Eugene

It is a common belief that higher elevations are naturally cooler. In pristine landscapes, this rule holds firm. But what about urban environments? Humanity moves vast amounts of matter and energy, sometimes fundamentally altering the thermodynamic parameters of our habitat. 🛰️ I correlated summer Land Surface Temperature (LST) data across Calgary’s neighborhoods with the Canadian Medium-Resolution Digital Elevation Model (MRDEM). The chart below illustrates the relationship between "Average Elevation" and "Average Surface Temperature" specifically for established residential communities. As observed, this relationship is notably weak, even though a slight cooling trend persists. Based on my data analysis, elevation above sea level is not a key factor in cooling the city. #Calgary #OpenData #UrbanHeat #DataScience #ClimateAction #YYC #GreennesOfCalgary #ClimateEquity #EnvironmentalEquity #CityPlanning #RemoteSensing #RStats #Landsat #fossgis #DigitalElevationModel

💻 I took several completely independent datasets and "pitted" them against each other. One of the results is shown in this chart: the more "concrete" (roads, buildings, parking lots) my machine learning model identified in a community, the higher the surface temperature recorded by the thermal sensor.

🔥 The result: Data from different sources confirm one another. The difference in surface temperature between "green" and "concrete" residential areas averages 8–10°C throughout the summer. On certain days, this gap is likely even wider.

📉 This chart shows only established residential communities. If industrial zones were included, the trend would be even more dramatic. While modeling errors certainly exist, the overall physical pattern is undeniable.

#Calgary #OpenData #UrbanHeat #LULC #DataScience #ClimateAction #YYC #GreennesOfCalgary #ClimateEquity #EnvironmentalEquity #CityPlanning #MachineLearning #RemoteSensing #RStats #Sentinel1 #Sentinel2 #Landsat #fossgis

🛰️ This is an RGB composite of derived metrics from Calgary satellite imagery at a 10x10m resolution. Extracting these additional urban environmental indicators significantly enhances the quality of data analysis and, consequently, the decisions based on it. Currently, one version of my Tree Canopy model has achieved 96.8% accuracy, a testament to the high precision of the methodology.

💻 I am now retraining the machine learning model to move beyond analyzing Calgary in large blocks and focus on every individual yard. This will allow us to account for not only large forest patches but also, where possible, every mature tree in the city — including those behind your fence or right under your window. These residential trees are what provide the shade, comfort, and fresh air we all enjoy. My goal is to ensure the final assessment reflects the contribution of every single tree to our environmental quality.

#Calgary #yyc #TreeCanopy #GIS #DataScience #GreennesOfCalgary #UrbanEcology

🌳 I am finalizing a tool that allows for a rapid and accurate assessment of the green infrastructure in any Calgary community. This isn't just "green color" on a map—my algorithm recognizes the differences in the quality and structure of the urban environment.

What we can quantify right now:
🔹 Lawn (Grasses, low shrubs): Open spaces that tend to dry out and heat up quickly during summer.
🔹 Park (Sparse Canopy): Scattered groups of trees in parks and private yards.
🔹 Forest (Dense Canopy): The "lungs" of a neighborhood, characterized by closed canopies and thick undergrowth. These areas provide vital protection against urban heat.

❗ Why does this matter?
Using Inglewood as an example (see the chart), we can see that "dense forest" covers only about 5% of the area. This is a critical indicator of the territory's climate resilience.

#Calgary #UrbanForestry #CityPlanning #DataScience #Inglewood #CalgaryEnvironment #GIS #RemoteSensing #MachineLearning #Inglewood #Rstats #GreennesOfCalgary #YYC #yycPlanning

🏡 Here is the data analysis for Calgary, Summer 2025. This chart shows the relationship between vegetation density (NDVI) and Land Surface Temperature (LST).

🔥 The data reveals a critical "tipping point": vegetation only starts effectively cooling the environment once it reaches a specific density threshold. Below this threshold (the left side of the curve), green spaces stay just as hot as the surrounding concrete.
Sparse or isolated trees don't act as air conditioners—they "burn" in the urban furnace right along with us.

❗ What does this mean for Calgary? Simply planting a few scattered trees isn't enough. To actually move the needle on temperature, we need dense, healthy green belts. Otherwise, it’s just a waste of water and resources.

