Changes in Topographic Parameters for the Demarcation of Hilltop APP: an Analysis of the Landscape in the Municipality of Nova Friburgo

Objective: To compare the current Forest Code, Law No. 12,651 of May 25, 2012 (BRAZIL, 2012), with the former Forest Code, Law No. 4,771 of September 15, 1965 (BRAZIL, 1965), to evaluate the impacts on the extent and occupation of protected areas resulting from the new parameters using the Municipality of Nova Friburgo/RJ as the study area. Theoretical Framework: Developments and concepts of the Forest Code by Rajão et al. (2021), Azevedo (2013, 2019), Ramos (2018), and Machado and Torres (2013). Modeling in the ArcGIS environment with MapBiomas and CPRM databases. Method: The research is based on geoprocessing technologies and remote sensing to delineate hilltops according to both Forest Codes. This procedure is based on the modeling by Silva, et al. (2017), suitable for ArcGIS. Three scenarios are comparatively analyzed to identify the distribution of land use and cover in protected regions, 10 years before and after the decree of the current Forest Code. Results and Discussion: Comparative analysis shows that changes in topographic parameters reduce hilltop APP by 87.72% in the municipality of Nova Friburgo. There is an observed increase of 2.69 hectares of urbanized area and 175.88 hectares of forestry in these unprotected areas. Research Implications: Analysis of hilltop APPs indicates that the current Forest Code is flexible and does not ensure the preservation of areas aggregated to the former code. Originality/Value: To assist managers in reviewing the Forest Code. The comparative analysis between the Forest Codes allows for the comparison to identify the potential of changing topographic parameters.