Urban Heat Island (UHI) refers to the phenomenon where urban regions experience significantly higher temperatures compared to their surrounding rural areas. This effect is largely attributed to factors such as dense built-up structures, reduced green cover, impervious surfaces, and anthropogenic heat emissions. The present study investigates the spatial relationship between UHI intensity and urban morphological characteristics by employing remote sensing and geospatial techniques. Satellite datasets from Landsat 8 and Sentinel-2 were utilized to derive essential indices, including Land Surface Temperature (LST), Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), Normalized Difference Built-up Index (NDBI), and Normalized Difference Water Index (NDWI). The analysis was carried out for Pali, Rajasthan over the period 2018-23, focusing on the interaction between land cover elements and thermal variations. The findings indicate a strong positive correlation between the proportion of built-up areas and surface temperature, while vegetation cover exhibits a significant negative correlation, highlighting its cooling effect. Water bodies also demonstrated localized cooling, though their influence was relatively limited compared to vegetation. The study underscores the critical role of urban morphology in shaping thermal environments and suggests that sustainable planning practices, such as the incorporation of green infrastructure and strategic vegetation enhancement, are essential for mitigating heat stress in rapidly urbanizing regions. These insights can support policymakers and urban planners in designing climate-resilient cities that balance developmental needs with environmental sustainability.
Urban Heat Island, Remote Sensing, Land Surface Temperature, Urban Morphology, NDVI, NDBI.
. Urban Heat Islands and Sustainable City Design: Remote Sensing Assessment of Morphology-Driven Temperature Variations. Indian Journal of Modern Research and Reviews. 2025; 3(8):16-20
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