GIS in the assessment of the impact of microclimatic variables on human comfort in Akure, Nigeria

Abstract

This study involved the use of Geographic Information System (GIS) to examine variation of physiologic comfort of the people living in Akure urban environment using physiological equivalent temperature (PET) index. PET value generated from both micro-climatic parameters and thermo-physiological data measured, using Rayman model because of its ability to generate mean radiant temperature and PET which is useful in thermo-physiological heat balance model. It also examines the responses from sampled population across the land uses. Results showed that thermal heat stress are found spatially and temporally (6:00; 12:00 and 18:00 local standard time, LST) within the study area as high as (41-55) °C due to different activities in each of the land uses. Results indicated that many of the respondents are yet to have better understanding about thermal stress and it effects. The recommendation from this study is that more days of data should be measured during dry season, and planting of tress and urban greenery should be strongly encouraged as a means to improve the micro climate as well as the level of human comfort in Akure, Nigeria.

Keywords: Micro-climate, Urbanization, Thermal comfort, PET, Rayman