Environmental Evaluation of Thermal Comfort in Chicago Using Remote Sensing Approach

Date of Award

4-2025

Degree Name

Master of Science

Department

Geography

First Advisor

Julio Pedrassoli, Ph.D.

Second Advisor

Lucius F. Hallett, Ph.D.

Third Advisor

Kathleen M. Baker, Ph.D.

Keywords

Remote sensing, thermal comfort, urban heat island

Access Setting

Masters Thesis-Abstract Only

Restricted to Campus until

4-1-2027

Abstract

Urban heat islands pose growing challenges for cities facing climate change, as demonstrated by this comprehensive assessment of Chicago's thermal environment during the summer of 2023. Using remote sensing and GIS techniques, this study analyzed Land Surface Temperature (LST) patterns and their relationship with vegetation cover (NDVI) and urban development (NDBI). The study revealed extreme July temperatures reaching 64.6°C in built up areas, with statistical analysis confirming strong negative LST-NDVI correlations (r = -0.25 to -0.32) and positive LST-NDBI relationships (r = 0.43 to 0.48). Thermal comfort evaluation using the Thermal Field Variance Index (TFVI) identified significant disparities, with 43-50% of central/southern neighbourhoods experiencing "Worst" conditions compared to 45-48% of northern/lakeshore areas maintaining "Excellent" comfort levels. The findings highlight environmental justice concerns, as lower-income communities showed disproportionate heat exposure due to limited green infrastructure. This study provides critical insights for urban heat mitigation, recommending targeted greening initiatives and cool surface technologies in high risk areas to enhance climate resilience and address thermal inequities in Chicago and similar urban environments.

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