Mapping Urban Heat: Neighborhood-Level Analysis of Urban Developments in King County, 2014–2024

Abstract

This study looks at how the Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect has evolved in King County, Washington, over the past decade, from 2014 to 2024. It specifically focuses on how urbanization and new infrastructure developments have affected land surface temperatures (LST). By using high-resolution remote sensing data and spatial analysis tools from Google Earth Engine, the research tracks changes in urban heat across neighborhoods that are undergoing rapid growth. The key areas of focus are expanding residential areas, transportation infrastructure, and the development of satellite cities. The study explores how the increase in impervious surfaces and the loss of vegetation have contributed to rising temperatures, providing concrete evidence of UHI effects in fast-developing areas like Bellevue, West Seattle, and Lynnwood. The findings show that urban sprawl and large-scale infrastructure projects have played a major role in raising local temperatures, with significant consequences for public health and the environment. The study suggests that by incorporating green infrastructure and sustainable design practices, urban planners can take practical steps to reduce UHI impacts and improve climate resilience as cities continue to grow.