Pedestrian thermal comfort mapping for evidence-based urban planning; an interdisciplinary and user-friendly mobile approach for the case study of Dresden, Germany

Claire Gallacher ^1,2, Denise Boehnke ³

⁰Leibniz Institute of Ecological Urban and Regional Development, Weberplatz 1, 01217, Dresden, Germany. c.gallacher@ioer.de.

International Journal of Biometeorology +

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January 3, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This study presents a low-cost method for mapping outdoor thermal comfort in cities, crucial for sustainable urban planning amid climate change. It identifies key thermal comfort hotspots to guide climate-adapted urban development.

Area Of Science

Urban Planning
Environmental Science
Climatology

Background

Climate change and urbanization necessitate improved outdoor thermal comfort assessments for sustainable cities.
Current high-resolution thermal comfort data acquisition presents significant challenges for urban planners.
Limited resources in urban planning departments require efficient and prioritized data-driven decision-making tools.

Purpose Of The Study

To introduce an accessible, interdisciplinary, and low-resource methodology for high-resolution thermal comfort mapping.
To develop a practical approach for prioritizing urban thermal comfort hotspots.
To empower urban planning stakeholders with cost-effective tools for climate-adapted urban development.

Main Methods

Utilized a self-built, low-cost meteorological device for mobile climate monitoring in Dresden, Germany.
Collected key meteorological data (temperature, humidity, radiation, etc.) to calculate the Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI) using RayMan Pro.
Developed a hotspot prioritization method based on the highest 5% of UTCI values and validated with pedestrian thermal comfort questionnaires.

Main Results

Successfully mapped spatial variations in outdoor thermal comfort using objective meteorological data and subjective questionnaire feedback.
Identified consistent thermal comfort hotspots within the urban center of Dresden.
Demonstrated a correlation between objective measurements and subjective perceptions of thermal comfort.

Conclusions

The developed methodology offers an accessible and interdisciplinary approach to thermal comfort mapping.
This approach provides urban planners with scientifically informed, cost-effective tools for climate-adapted urban development.
Prioritizing thermal comfort hotspots enables targeted interventions for enhancing urban resilience.

Keywords:

Meteorological device Thermal comfort Urban planning

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