The study investigates the use of satellite-derived digital elevation models (DEMs) and remote sensing methods to analyse the influence of terrain on various environmental factors crucial for comprehending and understanding land degradation phenomena. It assesses erosion risk and runoff intensity by integrating the examination of topographic characteristics with hydrologic indices derived from DEMs. The primary aim is to assess the effectiveness of geomorphometric factors and data obtained through remote sensing in gauging the vulnerability of ecosystems to water-induced erosion, thereby evaluating their fragility. An integrated modelling approach based on Geographic Information Systems (GIS), incorporating soil, terrain, and climatic parameters that influence soil erosion, was assessed for its practical effectiveness in evaluating soil erosion hazards. The study generated potential and actual soil erosion risk maps, providing valuable tools for implementing optimal conservation measures to mitigate soil erosion. This approach is easy to implement in hilly and mountainous regions, where soil erosion is primarily influenced by topography, and lack of sufficient data which hinders the soil erosion modelling. Furthermore, this could be utilized to identify potential soil erosion hotspots that areas require detailed study. Additionally, the study underscored the crucial role of land use and land cover in mitigating the impact of topography on soil erosion.