Applications of local climate zone classification in European cities: A review of in situ and mobile monitoring methods in urban climate studies

Abstract

This review explores the application of local climate zones (LCZs) through various measurement methods, with a focus on mobile and in situ data collection in European urban environments. The selection of articles for review was guided by specific keywords and a structured literature search process. In total, 61 studies were included for analysis. These studies primarily used in situ and mobile measurement techniques (car, bicycle, wearable device), while some also incorporated remote sensing technologies and machine learning. The reviewed papers addressed a range of urban climate topics, including urban heat island effects, outdoor thermal comfort, air temperature variations, and others, while using various approaches to distinguish between LCZs within cities. While in situ measurements offer consistent and reliable data, their spatial limitations often fail to capture detailed microclimatic differences in dense urban settings. On the contrary, mobile measurements provide improved spatial resolution and adaptability. Integrating multiple data sources is crucial to enhance our understanding of urban microclimates and thermal behavior across different LCZ classifications.