GIS and Remote Sensing for Green Infrastructure and Urban Heat Island Mitigation Training Course

Introduction

The GIS and Remote Sensing for Green Infrastructure and Urban Heat Island Mitigation Training Course is designed to equip professionals with the latest geospatial techniques to map, monitor, and plan for sustainable, climate-resilient urban environments. This course focuses on leveraging satellite imagery, thermal data, and GIS-based modeling to design green spaces that reduce the Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect.

Participants will learn to quantify land surface temperatures, assess vegetation cover, identify heat stress zones, and plan urban cooling interventions using geospatial intelligence. The course is essential for urban planners, environmental specialists, and policymakers seeking to enhance livability and reduce heat risks in fast-growing cities.

Target Audience

• Urban Planners and Municipal Engineers
• Environmental and Climate Change Officers
• GIS and Remote Sensing Professionals
• Landscape Architects and Urban Designers
• Disaster Risk Reduction Practitioners
• Sustainable Cities and Smart Growth Experts
• Public Health and Resilience Advisors

Duration

5 Days

Course Objectives

1. Understand the concept and drivers of Urban Heat Islands
2. Use remote sensing to map urban thermal environments
3. Assess green infrastructure effectiveness in cooling cities
4. Identify high-risk heat zones and vulnerable populations
5. Integrate vegetation indices and land surface temperature data
6. Plan green corridors, tree planting, and reflective surfaces
7. Analyze UHI mitigation scenarios using spatial modeling
8. Design GIS-based strategies for urban heat risk reduction

Course Content

Module 1: Urban Heat Islands and Green Infrastructure Concepts

• Definition and causes of Urban Heat Islands
• Impacts on health, energy, and ecosystems
• Role of vegetation, water bodies, and materials
• Principles of green infrastructure planning
• Spatial dimensions of urban thermal comfort

Module 2: Remote Sensing of Urban Heat and Vegetation

• Satellite data for thermal mapping (e.g. Landsat, MODIS)
• Calculating Land Surface Temperature (LST)
• Vegetation indices: NDVI, SAVI, EVI
• Heat mapping using thermal infrared bands
• Mapping canopy cover and vegetation density

Module 3: Urban Hotspot Detection and Risk Mapping

• Identifying urban thermal hotspots
• Spatial overlays with socio-economic vulnerability
• Mapping impervious surfaces and albedo
• Clustering high-risk urban zones
• Modeling heat exposure and population density

Module 4: GIS Analysis for Cooling Strategy Planning

• Locating suitable sites for green infrastructure
• Urban tree canopy modeling
• Water-sensitive urban design mapping
• Simulating impacts of green roofs and parks
• Cooling corridors and walkability analysis

Module 5: Integrating UHI Data with Health and Climate Resilience

• Heat-health risk assessments
• Early warning systems and urban heat alerts
• Climate adaptation planning with UHI data
• Emergency preparedness and cooling shelters
• Community engagement in urban cooling

Module 6: Scenario Modeling and Urban Policy Implications

• Predictive modeling under different land cover scenarios
• Urban development simulations
• Assessing trade-offs in land use planning
• Linking UHI findings to urban policy frameworks
• Indicators for climate-resilient urban design

Module 7: Tools and Platforms for UHI Analysis

• Google Earth Engine for thermal data analysis
• QGIS for urban mapping and planning
• ENVI and SNAP for advanced thermal processing
• Use of drones and UAVs for urban data collection
• Mobile GIS tools for field validation

Module 8: Green Urban Strategy and Spatial Action Plan

• Develop an urban cooling action plan
• Prioritize interventions based on spatial data
• Propose zoning changes and design modifications
• Visualize impacts with heat mitigation maps
• Prepare a geospatially informed policy brief

General remarks

• Customizable courses are available to address the specific needs of your organization.
• The participant must be conversant in English
• Participants who successfully complete this course will receive a certificate of completion from Lenol Development Center.
• The course fee for onsite training includes facilitation training materials, tea break and lunch.
• Accommodation and airport pick up are made upon request
• For any inquiries reach us through info@lenoldevelopmentcenter.com or +254 710 314 746
• Payment should be made to our bank