Summers are getting hotter and dealing with increasing periods of heat is a major challenge for cities. One solution is urban greenery, which has a variety of effects and, in particular, provides cooling. The CATCH4D project team has now developed a three-dimensional map for the city of Dortmund that allows users to find cool places by visualising the shadows cast in the city centre.
The shadow map, a 3D simulation of buildings, trees and the shadows they cast, can be used to identify areas with few trees and poor shading and to suggest measures for improving urban greenery. In addition to the daily simulation of the shade cast, the digital map contains useful information on other refreshing locations such as drinking fountains or outdoor swimming pools and places for groups particularly affected by heat stress, such as children and the elderly. A virtual tree-planting tool also allows users to try out for themselves how urban greenery can improve the quality of public spaces.
