Land use patterns and land surface temperature are closely connected. Land use patterns refer to how humans utilize and modify the land, such as by building cities, farming, draining wetlands and marshes, flattening hills, or preserving natural areas. Land surface temperature (LST) refers to how hot or cold the Earth’s surface is in different areas and at different times. The way we use the land can significantly impact land surface temperature. For example, in urban areas where there are lots of buildings and paved surfaces, the land surface temperature tends to be higher compared to surrounding vegetated rural areas. This is because buildings and concrete absorb and store heat, creating what is known as the urban heat island effect (UHIE). On the other hand, areas with more vegetation, like forests or parks, tend to have lower land surface temperatures. Vegetation provides shade, respires or evaporates water, and cools the surrounding area through evapotranspiration, which helps regulate and lower the temperature.
Measuring and analyzing land surface temperature (LST) involves combining remote sensing techniques and data analysis. It was processed using Google Earth Engine open source code for LST estimation from the Landsat series. QGIS was also used to create the map. The result shows how LST changes in 6 years from March 2019 to March 2024 for the Province of Camarines Sur. To learn more about how we leverage the power of GIS, visit REGIS Hub, an online GIS Training site of the INECAR.
The relationship between land use patterns and land surface temperature is crucial for understanding environmental conditions. Changes in land use, such as urban sprawl or expansion, or deforestation, can lead to higher land surface temperatures, which can have various consequences. Increased land surface temperatures contribute to climate change, local weather patterns, and impact human health and well-being.
By recognizing this relationship, we can make informed decisions about how we use and manage our land. Implementing sustainable land use practices, such as increasing and preserving green spaces, promoting green infrastructure, and designing cities with incorporated vegetation, can help mitigate the adverse effects of land use patterns on land surface temperature and create healthier and more liveable environments.
