Urban heat islands (UHI) represent a significant challenge for public health, thermal comfort, and energy consumption in cities. In summer, roads, parking lots, and sidewalks contribute significantly to this phenomenon due to their low albedo and high heat storage capacity. To analyze and anticipate these effects, THEMACS Ingénierie has developed Thermocity, a tool specializing in the thermal mapping of road infrastructure.
Why map roads in summer?
Roads represent a significant proportion of urban surfaces. Made mainly of asphalt and concrete, they absorb a large amount of solar radiation, absorbing heat during the day and releasing it at night, contributing to the development of UHI. Mapping their temperature makes it possible to identify the hottest areas of the city, compare the effectiveness of the materials used (light-colored, porous, traditional asphalt), and prioritize development actions (innovative coatings, peripheral vegetation, cooling solutions).
Thermocity: an innovative measurement solution
Thanks to Thermocity, THEMACS Ingénierie can perform:
– high-resolution thermal measurements, – precise mapping of surface temperatures, – comparative analysis between neighborhoods, streets, and materials.
This data enables effective decisions to be made to limit heat islands.
Relevance for cities and communities
Thermal mapping of roads in summer makes it possible to adapt material choices when renovating roads and streets and to optimize vegetation in sensitive areas. It also provides an opportunity to reduce indirect energy costs related to air conditioning and improve the thermal comfort of residents, particularly during heat waves. Thanks to the data collected by Thermocity, cities can integrate sustainable and effective solutions into their urban development projects.
Conclusion
Roads play an important role in the intensity of urban heat islands. Thanks to Thermocity, THEMACS Ingénierie provides unique expertise to measure, understand, and take effective action. Mapping street temperatures in summer provides cities with an essential decision-making tool for building more comfortable and sustainable urban spaces.