Land Use and Micro-Urban Heat Islands

The over exploitation of land through development has resulted in deforestation. A consequence of this deforestation has been micro-urban heat islands. Micro-urban heat islands are known as urban locations which produce hot spots within a city due to lack of tree coverage and improper land use. These hot spots are defined as areas producing temperatures warmer than the temperatures associated with tree canopies. Cities around the world are more commonly warmer than surrounding rural areas because of city layouts, heat from buildings, and heat release and storage. This study analyzes the micro-urban heat islands in relation to tree cover using LANDSAT TM, TM band 6 for a thermal map, and GIs in order to converge the layers. This study was conducted in Dallas in an area known as White Rock Lake.

This figure illustrates the layers used to convey micro-urban heat island's relation to tree cover. This analyses shows that the hottest spots in White Rock Lake are areas in which the land is being used in an impervious nature such as parking lots. It is important to note that older neighborhoods were reported to be much cooler in temperature than newer neighborhoods. The coolest areas in White Rock Lake were found to be near areas with heavy tree cover. 

The LANDSAT TM was extremely useful in obtaining and interpreting the data in order to form an argument for policy change. The results of the interpreted data suggest that urban areas should increase the amount of tree coverage and green space within the urbanized limits. As well as, increasing the overall density of the covered areas. Also, it is important to consider new urban neighborhood designs since they are fairly warmer than older neighborhoods. Policies and regulations on development and urbanization would help to curb these temperatures and promote green spaces. 

Aniello, C., Morgan, K., Busbey, A., & Newland, L. (October 01, 1995). Mapping micro-urban heat islands using LANDSAT TM and a GIS. Computers & Geosciences, 21, 8, 965-969.