Analysis of Landscape and Vegetation Changes in Morro da Nova Baiana (Guarujá-SP) and its Surroundings Caused by Irregular Occupations: A Remote Sensing Approach

Abstract

Morro da Nova Baiana, located in the municipality of Guarujá (SP), has experienced a significant increase in irregular occupation over the past decades, resulting in considerable deforestation and changes in the native vegetation cover. This study aims to analyze the transformations in the landscape and vegetation of the region using satellite imagery and semi-automatic classification techniques, with an emphasis on the environmental impacts caused by unplanned urban expansion. For this purpose, images from the MapBiomas platform covering a period of nearly 40 years (from 1985 to 2024) were used to identify and quantify the changes, especially regarding the Atlantic Forest vegetation and the Permanent Preservation Areas (APP) surrounding the hill.