GIS-Based Analysis of Land Surface Characteristics and Urban Heat Islands in Metropolitan Cities of India

This study compares the Urban Heat Island (UHI) phenomenon in two Indian metropolitan cities: Lucknow and Delhi. This study helps to understand the comparative impact of urbanisation on the UHI effect in mid-sized and large urban cities using multi-temporal satellite data and index-based Analysis. MODIS satellite data were used to examine the UHI, while Landsat 8 data helped extract the land surface features of both cities. Various indices, such as NDVI, MBI, MNDWI, and NDBaI, were utilised to study the land surface characteristics of the study area using GIS-based tools and methods. The study findings indicate that about 18.15% of Lucknow is classified as a High Potential Urban Heat Island (UHI) Zone, compared to approximately 17.17% in Delhi. Land surface temperatures (LST) in Lucknow rose from 38.11°C and 30.41°C in 2000 to 46.17°C and 39.15°C in 2023. Similarly, in Delhi, LST values increased from 38.35°C and 24.49°C in 2000 to 47.27°C and 32.93°C in 2023. These zones are typically found in locations with high built-up land density and unplanned development activities. The study identifies a negative correlation between the UHI and the presence of green and blue spaces, which can help reduce the intensity of the UHI. The research emphasises the importance of understanding and managing the UHI effect in highly urbanised areas, as this knowledge will assist policymakers and stakeholders in enhancing livability and sustainability within cities.