Modeling Hyperlocal Heat Exposure With Open-Source Data

The document introduces an open-source method to model the Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI) at a 1-meter resolution using the SOLWEIG model and open-access data. This framework allows cities to assess baseline heat risks and simulate the cooling effects of interventions such as tree planting, shade structures, and cool surfaces. The method's accuracy was validated against LiDAR-supported models, showing a mean absolute error of 0.39°C.

• The proposed open-source modeling framework for the Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI) operates at a 1-meter resolution and demonstrates a mean absolute error of 0.39°C when validated against models using LiDAR-derived data.
• The methodology utilizes the SOlar and LongWave Environmental Irradiance Geometry (SOLWEIG) model and freely available datasets to provide a scalable approach for evaluating heat exposure and the cooling potential of infrastructure interventions, including cool surfaces, shade structures, and tree planting.

APA

World Resources Institute (n.d.). Modeling Hyperlocal Heat Exposure With Open-Source Data. https://www.wri.org/research/modeling-hyperlocal-heat-exposure-open-source-data

Chicago

World Resources Institute. Modeling Hyperlocal Heat Exposure With Open-Source Data. n.d. https://www.wri.org/research/modeling-hyperlocal-heat-exposure-open-source-data.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=World Resources Institute |title=Modeling Hyperlocal Heat Exposure With Open-Source Data |url=https://www.wri.org/research/modeling-hyperlocal-heat-exposure-open-source-data |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{worldresourcesinstitutendmodeling, author = {{World Resources Institute}}, title = {{Modeling Hyperlocal Heat Exposure With Open-Source Data}}, institution = {World Resources Institute}, url = {https://www.wri.org/research/modeling-hyperlocal-heat-exposure-open-source-data}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }