Thesis Abstract

Abstract
Urban Heat Islands (UHIs) have become a growing concern in urban areas worldwide due to their adverse impacts on the environment, public health, and energy consumption. This research focuses on analyzing and understanding UHIs through the integration of Remote Sensing and Geographic Information System (GIS) techniques. The primary objective of this study is to investigate the spatial distribution, temporal variation, and contributing factors of UHIs in an urban setting using advanced technology and spatial analysis tools. Chapter 1 provides an introduction to the research topic, presenting the background of the study, the problem statement, research objectives, limitations, scope, significance, and the structure of the thesis. The chapter also includes definitions of key terms related to UHIs, Remote Sensing, and GIS. Chapter 2 consists of a comprehensive literature review covering ten key aspects related to UHIs, Remote Sensing, GIS applications, urban climate, heat island mitigation strategies, and previous studies on UHIs using similar methodologies. This chapter aims to provide a theoretical foundation and contextual framework for the research. Chapter 3 outlines the research methodology, detailing the data collection process, selection of study area, Remote Sensing data acquisition, GIS analysis techniques, and statistical methods employed in the study. This chapter also discusses the development of UHI indicators and the integration of various data sources for comprehensive analysis. Chapter 4 presents a detailed discussion of the findings obtained from the analysis of UHIs using Remote Sensing and GIS techniques. The chapter explores the spatial patterns of UHIs, identifies hotspots and factors contributing to UHI intensity, and evaluates the effectiveness of different mitigation strategies in reducing UHI effects. Chapter 5 serves as the conclusion and summary of the project thesis, highlighting the key findings, implications of the study, recommendations for future research, and practical applications for urban planning and climate resilience. The research contributes to the understanding of UHIs and provides valuable insights for sustainable urban development and environmental management practices. In conclusion, this research demonstrates the significance of integrating Remote Sensing and GIS technologies to analyze and address the challenges posed by Urban Heat Islands. By employing advanced spatial analysis techniques, this study offers valuable insights into the spatial dynamics of UHIs and informs evidence-based decision-making for mitigating the adverse effects of UHIs on urban environments.

Thesis Overview

The project titled "Analysis of Urban Heat Islands using Remote Sensing and GIS Techniques" aims to investigate the phenomenon of urban heat islands (UHIs) and explore how remote sensing technology coupled with Geographic Information System (GIS) techniques can be utilized to analyze and understand the spatial distribution and characteristics of UHIs in urban areas. Urban heat islands refer to localized areas within cities that experience significantly higher temperatures compared to their rural surroundings, primarily due to human activities, land-use changes, and the built environment. The project seeks to address the pressing issue of UHIs, which have adverse impacts on urban microclimates, energy consumption, public health, and overall urban sustainability. By leveraging remote sensing technology, such as satellite imagery and thermal sensors, the study aims to acquire valuable data on land surface temperatures and land cover characteristics within urban areas. These data will be processed and analyzed using GIS techniques to generate spatially explicit maps and models that can reveal the extent and intensity of UHIs in the study area. The research overview will also delve into the methodology employed in the project, including data collection techniques, image processing methods, spatial analysis procedures, and model development approaches. By integrating remote sensing and GIS technologies, the project endeavors to provide a comprehensive assessment of UHIs, identify contributing factors, and propose potential mitigation strategies to combat the adverse effects of UHIs in urban environments. Ultimately, the findings of this research endeavor are expected to contribute significantly to the body of knowledge on UHIs and provide valuable insights for urban planners, policymakers, and environmental practitioners to make informed decisions aimed at enhancing urban sustainability and resilience. The project holds the promise of informing evidence-based strategies for mitigating UHIs and fostering more sustainable urban development practices in the face of climate change and urbanization challenges.