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Title:

Geospatial Analysis of Remote Sensing Data to Assess Built Environment Impacts on Heat Island Effect, Air Quality, and Global Warming

Accession Number:

01126851

Language:

English

Source Data:

Transportation Research Board Annual Meeting 2009 Paper #09-3146

Abstract:

Built surfaces increase energy demand and heat-island effects, adversely impact air quality, and produce greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming. This paper presents a methodology to estimate surface types in the built environment and their impacts on heat-island effects. The methodology uses remote sensing satellite imagery data and geospatial analysis methods to estimate built surfaces. Man-made built surfaces such as buildings, dark constructed surfaces, and asphalt absorb more heat from sunlight, compared to other natural ground surfaces. This is due to the low solar reflectivity of darker surfaces. The heat-island effect causes an increase in surface temperature and air temperature in the built-up area of a city. Urban sprawl and associated transportation-related emissions also tend to increase area temperature. An increase in air temperature results in a higher rate of photochemical reactions that form smog during hot summer days. Smog is caused by ground-level ozone and its precursors. Additionally, it requires extra electricity to cool down buildings in summer days, which results in increased energy demands, larger air-conditioning bills, and higher emissions of ozone precursors. Higher energy demand means greater consumption of fossil fuels at power generating plants and more carbon emissions which contribute to greenhouse gases and global warming. The level of urban density of metropolitan areas is shown to be a significant factor affecting the concentrations of air pollutants such as ozone in summer and/or particulate matter. The geospatial analysis of satellite imagery data of Jackson, Mississippi is demonstrated for estimating constructed and natural surfaces and using it to predict surface temperature based on climatological data and thermal properties. The surface temperature variable represents the heat-island effect of the built environment. The inclusion of the surface temperature variable in air pollution modeling allows users to evaluate the adverse impact of built-up areas and enhance air quality analysis. Additionally, the geospatial analysis methodology presented in this paper can be used as a decision-making tool by local agencies for landuse planning, multimodal transportation strategies, and stormwater runoff impact assessment.

TRIS Files:

HRIS

Report Numbers:

09-3146

Media Type:

DVD

Pagination:

21p

Authors:

Uddin, Waheed

cvuddin@olemiss.edu
University of Mississippi, University

Brown, Carla

brownc@olemiss.edu
Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality

Dooley, Edward Scott

sdooley@olemiss.edu
University of Mississippi, University

Wodajo, Bikila

btekluwo@olemiss.edu
University of Mississippi, University

Monograph Accession #:

01120148

Publication Date:

2009

Conference:

Transportation Research Board 88th Annual Meeting

Location: Washington DC
Date: 2009/1/11 to 2009/1/15
Sponsors: Transportation Research Board

Corporate Authors:

Transportation Research Board

500 Fifth Street, NW
Washington, DC 20001 USA

Availability:

Find a library where document is available

Order URL: http://worldcat.org/oclc/6

Features:

Figures; Maps; References (27) ; Tables (2)

Index Terms:

Air quality management; Built environment; Exhaust gases; Geospatial data; Global warming; Greenhouse gases; Land use planning; Multimodal transportation; Pollutants; Remote sensing; Runoff

Subject Areas:

Environment; Highways; I15: Environment

Last Modified:

Apr 17 2009 9:56AM