A Mobile Vehicle-Based Methodology for Dynamic Microclimate Analysis.

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Urban Climatology
• Atmospheric Science

Background:

• Accurate urban microclimate monitoring is essential for public health and urban planning.
• Existing methods using fixed stations, satellites, or mobile sensors have limitations.
• Understanding the canopy layer environment requires monitoring scalar and directional variables.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a vehicle-based monitoring campaign for comprehensive urban microclimate assessment.
• To measure key environmental variables within the urban canopy layer.
• To demonstrate a flexible approach applicable to various urban accessible areas.

Main Methods:

• A vehicle equipped with sensors conducted a monitoring campaign in an Italian city.
• Simultaneous measurements of air temperature, relative humidity, directional shortwave radiation, CO2, PM10, wind speed, and direction were collected.
• Geospatial data (latitude, longitude, elevation) were recorded for precise localization.

Main Results:

• The campaign successfully gathered detailed microclimate data, including air temperature (±0.3°C), relative humidity (±2%), radiation (<1.8% uncertainty), CO2 (±50 ppm +2%), PM10 (<1%), and wind parameters (±3%).
• The vehicle-based approach proved effective for data collection in areas accessible by motorized vehicles.
• The methodology offers a scalable solution for urban environmental monitoring.

Conclusions:

• Vehicle-based monitoring offers a practical and effective method for understanding urban microclimate dynamics.
• Integrating this approach with other monitoring techniques (pedestrian-based, fixed, remote sensing) enhances urban planning and risk assessment capabilities.
• This study contributes to improved urban environmental management and citizen well-being through detailed microclimate insights.