Urban Canopy Parameters’ Computation and Evaluation in an Indian Context Using Multi-Platform Remote Sensing Data

Urban Canopy Parameters (UCPs) are crucial for urban microclimate modeling; however, the scarce availability of precise UCP data in developing regions limits their application for urban climates. This study investigated the use of multi-platform remote sensing data viz. very high-resolution satellite (VHRS) optical stereo and Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) datasets for the computation of UCPs in high-density urban scenarios in India, with varied development characteristics. The results demonstrated high accuracy in terms of building height and footprint extraction from both datasets, key inputs for UCP computation. However, UCPs from UAV data have displayed relatively high accuracy for building footprints (86%), building height (RMSE ~ 0.05 m), and land use/land cover classification (90%). Performance evaluation of computed UCPs against a 3D reference geodatabase showed high prediction accuracy for most UCPs, with overall biases, mean absolute error, and root-mean-square error values significantly better than 1 m, with strong correlation (0.8–0.9). It was concluded that VHRS optical stereo and UAV datasets offer a secure, reliable, and accurate solution for UCP computation in urban areas, particularly in developing regions. These findings have significant implications for urban climate research and the sustainable development of rapidly urbanizing areas facing resource and policy constraints.