International Journal of Science and Technology (IJST)

Spatio-Temporal Assessment of Urban Heat Stress Using the Urban Heat Hazard Identification Model (UHHIM): A GIS-Based Study of Greater Chennai

A study has been proposed to estimate Land Surface Temperature (LST) for Greater Chennai district, Tamil Nadu, India, using LANDSAT 8 satellite data incorporated with ARC GIS techniques. LST is an essential factor of various fields, including heat balance research, urban land use and cover, climate change, and climate models. The study utilizes LST-based spatial analysis to map and forecast urban heat hotspots in Greater Chennai using an Urban Heat Hazard Identification Model (UHHIM). UHHIM is a composite spatial index model developed to quantify, map, and classify urban heat hazard intensity by integrating thermal, built-up, and vegetation cover variables within a GIS framework. This model identifies heat-hazard-prone urban zones by combining Land Surface Temperature (LST). This may help urban planners and policymakers in implementing sustainable development strategies and climate resilient infrastructure in the study area. Keywords: Remote sensing, GIS, Land Surface Temperature (LST), Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), Urban Heat Hazard Identification Model (UHHIM).