Developing Global Air Temperature Database for Urban Heat Island Studies
Lu Liang, Professor
Landscape Architecture and Environmental Planning
Applications for Spring 2025 are closed for this project.
The urban heat island phenomenon, characterized by significantly higher temperatures in urban areas compared to surrounding rural areas, is a critical global challenge with significant social and environmental impacts. While satellite remote sensing provides valuable data on land surface temperatures, it does not directly measure the ambient air temperatures that directly impact human comfort and health.
This research project aims to address this gap by compiling a comprehensive global dataset of air temperature observations from diverse sources, including government agencies and research institutions. This dataset will serve as a crucial foundation for integrating with satellite data and developing high-resolution global air temperature maps using advanced machine learning techniques.
Role: • Collect and compile air temperature data from various worldwide weather station networks into a structured spreadsheet format.
• Conduct thorough data quality checks and identify potential errors.
• Convert the compiled data into a Geographic Information System (GIS) database.
Qualifications: • Excellent attention to detail and accuracy (required).
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets (required).
• Basic GIS skills (e.g., ArcGIS, QGIS) are a plus (preferred).
• Strong interest in urban studies, environmental science, or related fields (preferred).
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team (required).
Hours: 6-8 hrs
Engineering, Design & Technologies Environmental Issues