City Layers

City Layers engages citizens in mapping fine-scale temperature gradients across urban areas using low-cost sensors and a dedicated mobile app. The resulting “heat maps” reveal microclimate hotspots, information that cities can’t easily gather through sparse official weather stations. 

Problem Addressed: Urban heat islands exacerbate heat-related health risks, strain energy systems (e.g., A/C demand), and worsen air pollution. Data gaps at the neighbourhood level hinder targeted adaptation measures. City Layers tries to democratise data collection to pinpoint the hottest blocks, guiding green infrastructure deployment. 

SDGs: 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), 13 (Climate Action) 

Relevance for Climate Action: Addresses climate adaptation by identifying heat-prone areas and supporting green infrastructure planning. Enhanced green coverage also sequesters carbon and improves stormwater management. 

Real-World Pilots: During Urban Observations 2024 city-walks, over 270 participants, including school pupils from KinderUni Technik and WIENXTRA Volunteer Week, shared ideas on urban spaces using tags, comments, photos, and votes. An interactive dashboard transforms these contributions into collective insights, offering real-time, personalised views through layered mapping. 

This project has participated in the Impetus Bootcamp 2024 under the name Layered City 

How It Works:  

1. Participants borrow or purchase low-cost temperature/humidity sensors. 
2. A mobile app logs GPS and sensor data during walks or bike rides. 
3. Data is aggregated into interactive urban heat island maps for planners. 

Developer: TU Wien 

Website: https://citylayers.visualculture.tuwien.ac.at/ 

Other Related Projects

• OpenSenseMap.org: is an open-source platform for collecting and sharing real-time environmental data using DIY sensors. While it’s used worldwide, the majority of data currently comes from Germany. Often described as a “Wikipedia for environmental data,” openSense promotes climate awareness, STEM education, and open data. It is maintained by the non-profit openSenseLab and remains free and ad-free for all users.