Assessing Urban Heat Islands Using Remote Sensing and Geodetic Techniques (Environmental Engineering) VILNIUS TECH

Overview

Research topic description: Urban Heat Islands (UHIs) are urban areas that experience significantly higher temperatures compared to their rural surroundings. This phenomenon is primarily driven by human activities, such as the construction of buildings and roads, which absorb and re-emit the sun’s heat more than natural landscapes. The impacts of UHIs include increased energy consumption, elevated emissions, and health risks.

Research Objectives

1. Develop Comprehensive UHI Models: Integrate thermal, optical, and geodetic data to create detailed models of UHI dynamics.

2. Monitor Temporal Changes: Track changes in UHI intensity and distribution over time to understand long-term trends and the effectiveness of mitigation strategies.

3. Guide Urban Planning: Provide data-driven insights to urban planners for designing cooler, more sustainable cities.

Methodology

The research employs the following techniques:

• High-Resolution Satellite Imagery: Provides detailed thermal and optical data for precise UHI mapping.

• LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging): Offers high-accuracy elevation data, crucial for detailed urban mapping and subsidence monitoring.

• Machine Learning and AI: Automates the analysis of large datasets, improving the efficiency and accuracy of UHI assessments.

Expected Outcomes

The study aims to:

• Enhance Understanding of UHI Dynamics: By developing comprehensive models and monitoring temporal changes.

• Support Sustainable Urban Planning: By providing actionable insights to mitigate UHI effects.

Environmental Impact

The research also considers the broader environmental impacts, including:

• Climate Change: Increased greenhouse gas emissions leading to global warming, sea-level rise, and more extreme weather events.

• Health Risks: Pollution and environmental degradation cause respiratory diseases, waterborne illnesses, and other health problems.

• Economic Costs: Environmental damage leads to costly clean-up efforts, loss of ecosystem services, and reduced agricultural productivity.

This dissertation will contribute to the field by integrating advanced remote sensing and geodetic techniques to address the challenges posed by Urban Heat Islands, ultimately aiding in the development of more resilient and sustainable urban environments.

The selected candidate will work on the PhD thesis under the supervision of Prof. Dr Jūratė Sužiedelytė Visockienė The successful applicant will have to attend scientific conferences, meetings and internships at other universities. 

Requirements:

• Required background: Geodesy, Remote Sensing (RS), Geographic Information System (GIS), Machine Learning  

• Expected skills and knowledge: RS, GIS software, programming.

It is a prerequisite that you can be present at and accessible to the institution daily.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview. The position may not be opened if no qualified candidate is found. Additional information regarding the post may be obtained from Prof. Dr Jūratė Sužiedelytė Visockienė, e-mail: juratesuziedelyte-visockiene@vilniustech.lt