Santa Ana Heat Map

The Neighborhood Initiatives and Environmental Services (NIES) staff reached out to Chapman University to learn more about a student research on extreme heat in Orange County. NIES staff collaborated with Chapman University staff and they provided support in creating surface temperature maps of Santa Ana. The heat map was created using NASA’s ECOSTRESS by Gregory Goldsmith (Chapman University). This map can help the City better prepare for future heat waves.

Read more about Chapman University Students' Research: https://news.chapman.edu/2024/02/29/chapman-students-research-sheds-light-on-dangers-of-extreme-heat-in-orange-county/

What is heat island?

Heat islands are urbanized areas that experience higher temperatures than outlying areas. Structures such as buildings, roads, and other infrastructure absorb and re-emit the sun’s heat more than natural landscapes such as forests and water bodies. Urban areas, where these structures are highly concentrated and greenery is limited, become “islands” of higher temperatures relative to outlying areas.

Learn more https://www.epa.gov/heatislands/what-are-heat-islands