The project aims to develop a best practice satellite-based monitoring system utilising thermal imagery to measure land surface temperatures (LST), identify urban heat islands, and establish connections to human thermal comfort metrics. This initiative will concentrate on the Adelaide metropolitan region and select regional areas of South Australia (for example Port Augusta or Whyalla), investigating the potential of satellite thermal imagery to supplement or even replace the currently more costly and infrequently captured airborne thermal imagery.

A key component of the project is evaluating how the Kanyini satellite’s thermal imagery can be integrated with data from other satellite sources. The ultimate goal is to provide regular data capture, especially during heatwave events, to deliver a more efficient and timely relevant monitoring solution. The final system may integrate data from multiple satellite sources. The use of Kanyini is to highlight any benefits of having a dedicated space asset with controllable image tasking. Through this project, potential across government end users will be consulted to determine the feasibility of using satellite-based heat mapping for a range of applications, including policymaking and on-ground action.