Investigating the nighttime urban heat island (Canopy Layer) using mobile transverse method: A case study of colon street in Cebu City, Philippines

Abstract

Rapid urbanization has resulted in temperature differences between the urban area and its surrounding areas. Academics have called this as the urban heat island phenomenon. Among the places that have seen rapid urbanization is the City of Cebu. The Philippine’s oldest street, Colon, was chosen as the study area due to the near absence of vegetation and closely spaced buildings. Buildings that are spaced more closely as well as multiple absorptions and reflections produce higher and more viable street temperatures. This study tries to systematically understand the urban heat island effect between Colon and Lawaan, the rural area defined in this study. In order to quantify the urban heat island between two given locations, the mobile traverse method during the summer time, for a 10-day period in May 2016. A digital thermometer measuring platform was mounted on top of a vehicle to measure the different temperatures of Colon Street. Urban temperatures were also gathered in the Lawaan area using the same device. Preliminary results showed the presence of the urban heat island phenomenon between the two areas (ΔT =1.17 °C). The provision of green spaces and proper urban planning are essential in mitigating future urban heat stress due to anthropogenic changes of existing cities