Analysis of the behavior of the urban heat islands on local climate zones using drone in a medium-sized city

Abstract

Medium-sized cities are defined as having between 100 and 500 thousand inhabitants, not being part of metropolitan regions, and presenting a relative degree of progress in their economy and infrastructure. These urban spaces are the fastest growing in Brazil, which are configured as dense occupied areas, with a high variability of environments and with the diversified climatic pattern. Thus, it is proposed in this research the application of a study methodology with the use of UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) in Local Climate Zones - ZCLs (Local Climates Zones - LCZs) in Franca - São Paulo, Brazil, to identify to occurrences of Urban Heat Islands (ICUs) in areas with different morphological configurations and at different heights. The variation of the ICUs was correlated with the variation of the Sky Vision Factor (FVC) at the pedestrian level, at 30, 60 and 75 meters in height. The results indicate the significant formation of ICUs, not only at the pedestrian level but also just above 60 meters in height, especially in winter. The fact indicates the need to know in detail the behavior of ICUs vertically in medium-sized cities.