Application of Geoinformatics Technology for Urban Heat Island in Mueang Nakhon Ratchasima District

Abstract

This study aims to 1) investigate land use changes 2) nighttime surface temperature variations, and the urban heat island phenomenon between 2013and 2023 3) analyze areas at risk of urban heat islands in Mueang Nakhon Ratchasima District. The findings reveal that urban and built-up areas increased by 108.38 square kilometers (37.52%), while agricultural areas decreased by 134.47 square kilometers (46.55%). The average nighttime surface temperature in 2023 rose by 0.78°C compared to 2013, with the most significant increase of 6.27°C observed in December. An analysis of the urban heat island phenomenon using the Urban Thermal Field Variance Index (UTFVI) indicated that areas experiencing very high urban heat levels expanded significantly in 2023 compared to 2013, particularly in the northeastern direction. An assessment of areas at risk of urban heat island using Potential Surface Analysis method, revealed results low risk, covering 334.56 square kilometers (43.89%), very low risk at 137.63 square kilometers (18.06%), moderate risk at 110.51 square kilometers (14.50%), high risk at 99.37 square kilometers (13.04%), and very high risk at 80.15 square kilometers (10.52%), concentrated primarily in the central and northeastern parts of the study area.