COOL – Urban Heat Sensor Network

Designed to address the Urban Heat Island effect in densely populated cities, this project involved students in deploying a network of low-cost heat sensors across public spaces, rooftops, and green areas. Each sensor recorded localized temperature data over time, allowing students to build a comprehensive heatmap of their neighborhoods. Students applied GIS and Python-based analytics to process and visualize trends, enabling them to identify temperature disparities and propose targeted interventions like tree planting and reflective surfaces.

Teams partnered with local urban planners and sustainability organizations to present their findings and offer practical, data-backed recommendations for urban cooling strategies. The project gave students deep exposure to climate science, spatial computing, community advocacy, and interdisciplinary collaboration across environmental, civic, and technological domains.