Impact Assessment of Urban Development Patterns on Land Surface Temperature and Urban Heat Islands Using Remote Sensing Techniques - A Case Study of Prishtina, Kosovo

The swift expansion of urban areas worldwide has triggered significant environmental shifts, notably impacting land surface temperature (LST) and fostering the development of urban heat islands (UHIs). This study examines the impact of urban development patterns on LST and UHIs, focusing on Prishtina, Kosovo. As urbanization accelerates, the global population migrates to cities, increasing energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, and altering land cover. The purpose of this research is to utilize remote sensing techniques, including land use/land cover (LU/LC) classification, satellite data analysis in conjunction with official LST data, measured from local institutions to identify whether urbanization has an impact on LST in Prishtina and therefore UHIs. The study, conducted over the years 2000 to 2018, reveals a substantial increase in urban settlements by two-fold in Prishtina municipality, accompanied by a reduction in vegetation cover. Utilizing LU/LC maps, a detailed analysis illustrates the correlation between LST and urban parameters: a positive association between LST and built-up areas, signifying their contribution to heightened urban temperatures, and a negative correlation between green spaces and LST, indicating a cooling effect. Statistical analyses through multiple-line regression and correlation demonstrate the significant impact of urbanization on LST, emphasizing the necessity of incorporating additional urban parameters for more comprehensive precision in future assessments. The findings underscore the critical role of urban planning interventions in mitigating UHI effects, preserving green spaces, and managing urban growth for sustainable and climate-resilient cities. This research provides valuable insights into the relationship between urban development, land surface temperature, and UHIs, offering a basis for informed urban planning and environmental management strategies to address rising temperatures in rapidly urbanizing areas like Prishtina.