Advances in Remote Sensing Data and Tools for Urban Climate Risks Analysis and Management

Dear Colleagues,

Urban climate risks, including urban flooding and extreme heat, require localized datasets with high spatial and temporal resolution to develop effective numerical and data-driven models such as hydrodynamic flood models and atmospheric models. These datasets encompass geospatial databases for surface elevation, land use, and soil classifications, in addition to multispectral imagery derived from satellite observations. In situ data collection technologies, such as LiDAR for elevation and sensors for capturing hydrologic and meteorological data (e.g., precipitation, temperature, humidity, radiation etc.) are also crucial. Particularly for urban climate risks, downscaling techniques are employed to meet the high demands for spatial–temporal resolution. Moreover, the data and methods used to address unique urban climate challenges, such as pluvial, fluvial, or coastal flooding, and urban heat island effects across different urban forms, require specialized data processing and numerical approaches. It is critical to assess the accuracy and applicability of existing data products, as well as the adaptability of numerical techniques and tools for data processing, and the robustness of numerical models for urban climate risks in diverse geographic and climatic contexts. This comprehensive understanding is critical for effectively managing flood and heat vulnerability and risks in urban areas and communities on a global scale.

The aim of this Special Issue is to advance the organized knowledge surrounding the applications of diverse data sources, data processing techniques, and numerical models specifically tailored for urban climate risk assessment. This Issue seeks to not only highlight innovative research but also to enhance the accessibility of research products and data for both the scientific community and practical applications. By focusing on the integration and effectiveness of remote sensing data, in situ measurements, and advanced modeling techniques, this Special Issue aligns with the journal’s aims to advance remote sensing for the benefit of the community. The knowledge generated through this Special Issue will encourage the development of new methodologies and technologies that can be adopted widely for urban climate resilience.

Suggested themes: Innovation in remote sensing for urban climate risk analysis; Hydrodynamic flood modeling using high resolution spatial data products; Atmospheric modeling for heat impact analysis; Numerical processes and algorithms for data processing; Application for remote sensing tools for urban climate policy and decision support systems.

Types of submissions: Research Articles; Methodological Papers; Data Description; Technical Reports; Review; Perspective and Commentary.

Dr. Ashish Shrestha
Dr. Ahmed Mustafa
Dr. Chuyuan (Carter) Wang
Dr. Peng Fu
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the Special Issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-anonymized peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Remote Sensing is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.