Quantitative detection of urban climate resources and the establishment of an urban climate map (UCMap) system in Beijing

Modern urbanization has influenced urban climates and environments; however, incorporating urban climate information into urban planning and urban construction is limited in developing countries. This study uses Beijing as a case study to 1) assess the integrated impact of the natural environment and typical urban morphological features on the thermal load and ventilation potentials in urban areas and identify urban climatic problems via an urban climatic analysis map (UC-AnMap) of Beijing, 2) propose a numerical-simulation-based method for detecting fresh-air ventilation paths quantitatively by taking into account both dynamic and thermodynamic aspects, 3) analyze mountain-valley breezes using hourly automatic weather station observations in Beijing and propose a measure that utilizes the synergy between the urban-induced heat island circulation and green-wedge planning to deliver cool/fresh air from suburbs to downtown, and 4) synthesize the findings to develop an urban climate map (UCMap) system for Beijing and to propose a series of available mitigation measures and climatic spatial planning guidelines for improving the urban climatic conditions. Building a platform for multidisciplinary cooperation among policy makers, urban planners/designers, and urban climate/environment scientists is crucial for creating healthier, sustainable, and comfortable living conditions in China. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.