Impact of spatial resolution and satellite overpass time on evaluation of the surface urban heat island effects

Surface Urban Heat Island (SUHI) effect is defined as the increased surface temperature in urban areas in contrast to surrounding cooler temperatures in rural areas. In this paper, we study the characteristics that a spaceborne sensor must satisfy in terms of spatial resolution and overpass time to properly monitor the SUHI effect. For this, Land Surface Temperature (LST) maps, generated at different spatial resolution using the Airborne Hyperspectral Scanner (AHS) imagery, and in situ data of air temperature and LST obtained from the framework of the Dual-use European Security IR Experiment 2008 have been considered for the city of Madrid (Spain). The results showed that (1) spatial resolutions greater than 50 m are needed to properly estimate the SUHI effect at district level and (2) the recommended satellite overpass time is immediately before sunrise.

► Evaluation of the surface urban heat island effect from high resolution LST maps.
► Spatial resolutions higher than 50 m are needed to properly estimate the SUHI effect at district level.
► The satellite overpass time recommended is immediately before sunrise.