'Assessment of the Heat Island Effect Using remote Sensing'

Our societies have been building with inadequate planning to prevent cities from overheating. Impermeable surfaces such as concrete, dark roofs, and asphalt roads, absorb most of the sunlight falling on them and re-radiate that energy causing Heat Islands in urban areas. The effects may be established by analyzing surface or air temperatures. Surface temperatures have an indirect but significant influence on air temperatures. Remote sensing through satellite images is an integral part to detect affected areas, while displaying a comprehensive set of diverse measurements. Satellites LandSat 5 and 8 were used to assess the heat island effect in New York City and its surrounding areas. The data collected displayed a significant difference in surface temperature between the urban, suburban, and rural areas. Satellite scans also showed zones where there is a lack of healthy vegetation and albedo. This research corroborates that urban areas have an imbalance of heat energy, at the same time, validates why new implementations to city infrastructure can help mitigate the Heat Island effect.