Geomatics for Assessment of Outdoor Thermal Comfort Calculations and Predictions in Urban Areas

Abstract

Urban areas commonly have higher temperatures than rural areas, which can cause thermal discomfort for residents. Understanding the factors that contribute to temperature variations is critical to improving thermal comfort in urban areas. This study uses four outdoor thermal comfort databases of different Köpen Geiger classifications from ten cities over a three-decade period and aims to establish a correlation between LST and air temperature. Discomfort Index (DI) is then calculated using the equation derived from this relationship. The DI takes into consideration both temperature and humidity, which are important factors in determining thermal discomfort. The calculated DI is then compared to the Thermal Sensation Vote (TSV) in the databases in order to validate the accuracy of the suggested DI. Thermal comfort maps are then created for different Moroccan cities. The maps can provide an indication of areas where thermal discomfort is more likely to occur, based on the calculated DI. This can be used by urban planners and policymakers to make informed decisions about urban design and planning.