Schoolyard Shade

Do children have enough shade in schoolyards during heatwaves?

This GeoStory explores the distribution of shade across 140 schoolyards in Dortmund using 3D data on trees and buildings. Interactive maps and graphics illustrate modelled shading conditions at 12:00 and 13:00 on a selected summer reference date, showing how shade availability varies between schoolyards and which outdoor areas are exposed to direct sunlight at these times.

The results provide school communities and municipal planners with an initial overview of shading conditions. They can help identify schoolyards for further on-site assessment and support discussions about potential heat stress and adaptation measures, such as providing additional shade, scheduling outdoor activities during cooler times of day, and ensuring access to drinking water.

The analysis represents modelled shading conditions rather than direct measurements of temperature or thermal comfort.