Space tools essential for future urban planning

Earth observation satellites offer a bird’s eye view of the evolving urban environment. They help urban planners monitor land use. Satellite images highlight the environmental impacts of growth and urbanisation. These images can help predict future growth trends and form strategic plans for zoning and construction projects. Urban planners can use these images to identify the best locations for new developments. 

Remote sensing collects important environmental data about air, water quality and other elements that determine how liveable a city is. Urban areas can become significantly warmer than surrounding regional areas due to denser levels of human activity. This phenomenon is called the “urban heat island” effect. Remote sensors can detect and map temperature variations of concern. This helps urban planners work to mitigate impacts such as increased energy consumption, water pollution and adverse effects on native flora and fauna. They may also look to make decisions around building materials, such as using light coloured reflective design panelling and implementing energy-efficient practices.

Global Positioning Systems (GPS) and Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) offer precise location data to track and manage traffic. This technology, commonly used for directions, offers many important insights. Examples include mapping cities and identifying gaps in infrastructure. The insights can be used to pinpoint traffic congestion areas to plan public transport services or roads. 

Urban areas of risk need to built resiliently to withstand severe environmental factors. Satellites can monitor the weather and can help predict natural disasters. Additionally, satellite imaging assists with post-disaster efforts, such as assessing damage and planning for recovery.

Satellite imaging can identify areas of heightened risks before the construction of housing and new infrastructure begins. They can be used to monitor areas subject to hurricanes, earthquakes or flooding. Urban zones can be more prone to flooding, due to a lack of drainage, the presence of large flat paved areas or being built below sea level. 

Urban planners, using satellite imaging and remote sensing, can see changes in green spaces over time. They can monitor the health of these green spaces and respond accordingly. This might involve looking to increase green spaces, such as parks for exercise and relaxation, and vegetation on roofs. They can use data provided from satellites to establish goals around per capita green cover of the city. This is highly important, as urbanisation without adequate green space can cause social and physical impacts on residents. 

Satellite imaging enables accurate estimates of human-caused light pollution, a growing global problem. This data has provided insights into light on Earth since the 1970s. It helps us follow the evolution of the light pollution threat, without relying on ground-based monitoring and inaccurate measurement equipment on the ground. The images from space highlight that energy is being wasted. They indicate where light pollution may be harming the natural nighttime environment.