Urban Heat Maps: hotspots and heat islands at a glance
The AdaptWest Climate Change Adaptation Plan incorporates Urban Heat Mapping undertaken by the Cities of West Torrens, Charles Sturt and Port Adelaide Enfield, in partnership with the Adelaide Mount Lofty Ranges Natural Resources Management Board.
The 2017 thermal mapping and Western Adelaide Urban Heat Mapping Report identifies where heat builds up across the region during hot weather, and where hotspots and ‘heat islands’ – areas where built structures and impervious materials have replaced natural surfaces – overlap with vulnerable members of the community; or where higher localised temperatures may affect the way open space and the public realm is utilised.
The project provides a 'snapshot' of surface temperatures of the study area, to gain a better understanding of how materials, urban design, different land uses and even housing density can impact or improve the liveability of public areas and private homes during our often long, dry and hot summer periods. The Western Adelaide Region is already experiencing longer, hotter and more frequent heatwaves which have the potential to impact the health and well-being of our community, as well as the councils’ ability to deliver key services.
Urban Heat Fact Sheets
The fact sheets below are to be used in conjunction with the Urban Heat and Tree Mapping of Adelaide Metropolitan Area
Next Steps
Following the heat mapping captures undertaken by the Regional Climate Partnerships, the State Government integrated these data sets together in one central portal. In 2018/2019, LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) was also included. LiDAR is a remote sensor method that generates a 3D digital terrain model. This application shows tree canopy cover and tree height data for metro Adelaide.
These two data sets were bought together as the Urban Heat and Tree Mapping portal for the Adelaide Metropolitan Area. This tool allows you to enter an address and see how hot or cool your property is and how it relates to the surrounding green cover!
Access the State Government Urban Heat and Tree Mapping of Adelaide Metropolitan Area
Have a look at the AdaptWest region heat map and use the slider to shift between heat map and aerial photo layers.
Experience the AdaptWest Urban Heat Map in full screen.
Changing for Climate Change