Assessment of Urban Heat Island in an Agricultural Town (Oued Zenati-Algeria): Integrating Remote Sensing and GIS Analysis

Abstract

Urban Heat Island (UHI) is a critical issue affecting urban areas, with implications for human health, energy consumption, and ecosystem dynamics. This study assesses UHI in an agricultural town using Landsat 8 satellite data and GIS tools. We calculated key indices (NDVI, NDBI, LST) to analyse UHI spatial patterns and their impact on different land cover types (urban, vegetation, agriculture). Our findings indicate significantly higher temperatures in urban areas, reflecting the UHI effect. Importantly, the NDVI-LST relationship reveals the cooling effect of vegetation on the local microclimate. Moreover, there is a positive correlation between NDBI and LST, underscoring the influence of urbanization on surface temperatures. The study emphasizes the importance of integrating green spaces into urban planning to mitigate UHI and promote sustainable development. This interdisciplinary approach supports informed decision-making for climate-resilient urban planning strategies.