Spatio-temporal analysis of maximum Urban heat signature in urban forest: The case of University of Indonesia, Depok, West Java

Abstract

Urban temperature changes dynamically due to the rapid changes of urban land-use/land-cover. Urban forest is important to maintain the urban temperature at a pleasant level. Theoretically, vegetation could absorb more sun’s radiation thus the urban forest can reduce maximum urban heat signature. This study assesses the capability of the urban forest in lowering the maximum temperature recorded in urban heat signature (UHS). UHS refers to a variety of heat characteristics based on different types of land-use/land-cover. The assessment was based on spatio-temporal analysis of surface temperature in the study area over a two-year period. Results showed a declining level of heat between built-up area (average of 30oC) and urban forest (average of 27oC) from 2013 to 2015 period. There is a difference of 4oC in maximum temperature between dense and sparse green areas, especially at 1pm. The presence of urban forest could reduce maximum urban heat signature.