Smart Geospatial Analytics for Climate-Resilient and Sustainable Futures: Urban Heat Islands and Hotspots Mapping in Greater Francistown City, Botswana

Abstract Urban Heat Islands (UHI) are critical indicators of urban climate change in rapidly urbanising regions of the Global South. This study applied smart geospatial analytics and remote sensing-based climate information systems to analyse the spatial distribution, intensity, temporal dynamics of the UHI and urban hotspot effects in Greater Francistown City between 2014 and 2023. Using Landsat 8 Operational Land Imager and Thermal Infrared Sensor data, Land Surface Temperature was derived to support climate monitoring, resilient infrastructure planning, and climate-responsive urban design. Results reveal notable spatiotemporal variability in urban thermal patterns, with UHI intensity showing fluctuations from 6.05 km² in 2016 to 4.71 km² in 2019, concentrated in densely built-up areas. Urban hotspot precincts increased from 1.59 km² in 2016 to 2.44 km² in 2023, reflecting land-use transformation and vegetation loss. These findings highlight the role of digital environmental monitoring tools and smart city approaches in identifying climate risk zones and supporting evidence-based urban planning. The study demonstrates how geospatial data analytics and Earth observation technologies enhance climate information systems, providing actionable insights for sustainable urban development. It underscores the integration of smart, data-driven approaches into planning frameworks to mitigate heat stress, improve environmental quality, and strengthen climate resilience in semi-arid cities. Positioning Greater Francistown as a Global South case study, the findings advance digital solutions for climate modelling and monitoring, contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals and climate-resilient, smart, and sustainable futures. Policy action is recommended to embed UHI mitigation into zoning regulations, building standards, and incentives for heat-resilient infrastructure.