Land Surface Temperature (LST) is measured by collecting specific data from aLandsat dataset to feed into a Geographic Information System (GIS) model, which then processes and combines the data with relevant parameters to determine the finalLST value.
An LST study by Think City highlighted a 1.64°C increase in Kuala Lumpur city centre’s surface temperature between 1989 and 2019. The hottest areas identified were the heavily developed city centre, Bukit Bintang, Pudu and North KL. While the increase of 1.64°C may seem insignificant, it indicates a slow yet steady rise in the city’s peak temperature and is representative of the global climate change.
On the other hand, there were a few locations that decreased or steadied in temperature in 2019. Based on satellite data and Think City’s 2019 LST observation, park reserve areas such as KL Forest Eco Park and Taman Botani Perdana, and public spaces and gardens in Mahameru and KLCC were observed as the cooler areas in the city.
Urbanisation is known to increase the effects of Urban Heat Islands (UHI). There is a30-year difference between KLCC’s LST observations from 1989 and 2019, and it can provide insights for urban strategists on how cities can become climate-adaptable through nature-based solutions.
Study:
Kuala Lumpur City Centre
Urbanisation is known to increase the effects of urban heat island (UHI). This map illustrates the 30-year difference between KLCC’s LST observations from 1989 and 2019. The map can provide insights for urban strategists on how cities can become climate-adaptable through nature-based solutions.
George Town
The George Town map illustrates the 32-year difference of the town’s LST observations from 1988 and 2020. George Town recorded one of the highest increases in surface temperature considering its popularity since its 2008’s World Heritage Site inscription.
Bayan Lepas
Bayan Lepas significant rise in temperature relates to the growth of its industries and urbanisation in the nation’s first Free Trade Zone. This map illustrates the 32-year difference between Bayan Lepas’ surface temperature observations from 1988 and 2020.
Johor Bahru District
Johor Bahru District’s map shows a substantial 13-year change between its LST measurements from 2005 and 2018. This map can provide insights for urban researchers on the district’s rapid gentrification, and increased economic corridors and number of industries that have contributed to the temperature rise.
Ipoh City
This map of Ipoh illustrates the 21-year difference between Ipoh’s LST observations from 1998 and 2019. Ipoh shows extreme levels of ecological change and urbanisation which projects unsustainable ecosystem that can affect overall human livelihood and well-being.