Application of split- window algorithm to study Urban Heat Island effect in Mumbai through land surface temperature approach

Urban planners grapple with rapidity of Urbanization as dense economic activity accelerates. This provided a livelihood in urban areas creating a natural magnet for continuous immigration. Due to increase in impervious surfaces, for example concrete cities, with higher percentage of roads, concrete footpaths and rooftops in urban buildings (Chen a al., 2006). Urbanization is directly correlated to higher temperatures in urban areas (Weng a al., 2004). One such challenge which is obvious in most of the urban agglomeration is Urban Heat Island. (Becker & Li, 1990) This study investigates the temperature rise and identifies the urban temperature pattern in Mumbai. The Split window algorithm is identified to derive Land Surface Temperatures. This study takes two approaches for understanding these effects - the land use changes and the land surface temperature changes. A quantitative approach is followed between temperature and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) (Becker & Li, 1990; Estoque a al., 2017). Thermal remote sensing method has been found directly relevant for understanding urban heat island effects for cities (Roth a al., 1989). Results show that the heat pockets on barren lands, slums, salt pans and concrete areas like airport are more prominent in Mumbai. This research is the first comprehensive research of Land Surface Temperature pattern of 2013 and 2014 on Mumbai by using Remote Sensing Technology and its relation with Urban Morphology

Synergistic use of orbital satellite image and ground-based information in environmental monitoring of railway alignment construction - a case study

Environmental monitoring of road/railway/highway alignment construction activity is necessary to assess the probable negative impacts on the physical, biological and hydrological environment. This would aid in assessing the effectiveness of mitigation measures proposed and executed measures. Multitemporal orbital remote sensing data along with site-based information on water and air quality and noise level were used in the environmental impact assessment (EIA) and auditing of Konkan railway alignment in India. This method of integrated data collection and analysis could be used effectively for monitoring similar projects elsewhere

Temporal remote sensing data and GIS application in landslide hazard zonation of part of Western ghat, India

Spatial and temporal multi-layered information is required to assess landslide hazard susceptibility. The manual method of data integration for targeting potential zones susceptible to landslide hazard is time consuming. The present study highlights the utility of temporal remotely-sensed data and knowledge-based Geographical Information Systems for collection, integration and analysis of spatially-oriented data, as well as in finding out the inherent relation between separate entities in parts of West ghat in India

Development of SAR interferometry at IIT Bombay

The emphasis of this paper is on the implementation of SAR inteferometry at CSRE, Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay. ISAR software by ESA was used for generating the fringes and the phase unwrapping software was developed in-house. A test site around the Western Ghats was chosen for testing the software.© IEE

Phytocapping : importance of tree selection and soil thickness

An alternative landfill capping technique known as ‘Phytocapping’ (establishment of perennial plants on a layer of soil placed over the waste) was trialed in Rockhampton, Australia. In this technique, trees were used as ‘bio-pumps’ and ‘rainfall interceptors’ and soil cover as ‘storage’ of water. The environmental performance of the phytocapping system was measured based on its ability to minimise water percolation into the waste. The percolation rate was modelled using HYDRUS 1D for two different scenarios (with and without vegetation) for the thick and thin caps respectively. Results from the modelling showed percolation rates of 16.7 mm yr-1 in thick cover and 23.8 mm yr-1 in thin cover, both of which are markedly lower than those expected from a clay cap. Results from monitoring and observations showed that 19 trees out of 21 tree species grew well in the harsh landfill environment. Top ten performing species have been identified and are recommended to be grown on phytocaps in the Central Queensland region