NDVI and Land Surface Temperature Analysis of Asheville, North Carolina

Abstract. Recent shifts in global climate patterns have heightened the need for studies on urban heat dynamics. In response, remote sensing technology has increasingly been used to analyze temperature variations within urban environments. Modern remote sensing techniques, particularly the analysis of the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and Land Surface Temperature (LST), provide valuable insights into urban heat-related phenomena, such as the urban heat island (UHI) effect. Examining the relationship between vegetation density and LST can help identify strategies to mitigate rising surface temperatures, particularly in urban areas.

To explore this relationship, an NDVI and LST analysis was conducted for Asheville, North Carolina. Asheville presents a unique case study due to its combination of rapidly developing urban areas and dense vegetation in the surrounding mountainous regions. Using data from NASA’s Landsat 5 and Landsat 8 satellites, the study calculated NDVI and LST values from satellite imagery to: (1) analyze seasonal variations within the same year, (2) compare NDVI and LST trends over a 25-year period, (3) examine correlations between vegetation cover and surface temperature, and (4) apply these findings to broader urban and environmental management strategies. The resulting maps provide a visual representation of the NDVI-LST relationship, offering insights into urban temperature regulation and potential mitigation approaches.