What is the project?

• A heat-mapping campaign was conducted in our region this summer, with the purpose to better understand & address the distribution of heat at the human level. Data collected by volunteers will be used to develop a high-resolution, area-wide heat map using predictive modeling.

Why are we conducting the campaign?

• Urban areas are especially prone to high temperatures due to a combination of hard surfaces (buildings, roads), limited vegetation, and heat-producing factors like car use and industrial activity. This problem, known as the urban heat island effect, can create issues for human health, infrastructure, and quality of life. Understanding how temperatures vary based on qualities of the natural and built landscape can inform how we reduce the impacts of rising summer temperatures in our communities.

How are data collected?

• Data are collected using a sensor (image right) mounted to the passenger side of a car (note: the sensor is held in place by the window; nothing is permanently affixed to the car). The sensor records the ambient temperature, humidity, and GPS every one second as volunteers transport the device through pre-planned routes, or “traverses”.

What do volunteers do?

• Volunteers are needed to collect data at three times throughout the designated Campaign Day. Drivers and navigators (to help steer drivers) will be assigned to a pre-planned route or “traverse”. Data collection times are typically 6-7 a.m., 3-4 p.m., and 7-8 p.m, though may vary by region. Drivers will ideally drive the same route for all three shifts, though may also switch-off with navigators.

Are there any requirements as a volunteer?

• All volunteers were required to sign a liability release waiver. Volunteers also needed to participate in a volunteer orientation before the date of the campaign. Drivers needed a valid driver’s license, access to a vehicle, and auto insurance.

Do I get to choose where I drive or help navigate?

• We asked volunteers for their preference and did our best to accommodate it. Volunteers were asked to identify their preferred driving areas once confirmed as a participant.

Who organized this event?​

• Scientists from the Nevada State Climate Office at the University of Nevada, Reno, the Desert Research Institute, the City of Reno, the City of Sparks, Washoe County, the Reno-Sparks Indian Colony, RTC-Washoe, the Reno-Sparks Chapter of Citizens’ Climate Lobby, Faith in Action Nevada, Make the Road Nevada, and the Truckee Meadows Regional Planning Agency organized this heat mapping project. Tom Albright, Nevada State Interim Climatologist, led the effort.