Utilizing GIS for Mapping Urban Heat Islands in a Local City

Thesis Abstract

Abstract
This thesis explores the application of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for mapping urban heat islands in a local city. Urban heat islands (UHIs) are areas within cities that experience significantly higher temperatures compared to their surrounding rural areas due to human activities and urbanization processes. The phenomenon of UHIs has a range of implications for urban planning, public health, and environmental sustainability. This research focuses on utilizing GIS technology to identify, analyze, and visualize UHIs in a local city to provide valuable insights for policymakers, urban planners, and researchers. The introductory chapter provides a comprehensive overview of the research study, including the background of the study, problem statement, objectives, limitations, scope, significance, and the structure of the thesis. The literature review chapter critically examines existing studies on UHIs, GIS applications in urban climate studies, and methodologies for mapping and analyzing UHIs. The research methodology chapter outlines the approach, data collection methods, tools, and techniques employed to map and analyze UHIs using GIS. The core of the thesis lies in the findings and discussion chapter, where the results of the GIS analysis are presented, interpreted, and discussed in detail. The chapter highlights the spatial distribution of UHIs in the local city, identifies the key factors contributing to UHI formation, and evaluates the effectiveness of GIS in mapping and analyzing UHIs. The discussion also explores the implications of UHIs on urban planning strategies, public health interventions, and climate change adaptation measures. In the concluding chapter, the research findings are summarized, and the implications of the study are discussed in relation to urban planning, environmental management, and sustainable development. The thesis concludes by highlighting the contributions of GIS technology in understanding and addressing the challenges posed by urban heat islands in the local city. Recommendations for future research and policy interventions are also provided to further advance the field of urban climate studies and GIS applications in environmental research. Overall, this thesis contributes to the growing body of knowledge on UHIs and demonstrates the potential of GIS technology in mapping and analyzing urban heat islands. By providing valuable insights into the spatial patterns and drivers of UHIs in a local city, this research aims to support evidence-based decision-making processes for sustainable urban development and climate resilience.