Use of remote sensing in the identification of Urban Heat Islands and in the evaluation of Human Thermal Comfort

Abstract

The objective of this study was to identify heat islands and to evaluate the degree of thermal comfort / discomfort in selected urban areas. Landsat 5 and 8 satellite images were use in the thermal bands and, as a complement, observed data from meteorological stations present in the chosen cities. In order to evaluate heat islands and the degree of thermal comfort / discomfort, the surface temperature was obtain and the Kawamura Discomfort Index (IDK) was use. By means of surface temperature images, it was possible to identify the heat islands in these areas. For IDK, in spite of this index, in general, to present the situation of comfort, for some areas were observe situations of discomfort and heat stress due to the heat, mainly in the year of 2016, considered one of the hottest of this century. The use of observed data was necessary in order to corroborate with the information of the satellites.