Analysis of urban heat islands in the study of urban environmental problems based on remote sensing

Abstract

As global urbanization accelerates cities increasingly face ecological challenges, most notably the Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect. This study investigates the formation and spatial distribution of UHI’s in the cities of Mingachevir, Shirvan and Yevlakh, located in the central region of the Republic of Azerbaijan. Utilizing ArcGIS, the analysis processed Landsat 8 OLI/TIRS satellite imagery from August 2023. The analysis revealed that, despite their relatively small size, distinct urban heat islands have formed in the studied cities. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of satellite-based methods for identifying urban heat islands and can be used to support urban planning, environmental monitoring, and climate adaptation strategies in the region. The results indicate a strong correlation between urban urban density and thermal concentration, with LST values in urban cores reaching up to 42 °C, which is 2 °C higher than the surrounding rural landscapes. Analysis reveals that industrial zones and areas with low albedo surfaces (asphalt and concreate) are primary drivers of thermal intensity in these cities. To mitigate these effects, the study recommends the implementation of “cool roofs”, the expansion of urban green corridors, and the integration of permeable pavements into local zoning laws. These findings provide a quantiative framework for urban planners and environmental policymakers in Azerbaijan to develop targeted climate adaptation strategies and improve urban thermal comfort.