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During the June 2023 heatwave, our drone team captured infrared images of Ghent to study surface temperatures. This data offers valuable insights for urban heat adaptation, highlighting how materials and shadows affect heat buildup.
Using drones to study urban heat

In June 2023, our drone team conducted heat measurements in Ghent during a national heatwave. The drones captured infrared (IR) images of various surfaces, including buildings, forests, grass, pavement, and asphalt. Measurements were taken during the day at 3 PM, the hottest point, and at 11 PM under clear skies. These efforts were part of Ian Hellebosch’s broader research on urban heat stress at Ghent University and VITO.

Daytime observations: surfaces under the sun

Daytime IR images showed significant temperature variations:

  • Asphalt and Pavement: Sunlit asphalt reached 60°C, while pedestrian crossings reduced surface temperature by 5°C due to white paint.
  • Grass: Grass exposed to direct sunlight recorded temperatures similar to asphalt, likely due to its low thermal inertia and dry state.
  • Trees and Shadows: Tree-covered areas were much cooler, with temperatures around 28°C, reducing pavement heat by 20-25°C.
  • Objects: A parked blue car reached over 80°C, and a person’s head in the sun measured 41.6°C.

Drone-based IR imaging reveals critical insights into surface temperatures and urban heat adaptation strategies.
Nighttime observations: cooling patterns

By 11 PM, surface temperatures dropped significantly:

  • Asphalt and Pavement: These materials cooled by 30°C compared to daytime but remained warmer than grass.
  • Grass: With its lower thermal inertia, grass registered a temperature of about 20°C, cooler than surrounding pavement.
  • Urban Heat Island Effect: The slow cooling of urban materials explained the persistence of higher nighttime temperatures compared to rural areas.
Practical implications for urban design

These findings offer valuable insights into extreme heat adaptation strategies. For example, choosing materials with lower thermal inertia for pavement could reduce urban heat buildup. Shadow-casting features, like trees, also play a critical role in mitigating surface temperatures and improving comfort in urban environments.

By combining drone technology with weather monitoring, this study highlights actionable steps to address urban heat challenges effectively.