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Using satellite surface temperature data to monitor urban heat island

Meister et al. | Feb 13, 2026

Using satellite surface temperature data to monitor urban heat island
Image credit: Meister, Horvath, and Brown de Colstoun

This manuscript investigates the urban heat island (UHI) effect by utilizing two satellite datasets: Landsat (high spatial resolution, lower temporal resolution) and MODIS (lower spatial resolution, high temporal resolution). The authors hypothesized that Landsat would provide better spatial detail, while MODIS would better capture temporal variations. Their analysis in the Washington D.C.–Baltimore region supports these hypotheses, demonstrating that Landsat offers finer spatial details, whereas MODIS provides more consistent seasonal patterns and better detects heatwave frequencies.

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Evaluating machine learning algorithms to classify forest tree species through satellite imagery

Gupta et al. | Mar 18, 2023

Evaluating machine learning algorithms to classify forest tree species through satellite imagery
Image credit: Sergei A

Here, seeking to identify an optimal method to classify tree species through remote sensing, the authors used a few machine learning algorithms to classify forest tree species through multispectral satellite imagery. They found the Random Forest algorithm to most accurately classify tree species, with the potential to improve model training and inference based on the inclusion of other tree properties.

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Interaction of light with water under clear and algal bloom conditions

Ramesh et al. | Feb 01, 2024

Interaction of light with water under clear and algal bloom conditions
Image credit: Liz Harrell

Here, recognizing the potential harmful effects of algal blooms, the authors used satellite images to detect algal blooms in water bodies in Wyoming based on their reflectance of near infrared light. They found that remote monitoring in this way may provide a useful tool in providing early warning and advisories to people who may live in close proximity.

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