Thesis Abstract

Abstract
Urban heat islands (UHIs) have become a pressing environmental issue in metropolitan areas due to the rapid urbanization and climate change effects. Remote sensing techniques offer a valuable tool for monitoring and analyzing UHIs, providing spatially explicit data for understanding the heat distribution in urban landscapes. This thesis focuses on the analysis of UHIs in a specific metropolitan area using remote sensing methods to identify the spatial patterns and drivers of heat islands. The study begins with an introduction highlighting the significance of UHIs in urban areas and the need for effective mitigation strategies. The background of the study explores the existing literature on UHIs and remote sensing applications in urban heat mapping. The problem statement emphasizes the lack of detailed studies on UHIs in the selected metropolitan area and the potential implications for urban planning and public health. The objectives of the study are to analyze the spatial distribution of UHIs, identify the key factors contributing to heat island formation, and assess the impact of UHIs on urban environments. The limitations of the study are acknowledged, including data availability constraints and the complexity of UHI modeling. The scope of the study outlines the specific metropolitan area under investigation and the remote sensing techniques to be employed. The significance of the study lies in its potential to inform urban planners, policymakers, and researchers about the dynamics of UHIs and their implications for sustainable urban development. The structure of the thesis is outlined to provide a roadmap for the subsequent chapters, including the literature review, research methodology, findings discussion, and conclusion. The literature review chapter synthesizes existing research on UHIs, remote sensing applications, and urban climate modeling. Key themes include UHI formation mechanisms, mitigation strategies, and the role of remote sensing in UHI analysis. The research methodology chapter details the data sources, satellite imagery processing techniques, and statistical methods used to analyze UHIs. The findings discussion chapter presents the spatial patterns of UHIs in the metropolitan area, highlighting hotspots and factors influencing heat island formation. The results reveal the significance of land cover types, urban morphology, and anthropogenic heat emissions in shaping UHIs. The implications of UHIs for urban planning and environmental management are discussed in light of the study findings. In conclusion, the thesis summarizes the key findings, implications, and recommendations for future research and policy interventions. The study contributes to the growing body of knowledge on UHIs and remote sensing applications in urban heat mapping, providing valuable insights for sustainable urban development in metropolitan areas.

Thesis Overview

The project titled "Analysis of Urban Heat Islands in a Metropolitan Area using Remote Sensing Techniques" aims to investigate the phenomenon of urban heat islands (UHIs) within a metropolitan area and analyze the effectiveness of remote sensing techniques in studying and monitoring these heat islands. Urban heat islands refer to localized areas within cities that experience significantly higher temperatures compared to their surrounding rural areas due to human activities and urbanization processes. The project will begin with a comprehensive literature review to establish the current understanding of UHIs, the factors contributing to their formation, and the impacts they have on the environment and human health. This review will also highlight the existing methodologies and technologies used in studying UHIs, with a specific focus on remote sensing techniques such as satellite imagery and thermal infrared sensors. Following the literature review, the research methodology will be outlined, detailing the data collection process, analysis techniques, and the specific remote sensing tools and software to be utilized. The project will involve the acquisition and processing of satellite imagery to assess land surface temperatures and identify UHIs within the selected metropolitan area. This will be complemented by ground-truthing activities to validate the remote sensing data and enhance the accuracy of the analysis. The core of the project will involve the analysis of the identified urban heat islands, examining their spatial distribution, temporal variations, and potential correlations with land cover types, urban morphology, and socio-economic factors. The findings will be presented and discussed in detail, highlighting the patterns and trends observed in the UHI phenomenon and the implications for urban planning, climate resilience, and public health strategies. By utilizing remote sensing techniques, this project aims to provide valuable insights into the dynamics of urban heat islands in a metropolitan area, offering a scientific basis for informed decision-making and policy development. The results of this study are expected to contribute to the growing body of knowledge on UHIs and serve as a foundation for future research endeavors in the field of urban climatology and environmental sustainability. In conclusion, the project "Analysis of Urban Heat Islands in a Metropolitan Area using Remote Sensing Techniques" represents a significant effort to leverage advanced technologies for the study and analysis of urban heat islands, with the ultimate goal of enhancing our understanding of the complex interactions between urbanization, climate change, and environmental quality within metropolitan regions.