Geospatial assessment of built environment on land surface temperature in district Sheikhupura, Punjab Pakistan

Abstract The built environment is associated with higher air and surface temperatures in urban areas compared to rural counterparts. This study focuses on the Sheikhupura district in Punjab, Pakistan, where rapid urbanization and deforestation have significantly impacted land surface temperature (LST) from 2000 to 2020. Utilizing Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing (RS) techniques, four Landsat images from the United States Geological Survey (USGS) were analyzed to assess spatiotemporal variations in LULC and LST. The single infrared channel approach was employed to calculate LST, and LULC maps were created using supervised classification for the years 2000, 2010, and 2020. The results indicate a substantial increase in built-up areas from 66.9708 square kilometers in 2000 to 259.8147 square kilometers in 2020, accompanied by a significant reduction in vegetation and agricultural land. Correspondingly, the maximum LST rose from 28.9354 °C in 2000 to 31.5173 °C in 2020, highlighting the urban heat island effect. Zonal statistics revealed a decrease in mean high temperatures from 24.45 to 20.3 °C over the same period, suggesting variability in temperature distribution due to changes in land cover types. These findings underscore the need for sustainable urban planning to mitigate the adverse effects of urbanization on local climates. Future work should focus on developing strategies to increase green spaces and reforestation efforts to counteract rising temperatures. Additionally, further research is recommended to explore the long-term impacts of these changes on local biodiversity and ecosystem services, providing a holistic approach to urban sustainability.