Link to external tool

https://www.tauw.nl/op-welk-terrein/klimaat-actieve-stad/hittestresskaart.html

Use in decision framework

Risk identification

Description

As input for a risk or vulnerability assessment for heatwaves, maps are needed on the  extent and intensity of the urban heat island effect. This tool maps the Urban Heat Island based on detailed georeferenced information of urban structures and a parametrisation of the effect on ambient temperature or PET on the afternoon of a hot day. As it does not rely on observations, it is a cheap way of providing a map for the whole city area. It can be made with a resolution of 1m, but is an approximation of the reality. Therefore it is considered a quick scan tool.

Input

GIS maps of land-use, water, trees, detailed elevation. Detailed data on the height of buildings (a 3d city model) is needed, which is not available in all cities.

User friendliness

Commercial tool. Results are easy to interpret.

Output

GIS maps presenting in several classes the ambient temperature or PET as difference with the surrounding countryside. As the tool is not precise, classes are indicated with qualitative terms, such as ‘warmer’, ‘much warmer’. Maps are presented for the current climate, and by superimposing the local temperature rise also for a future climate.  Resolution up to 1 m depending on the input data.

Developer/Owner

Commercial tool offered by several consultancies: TAUW https://www.tauw.nl/op-welk-terrein/klimaat-actieve-stad/hittestresskaart.html, Nelen en Schuurmans https://www.klimaatatlas.net/, Tygron http://www.tygron.com/en/.

Conditions for use

Commercial tool. Price indication: €20.000 for an average size city .

Experiences

Quality differences have been noted between the different providers due to differences in the parametrisation of the heating and cooling effect of urban structures.  Mainly applied to cities in the Netherlands.