Urban Heat Islands Analysis

Urban heat islands (UHIs) pose significant challenges to cities, causing increased thermal discomfort, higher energy demands, and exacerbating social inequalities. With climate change intensifying heatwaves, cities face urgent pressure to monitor and mitigate UHIs.
Earth Observation (EO) provides detailed thermal imaging and land surface temperature (LST) maps, enabling cities to detect hotspots, monitor temperature variations, and assess the effectiveness of green and blue infrastructure interventions.

Photo credit: World Meteorological Organization (WMO)

GTIF Project

The Green Transition Information Factory (GTIF), developed under ESA’s initiative, integrates multi-source EO data, including Copernicus satellites, to provide urban sustainability insights. The platform offers UHI mapping, building efficiency assessments, and mobility analysis to support targeted climate interventions. Through advanced geospatial analytics, GTIF aids municipalities in identifying heat-vulnerable zones and planning nature-based solutions to enhance urban resilience.

Photo credit: GTIF project

HeatScape Resolve

HeatScape Resolve, developed under the ESA Business Applications programme, combines EO data with advanced microclimate simulations to provide high-resolution canopy-level assessments. It integrates digital twin technology with EO-derived land surface temperature data to assess thermal comfort, building energy efficiency, and green infrastructure impacts. Municipalities use the platform to test multiple urban design scenarios, helping to inform sustainable planning and reduce heat risks in vulnerable urban areas.

Photo credit: HeatScape Resolve

Urban Evolution Platform

This EO-based platform offers automated analysis to identify UHI hotspots and simulate the impact of green infrastructure interventions. It has supported strategic urban greening initiatives, enhancing thermal comfort and reducing energy consumption. Piloted in Naples, Catania, and Perugia, the initiative aims to develop adaptable models for Mediterranean cities and beyond (see more here).

Photo credit: Urban Evolution Platform

Further resources

Relevant ESA-funded projects

Related materials

Webinar series on EO Supporting Urban Issues – Webinar: Urban Heat Islands (see more here).

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