Satellite signature-based evidence in exploring sub-districts susceptible to hyperthermia

Identifying administrative sub-districts vulnerable to hyperthermia is critical in formulating transparent policies based on comprehensive, area-wide data. However, previous studies have yet to use satellite imagery to explore administrative sub-districts susceptible to hyperthermia in a local-specific community setting. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate whether the area-wide land surface temperature retrieved from thermal satellite imagery can be an indirect indicator to explore administrative sub-districts susceptible to hyperthermia. Landsat 8 satellite data were used to retrieve the area-wide land surface temperature. Daegu metropolitan city considered the representative heatwave city in South Korea, was examined to explore the sub-districts susceptible to hyperthermia. Administrative sub-districts with a high concentration of low-income residents who cannot operate air conditioning during the summer were particularly susceptible to hyperthermia. Meanwhile, wealthy administrative sub-districts with the highest real estate prices were least susceptible to hyperthermia. The study findings are expected to establish the foundation for a data-driven, standardized approach to identifying sub-districts at high risk for hyperthermia in age-friendly communities.