• Researchers from the University of Richmond Spatial Analysis Lab participated in the urban heat mapping project. Image credit: University of Richmond Spatial Analysis Lab. Used with permission

    • Case Study

    Where Do We Need Shade? Mapping Urban Heat Islands in Richmond, Virginia

    Citizen-scientists took to the streets on specially equipped bikes and cars to find out where it’s hottest—and where residents might be most vulnerable to extreme urban heat.

    Year
    2018

    Details

    Hazards
    Extreme Heat
    Assets
    Urban Landscape and Tree Canopy
    Sources
    Science Museum of Virginia Richmond City Sustainability Virginia Commonwealth University | SustainLab University of Richmond | Spatial Analysis Lab Portland State University | Sustaining Urban Places Research Lab GroundworkRVA Virginia Academy of Science
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    Tools & Data

    Two ascending graph lines

  • Screenshot from the Climate Explorer.

    • Climate Explorer
    R Statistical Analysis Software

    Additional Resources

    Interactive webmap of the Richmond heat island dataset (3:00–4:00 pm time perio…
    WRIC | Science Museum of Virginia Leads Team to Study the City's Urban Heat Isl…
    WRIC | Science Museum of Virginia-led study identifies extreme heat disparity i…
    Richmond Times-Dispatch | Richmond approached triple-digit heat just in time fo…

    Organizations

    Science Museum of Virginia
    Richmond City Sustainability
    Virginia Commonwealth University | SustainLab

    Relevant Options

    Prioritize urban heat island mitigation strategies in transportation corridors to reduce the impacts of extreme heat on roads (e.g., trees, green roofs for buildings in transportation corridors, painting Create an urban forestry program or position to maintain and improve tree canopy. Complete an urban tree canopy analysis to determine the ability of parks, tree canopy and wind flow to cool surrounding areas.

    Steps to Resilience

    Get Started
    Understand Exposure
    Assess Vulnerability & Risk
    Investigate Options
    Prioritize & Plan
    Take Action
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