Urban Heat Island Characterization With Airborne Thermal Infrared Hyperspectral Imaging

Man-made objects such as asphalt pavement and concrete structures within urban areas can create significantly higher ambient temperatures and form urban heat islands (UHI). Thermal infrared remote (TIR) hyperspectral imaging is used to localize UHI, and to better understand them in order to improve urban development. With high spectral resolution, TIR hyperspectral imaging produces thermodynamic temperature maps that display sharper thermal contrasts associated with UHI, making their identification easier. This application note discusses how to efficiently characterize urban heat islands using airborne TIR hyperspectral imaging, and to better understand their relationship with man-made materials.