation of high-resolution 3D models, orthophotos, and digital surface models. From these products, an extremely detailed and accurate characterization of the seasonally flooded areas within the study site was provided. These datasets offer unprecedented insights into the unique habitats of the VGX. The models representing the main flooded habitats of the VGX are openly accessible on the Sketchfab online platform, ensuring broad availability to researchers and policymakers. This research underscores the importance of preserving natural heritage in the face of growing environmental challenges, emphasizing the need for comprehensive protection mechanisms for irreplaceable assets like the VGX.