In this study, the importance of air temperature from different aspects (e.g.,
human and plant health, ecological and environmental processes, urban
planning, and modelling) is presented in detail, and the major factors
affecting air temperature in urban areas are introduced. Given the importance
of air temperature, and the necessity of developing high-resolution spatio-
temporal air-temperature maps, this paper categorizes the existing approaches
for air temperature estimation into three categories (interpolation,
regression and simulation approaches) and reviews them. This paper focuses on
high-resolution air temperature mapping in urban areas, which is difficult due
to strong spatio-temporal variations. Different air temperature mapping
approaches have been applied to an urban area (Berlin, Germany) and the
results are presented and discussed. This review paper presents the
advantages, limitations and shortcomings of each approach in its original
form. In addition, the feasibility of utilizing each approach for air
temperature modelling in urban areas was investigated. Studies into the
elimination of the limitations and shortcomings of each approach are
presented, and the potential of developed techniques to address each
limitation is discussed. Based upon previous studies and developments, the
interpolation, regression and coupled simulation techniques show potential for
spatio-temporal modelling of air temperature in urban areas. However, some of
the shortcomings and limitations for development of high-resolution spatio-
temporal maps in urban areas have not been properly addressed yet. Hence, some
further studies into the elimination of remaining limitations, and improvement
of current approaches to high-resolution spatio-temporal mapping of air
temperature, are introduced as future research opportunities
