flexiblefullpage
billboard
interstitial1
catfish1
Currently Reading

Interactive heat maps track temperature ranges in U.S. cities

Codes and Standards

Interactive heat maps track temperature ranges in U.S. cities

Urban heat island effect can vary by as much as 37°F in the same city.


By Peter Fabris, Contributing Editor | October 10, 2018

Research by Geotab shows that the urban heat island effect can vary dramatically within the same city.

The fleet management analytics firm has released temperature gradient maps of the largest U.S. cities that take the temperature of different areas of each city. Los Angeles, at 37°F, had the most variability from the hottest to the coolest location. Seattle had the lowest variation at 6°F.

The interactive maps were created by taking hyper-local temperature readings at more than 50,000 points across America’s 20 biggest cities on the same day and time (June 21st, 2017). City centers often feel far warmer in certain areas, due to factors including paved surfaces absorbing sunshine, buildings blocking airflow, and fewer trees.

The maps could be a reference for determining which areas of a city would most benefit from cool roofs, more trees, and other environmental cooling strategies.

Related Stories

Codes and Standards | Nov 13, 2018

New York City’s new construction safety requirements are delayed

Some contractors say they weren’t ready for ‘massive initiative’.

Codes and Standards | Nov 9, 2018

Cities have multiple strategies to reduce parking requirements

Each community has to find its own mix of solutions.

Codes and Standards | Nov 8, 2018

Denver replaces green roof mandate with cool roof option

Less costly light-colored roofs can cut project costs by about 1.5%.

Codes and Standards | Nov 7, 2018

New report addresses sound transmission of wood-framed assemblies

AWC document provides empirical sound transmission model.

Codes and Standards | Nov 6, 2018

AIA releases 13 new and updated contract documents

Includes new Contractor-Subcontractor Master Agreement.

Codes and Standards | Nov 1, 2018

Several barriers holding back widespread construction of zero energy buildings

Code improvements and voluntary programs could add momentum.

Codes and Standards | Oct 31, 2018

Boston’s new flood protection plan centers on new parks

Initiative would add 67 acres of public open space.

Codes and Standards | Oct 30, 2018

San Francisco plans tougher seismic building codes

Recommendations include addressing geotechnical issues like those faced by Millennium Tower.

Codes and Standards | Oct 26, 2018

Tall Mass Timber code proposals approved at Intl. Code Council public comment hearings

Proposals now go to online voting; final outcome expected in December.

boombox1
boombox2
native1

More In Category


Reconstruction & Renovation

Movement to protect historic buildings raises sharp criticism

While the movement to preserve historic buildings has widespread support, it also has some sharp critics with well-funded opposition groups springing up in recent years. Some opponents are linked to the Stand Together Foundation, founded and bankrolled by the Koch family’s conservative philanthropic organization, according to a column in Governing magazine.



halfpage1

Most Popular Content

  1. 2021 Giants 400 Report
  2. Top 150 Architecture Firms for 2019
  3. 13 projects that represent the future of affordable housing
  4. Sagrada Familia completion date pushed back due to coronavirus
  5. Top 160 Architecture Firms 2021