Digital Assets and Tools
Explore our collection of datasets and toolkits designed to enhance urban analysis and decision-making.
Datasets
Height of Trees and Buildings for Chicago
We explicitly mapped the height of trees and buildings (HiTAB) across the city of Chicago at 1 m spatial resolution using a data fusion approach. This approach integrates high-precision light detection and ranging (LiDAR) cloud point data, building footprint inventory, and multi-band satellite images. Given their high spatial resolution, the height maps can be adopted in physical-based and data-driven urban models to achieve higher resolution and accuracy while lowering uncertainties.
Local climate zone (LCZ) mapping for Chicago
With the help of WUDAPT portal, we explicitly mapped the local climate zones (LCZs) for Chicago region for the year 2024. The training samples were generated using google earth and expert opinions. These training samples are further provided to WUDAPT portal database and satellite image used is for the year August 2024.
Toolkits
Urban Scalable Toolkit for Infrastructure Resilient Regions
A web-based visualization toolkit that allows accessing and analyzing data from Earth science and high-resolution climate model outputs to spread information and support decision-making regarding air quality and heat in the Chicago metropolitan area. Also, users can explore complementary environmental and social datasets to co-identify extreme heat and air quality threats and improve urban decision-making.
Fuel Planner for the State of Illinois
As the Federal Highway Administration strategizes where to place fueling stations amid rising sea levels and intensifying rainfall, we are developing an interactive tool to shape the future of sustainable infrastructure. Our dashboard empowers stakeholders to pinpoint potential fueling station locations and assess flooding impacts, helping drive smarter, safer decisions for a resilient infrastructure.