Calculation of surface urban heat index from LANDSAT-8 TIRS data and its relation with land cover

Abstract

Urban localities are mainly covered by concrete and asphalt paving material, which are impermeable surfaces with higher heat absorption capacity and a lower albedo, thus absorbing more radiation compared to the surrounding countryside. The urban surface heat island effect is described as a higher surface temperature in cities compared to a cooler temperature in surrounding areas. Canopy layer urban heat island (HI) are typically detected by in situ sensors at standard (screen-level) meteorological height. Ont he other hand, thermal remote sensors observe the surface urban heat island index (SUHI). The aim of this work is to calculate the spatial distribution of the SUHI index in Cordoba city and in its metropolitan area, and to analyse its relationship with different land covers using satellite information. Cordoba city, located in the central region of Argentina, is the second most populated city in the country. A LANDSAT-8 image of the study area was used to calculate urban heat island index, UHII, and SUHI. Urban and Non-urban region were defined and compared. It was observed that the same type of land use has significant different temperature mean value depending on whether it is located on an urban island or in a rural or open environment.