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Urban Heat Islands and Land-Use Patterns in Zagreb: A Composite Analysis Using Remote Sensing and Spatial Statistics

Author

Listed:
  • Dino Bečić

    (Department of Geography, Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia)

  • Mateo Gašparović

    (Chair of Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing, Faculty of Geodesy, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia)

Abstract

Urban heat islands (UHIs) present a growing environmental issue in swiftly urbanizing regions, where impermeable surfaces and a lack of vegetation increase local temperatures. This research analyzes the spatial distribution of urban heat islands in Zagreb, Croatia, utilizing remote sensing data, urban planning metrics, and spatial-statistical analysis. Composite rasters of land surface temperature (LST) and the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) were generated from four cloud-free Landsat 9 images obtained in the summer of 2024. The data were consolidated into regulatory planning units through zonal statistics, facilitating the evaluation of the impact of built-up density and designated green space on surface temperatures. A composite UHI index was developed by combining normalized land surface temperature (LST) and normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) measurements, while spatial clustering was examined with Local Moran’s I and Getis-Ord Gi*. The results validate spatial patterns of heat intensity, with high temperatures centered in densely built residential areas. This research addresses the gap in past UHI studies by providing a reproducible approach for detecting thermal stress zones, linking satellite data with spatial planning variables. The results support the development of localized climate adaptation methods and highlight the importance of integrating green infrastructure into urban planning methodologies.

Suggested Citation

  • Dino Bečić & Mateo Gašparović, 2025. "Urban Heat Islands and Land-Use Patterns in Zagreb: A Composite Analysis Using Remote Sensing and Spatial Statistics," Land, MDPI, vol. 14(7), pages 1-26, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jlands:v:14:y:2025:i:7:p:1470-:d:1702088
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Ante Seletković & Martina Kičić & Mario Ančić & Jelena Kolić & Renata Pernar, 2023. "The Urban Heat Island Analysis for the City of Zagreb in the Period 2013–2022 Utilizing Landsat 8 Satellite Imagery," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(5), pages 1-13, February.
    2. Pauline Schmidt & Bryce T. Lawrence, 2022. "Association between Land Surface Temperature and Green Volume in Bochum, Germany," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(21), pages 1-20, November.
    3. Mehmet Cetin & Mehtap Ozenen Kavlak & Muzeyyen Anil Senyel Kurkcuoglu & Gulsah Bilge Ozturk & Saye Nihan Cabuk & Alper Cabuk, 2024. "Determination of land surface temperature and urban heat island effects with remote sensing capabilities: the case of Kayseri, Türkiye," Natural Hazards: Journal of the International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, Springer;International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, vol. 120(6), pages 5509-5536, April.
    4. Majda Ćesić & Katarina Rogulj & Andrija Krtalić, 2025. "Combined Thermal Index Development for Urban Heat Island Detection in Area of Split, Croatia," Land, MDPI, vol. 14(1), pages 1-21, January.
    5. Youpeng Lu & Wenze Yue & Yaping Huang, 2021. "Effects of Land Use on Land Surface Temperature: A Case Study of Wuhan, China," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(19), pages 1-18, September.
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