Thesis Abstract

Abstract
Urban heat island (UHI) effect is a significant environmental issue that poses challenges to the sustainability and livability of cities, particularly in developing regions. This thesis presents a comprehensive assessment of the UHI effect in a developing city using remote sensing and Geographic Information System (GIS) techniques. The study focuses on understanding the spatial and temporal variations of UHI intensity, identifying contributing factors, and proposing mitigation strategies to alleviate its impacts. The research begins with a detailed introduction to the UHI phenomenon, highlighting its implications on urban climates, energy consumption, and public health. The background of the study provides context on the rapid urbanization and associated challenges faced by developing cities, emphasizing the need for effective UHI mitigation strategies. The problem statement underscores the urgency of addressing the UHI effect to enhance urban sustainability and resilience. The objectives of the study are outlined to investigate the spatial distribution of UHI intensity, analyze the factors influencing UHI formation, and assess the effectiveness of green infrastructure in mitigating the UHI effect. The limitations and scope of the study are clearly defined to establish the boundaries and constraints within which the research is conducted. The significance of the study lies in its potential to inform urban planning and policy-making towards creating healthier and more sustainable urban environments. The research methodology encompasses a comprehensive literature review to establish the theoretical framework for the study. Remote sensing and GIS techniques are utilized to collect, process, and analyze spatial data on land cover, land surface temperature, and urban morphology. The methodology also includes field surveys and statistical analysis to validate the remote sensing findings and assess the impact of green infrastructure on UHI mitigation. The discussion of findings presents a detailed analysis of the spatial patterns of UHI intensity in the study area, highlighting the role of land cover composition, impervious surfaces, and building density in UHI formation. The effectiveness of green infrastructure, such as parks, green roofs, and urban forests, in reducing UHI intensity is evaluated based on empirical data and modeling results. The implications of the findings for urban planning and design are discussed, emphasizing the importance of integrating green spaces into urban landscapes to enhance thermal comfort and reduce energy consumption. In conclusion, the study provides valuable insights into the assessment of UHI effect in a developing city using remote sensing and GIS techniques. The findings contribute to the growing body of knowledge on urban climate dynamics and offer practical recommendations for policymakers, urban planners, and environmental practitioners to address the challenges posed by the UHI effect. Future research directions are suggested to further explore the potential of green infrastructure in mitigating the UHI effect and enhancing urban sustainability. Keywords Urban heat island, Remote sensing, GIS, Developing city, Green infrastructure, Spatial analysis, Urban climate, Sustainability, Environmental impact.

Thesis Overview

The project titled "Assessment of Urban Heat Island Effect in a Developing City using Remote Sensing and GIS Techniques" aims to investigate and analyze the urban heat island (UHI) effect within a developing city by employing advanced remote sensing and Geographic Information System (GIS) technologies. Urban heat islands are characterized by significantly higher temperatures in urban areas compared to their surrounding rural areas due to human activities and urbanization processes. This phenomenon can have detrimental effects on human health, energy consumption, and the environment, making it crucial to understand and mitigate its impact, particularly in developing cities where rapid urbanization is prevalent. The research will commence with a comprehensive introduction detailing the background of the study, problem statement, research objectives, limitations, scope, significance, structure of the thesis, and definition of key terms to provide a solid foundation for the study. Subsequently, a thorough literature review will be conducted in Chapter Two, encompassing ten key areas related to urban heat islands, remote sensing technologies, GIS applications, urban climate, urbanization trends, mitigation strategies, and previous studies in similar contexts. Chapter Three will focus on the research methodology, outlining the approach, data collection methods, tools, and techniques employed to assess the urban heat island effect within the developing city using remote sensing and GIS. This chapter will delve into at least eight key components such as data acquisition, satellite imagery analysis, land surface temperature estimation, urban morphology analysis, and spatial modeling to provide a detailed methodology for the study. In Chapter Four, the findings of the research will be extensively discussed, presenting the results of the urban heat island assessment in the developing city. This chapter will analyze the spatial patterns of temperature distribution, identify hotspots of heat islands, examine the relationship between land cover types and temperature variations, and assess the impact of urban morphology on the UHI effect. The discussion will also include comparisons with existing literature and implications of the findings for urban planning and climate resilience strategies. Finally, Chapter Five will present the conclusion and summary of the project thesis, highlighting the key findings, implications, limitations, and potential areas for future research. This research overview underscores the significance of understanding and addressing the urban heat island effect in developing cities using remote sensing and GIS techniques to inform sustainable urban planning, climate adaptation measures, and environmental management practices.