A Mobile Vehicle-Based Methodology for Dynamic Microclimate Analysis

Accurate monitoring is critical for better understanding cities' microclimate conditions and safeguard citizens' health. Previous studies have performed microclimate analyses of urbanized areas by implementing data from either stable meteorological stations or satellites, or by developing mobile stations. Here, we present a vehicle-based monitoring campaign capable of monitoring both the scalar and directionally dependent variables that regulate the canopy layer environment. Under this framework, we performed a monitoring campaign within an Italian city, and measured simultaneously air temperature (+/- 0.3 degrees C @ 20 degrees C), relative humidity (+/- 2% @ 20 degrees C), directional shortwave radiation (calibration uncertainty: < 1.8%), CO2 (+/- 50 ppm +2%) and PM10 (< 1%) concentration, wind speed (+/- 3% @ 40 m/s) and direction (+/- 3 degrees @ 40 m/s), and specific location ( latitude, longitude and elevation). The presented assessment can be carried out within almost any area that motorized vehicles are allowed to access (e.g. through public transportation vehicles). Its application together with other mobile stations that can specifically assess also pedestrian areas, such as footpaths, urban parks, sidewalks and bike paths, as well as fixed meteorological stations and remote sensing techniques can contribute to a better understanding of microclimate patterns and hence to more efficient urban planning and risk assessments.

Automated summary

The study introduces a vehicle-based monitoring campaign that can measure various meteorological variables to enhance understanding of urban microclimate. This method can be applied in almost any area accessible to motorized vehicles, including public transportation vehicles.