CIRCLE WITH A DOT

@dhduncan
My research focuses exclusively on the Calgary area.

It is a common belief that higher elevations are naturally cooler. In pristine landscapes, this rule holds firm. But what about urban environments? Humanity moves vast amounts of matter and energy, sometimes fundamentally altering the thermodynamic parameters of our habitat.

️ I correlated summer Land Surface Temperature (LST) data across Calgary’s neighborhoods with the Canadian Medium-Resolution Digital Elevation Model (MRDEM). The chart below illustrates the relationship between "Average Elevation" and "Average Surface Temperature" specifically for established residential communities. As observed, this relationship is notably weak, even though a slight cooling trend persists. Based on my data analysis, elevation above sea level is not a key factor in cooling the city.

#Calgary #OpenData #UrbanHeat #DataScience #ClimateAction #YYC #GreennesOfCalgary #ClimateEquity #EnvironmentalEquity #CityPlanning #RemoteSensing #RStats #Landsat #fossgis #DigitalElevationModel

Here is the data analysis for Calgary, Summer 2025. This chart shows the relationship between vegetation density (NDVI) and Land Surface Temperature (LST).

The data reveals a critical "tipping point": vegetation only starts effectively cooling the environment once it reaches a specific density threshold. Below this threshold (the left side of the curve), green spaces stay just as hot as the surrounding concrete.
Sparse or isolated trees don't act as air conditioners—they "burn" in the urban furnace right along with us.

What does this mean for Calgary? Simply planting a few scattered trees isn't enough. To actually move the needle on temperature, we need dense, healthy green belts. Otherwise, it’s just a waste of water and resources.

Link to the research: https://www.datastory.org.ua/calgarys-summer-heat-a-2025-satellite-perspective/

#Calgary #UrbanHeatIsland #NDVI #ClimateChange #UrbanPlanning #DataScience #Environment #YYC #BigData #ScienceMatters #GreennessOfCalgary #ClimateOfCalgary #rstats #RemoteSensing #OpenScience

How hot was Calgary's neighborhood in 2025? ️️

I processed satellite data from last summer to see how Calgary’s communities handle the heat. It turns out that not all greenery is equal. My research shows a clear "breakpoint" where the density of vegetation actually starts to drop the surface temperature.

I’ve mapped the "Hottest" and "Coolest" communities — see where yours stands and why some "green" areas are still overheating.

Full article and maps here:
https://www.datastory.org.ua/calgarys-summer-heat-a-2025-satellite-perspective/

#RemoteSensing #Rstats #GreennesOfCalgary #ClimateOfCalgary #OpenData #FOSSGIS #ClimateResilence #Landsat #Sentinel2 #Calgary #Alberta #Canada #YYC #LST #NDVI