Thesis Abstract

Abstract
Urban heat islands (UHIs) have become a significant concern in major cities worldwide due to their adverse impacts on the environment, human health, and energy consumption. This thesis presents an in-depth analysis of UHIs in major cities using advanced remote sensing and Geographic Information System (GIS) techniques. The study aims to investigate the spatial and temporal characteristics of UHIs, identify the key contributing factors, and propose mitigation strategies to alleviate their effects. The research begins with a comprehensive literature review to establish the background knowledge on UHIs, remote sensing, GIS, and previous studies related to urban thermal patterns. Various methodologies and techniques used for UHI analysis are explored, providing valuable insights into the current state of research in this field. The research methodology chapter outlines the data collection process, including satellite imagery acquisition, preprocessing, and spatial analysis techniques. The study employs remote sensing data from satellites such as Landsat and Sentinel, along with GIS tools like ArcGIS for mapping and analyzing urban heat patterns. Additionally, field surveys and meteorological data are utilized to validate the remote sensing results. Findings from the analysis chapter reveal the spatial distribution of UHIs in major cities, highlighting areas with the highest temperature differentials. The study identifies land cover types, urban morphology, and anthropogenic heat sources as key factors contributing to UHIs. Spatial regression models are developed to quantify the relationship between these factors and UHI intensity, providing valuable insights for urban planners and policymakers. The discussion chapter delves into the implications of the study findings, emphasizing the importance of sustainable urban planning and green infrastructure in mitigating UHIs. The role of vegetation, building materials, and land use planning in reducing urban temperatures is explored, offering practical recommendations for UHI mitigation strategies. In conclusion, this thesis underscores the significance of utilizing remote sensing and GIS technologies for analyzing UHIs in major cities. The study contributes to the existing body of knowledge on UHIs by providing a detailed spatial analysis of urban thermal patterns and identifying key factors influencing UHI intensity. The findings offer valuable insights for urban planners, policymakers, and researchers working towards creating sustainable and climate-resilient cities. Keywords Urban heat islands, Remote sensing, GIS, Spatial analysis, Mitigation strategies, Sustainable urban planning.

Thesis Overview

The project titled "Analysis of urban heat islands in major cities using remote sensing and GIS techniques" aims to investigate and analyze the phenomenon of urban heat islands in major cities through the application of remote sensing and Geographic Information System (GIS) technologies. Urban heat islands refer to the phenomenon where urban areas experience higher temperatures compared to their surrounding rural areas due to human activities and urbanization processes. This project seeks to understand the spatial distribution, characteristics, and impacts of urban heat islands in major cities and explore how remote sensing and GIS can be utilized to assess and mitigate the effects of this phenomenon. The research will begin with a comprehensive review of existing literature on urban heat islands, remote sensing techniques, GIS applications, and studies related to temperature variations in urban environments. This literature review will provide a theoretical framework for the study and establish the current state of knowledge in the field. The methodology chapter will outline the research design, data collection methods, and analysis techniques to be employed in the study. Remote sensing data, such as satellite imagery and thermal infrared data, will be utilized to map land surface temperatures and identify urban heat island hotspots. GIS tools will be used to analyze spatial patterns, land cover characteristics, and urban morphology to understand the factors contributing to the formation of urban heat islands. The findings chapter will present the results of the analysis, including spatial distribution maps of urban heat islands, temperature variations in different urban land cover types, and the relationship between land use characteristics and heat island intensity. The discussion will delve into the implications of these findings for urban planning, environmental management, and public health. The conclusion and summary chapter will provide a synthesis of the key findings, implications for urban policy and planning, and recommendations for future research. The project aims to contribute to the body of knowledge on urban heat islands and demonstrate the utility of remote sensing and GIS techniques in studying and addressing urban environmental challenges. Overall, this research overview highlights the significance of investigating urban heat islands in major cities and the potential of remote sensing and GIS technologies in enhancing our understanding of this phenomenon. By employing a multidisciplinary approach, this project seeks to provide valuable insights for urban planners, policymakers, and researchers working towards sustainable urban development and climate resilience.