Sigma Xi Poster Competition
Analyzing Urban Heat Island Patterns: Investigating Localized Influences in Louisville, KY Using Geographically Weighted Regression
Academic Level at Time of Presentation
Senior
Major
Geography and GIS
Minor
Unmanned Aerial Systems
List all Project Mentors & Advisor(s)
Dr. Robin Zhang
Presentation Format
Poster Presentation
Abstract/Description
Urban Heat Island (UHI) refers to a phenomenon where urban areas experience higher temperatures compared to their rural surroundings. This is primarily due to human activities and the anthropogenic landscape’s influence on local climate. UHI can have significant implications for human health, energy consumption, air quality, and ecological processes in urban areas. Through the use of high-resolution spatial data and advanced geospatial techniques, this phenomenon can be better understood. UHI displays a complex dynamic between factors and location, with existing literature aimed at identifying key variables. Still, there is a significant gap in the literature examining the correlation and interplay between the multivariate factors contributing to UHI. This study aims to provide insights into the localized influences of factors, such as tree canopy coverage, impervious surfaces, land use/cover, and terrain characteristics on the UHI effect in Louisville, KY. Significant environmental factors were selected and Geographically Weighted Regression (GWR) was employed to interpret the relationships between surface temperatures and the explanatory variables. Upon analysis, the expected results include the identification of UHI intensity hotspots and the effectiveness of green spaces in mitigating heat-related risks. Imperviousness, building density, and tree canopy coverage are expected to have the highest spatial correlation with surface temperatures due to their significant roles in heat absorption, retention, and modification of local microclimates. In conclusion, this study underscores the importance of considering spatial variability in UHI dynamics for developing targeted interventions and policies aimed at fostering climate-resilient and sustainable urban communities.
Spring Scholars Week 2024 Event
Sigma Xi Poster Competition
Analyzing Urban Heat Island Patterns: Investigating Localized Influences in Louisville, KY Using Geographically Weighted Regression
Urban Heat Island (UHI) refers to a phenomenon where urban areas experience higher temperatures compared to their rural surroundings. This is primarily due to human activities and the anthropogenic landscape’s influence on local climate. UHI can have significant implications for human health, energy consumption, air quality, and ecological processes in urban areas. Through the use of high-resolution spatial data and advanced geospatial techniques, this phenomenon can be better understood. UHI displays a complex dynamic between factors and location, with existing literature aimed at identifying key variables. Still, there is a significant gap in the literature examining the correlation and interplay between the multivariate factors contributing to UHI. This study aims to provide insights into the localized influences of factors, such as tree canopy coverage, impervious surfaces, land use/cover, and terrain characteristics on the UHI effect in Louisville, KY. Significant environmental factors were selected and Geographically Weighted Regression (GWR) was employed to interpret the relationships between surface temperatures and the explanatory variables. Upon analysis, the expected results include the identification of UHI intensity hotspots and the effectiveness of green spaces in mitigating heat-related risks. Imperviousness, building density, and tree canopy coverage are expected to have the highest spatial correlation with surface temperatures due to their significant roles in heat absorption, retention, and modification of local microclimates. In conclusion, this study underscores the importance of considering spatial variability in UHI dynamics for developing targeted interventions and policies aimed at fostering climate-resilient and sustainable urban communities.