🔗 Link to the research: https://www.datastory.org.ua/calgarys-summer-heat-a-2025-satellite-perspective/

#Calgary #UrbanHeatIsland #NDVI #ClimateChange #UrbanPlanning #DataScience #Environment #YYC #BigData #ScienceMatters #GreennessOfCalgary #ClimateOfCalgary #rstats #RemoteSensing #OpenScience

🌪️ How variable is Calgary's weather from year to year?

💻 This chart shows a meteorological data analysis for the last 20+ years (with some data gaps). As you can see, despite distinct patterns, there is still significant inter-annual variability.

#rstats #ClimateOfCalgary

How hot was Calgary's neighborhood in 2025? 🛰️🌡️

I processed satellite data from last summer to see how Calgary’s communities handle the heat. It turns out that not all greenery is equal. My research shows a clear "breakpoint" where the density of vegetation actually starts to drop the surface temperature.

I’ve mapped the "Hottest" and "Coolest" communities — see where yours stands and why some "green" areas are still overheating.

Full article and maps here:
https://www.datastory.org.ua/calgarys-summer-heat-a-2025-satellite-perspective/

#RemoteSensing #Rstats #GreennesOfCalgary #ClimateOfCalgary #OpenData #FOSSGIS #ClimateResilence #Landsat #Sentinel2 #Calgary #Alberta #Canada #YYC #LST #NDVI

To distinguish between "normal" and anomalous surface temperatures in Calgary in 2025, I applied Tukey’s method. The statistical distribution shows a negative skewness (coefficient ≈−0.59). This highlights a critical phenomenon: the vast majority of the urban area is densely clustered in the warmer temperature range. In contrast, cool refuges (the rivers, reservoir, and dense parks) are statistically scarce, forming a long "tail" on the left side of the plot. In essence, Calgary’s baseline is shifted toward higher temperatures, making Urban Cool Islands a rare and vital resource. I would like to remind my readers and followers that I am currently preparing a comprehensive article based on these research results. In it, I will explore the ecological and geochemical implications of this thermal distribution. Stay tuned for further updates! #YYC #Calgary #ClimateResilience #UrbanHeatIsland #DataAnalytics #RemoteSensing #Landsat #OpenData #CitizenScience #LST #ClimateOfCalgary #Landsat #Rstats

❗ Why "Copy-Paste" Fails in Science: Calibrating the Model for Calgary

🛰️ I’ve recently updated the land cover data for Calgary using my Proprietary MDEM Framework (Multi-dimensional Environmental Matrix).
Here’s an interesting technical challenge: the methodology that worked flawlessly on data from Kryvyi Rih, Ukraine, required significant recalibration for Alberta. Spectral signatures of Canadian spruce and local soil compositions are worlds apart from Eastern European environments.

💻 I am currently refining the local training set to ensure precise differentiation between vegetation types. This level of accuracy is vital for effective urban monitoring and improving the quality of life in our communities.

🌲 The preliminary classification results already offer a fresh, data-driven perspective on the city’s structure. The work continues!

#DataScience #Geospatial #CalgaryClimate #EnvironmentalAudit #APEGA #RemoteSensing #Calgary #GreennesOfCalgary #YYC

Giving back to Calgary: an article was published today about my satellite research of the city! It is important to me to use my knowledge as a geoscientist and environmental data scientist to help make our new home better and greener. Thanks to LiveWire Calgary for the interest in this topic! https://livewirecalgary.com/2026/03/17/new-satellite-study-shows-calgarys-uneven-urban-greenery/ #DataScience #EnvironmentalScience #RemoteSensing #Calgary #PublicEngagement #GIS #Sustainability #RStats #MDEM #yycPlanning #UrbanPlanning #ClimateResilience #NatureBasedSolutions #UrbanEcology #GreenInfrastructure #SmartCities #CalgaryUrbanism #GreennessOfCalgary

One more quick byproduct of my MDEM development: a bivariate map integrating volumetric structural data (SAR) with surface temperature (LST). This approach identifies the exceptionally intensive dissipative role of volumetric vegetation structure (trees and tall shrubs). By accounting for these high-performance cooling elements, we can better understand how they supplement traditional landscaping to enhance the city's overall thermal resilience.

#UrbanHeatIsland #EnvironmentalScience #DataScience #Calgary #YYC #Sustainability #RemoteSensing #GIS #MDEM #GreennessOfCalgary #CalgaryMDEM #RStats #UrbanPlanning #EarthObservation #OpenScience #SpatialDataScience #SpatialData

🛰️ 242 Million Pixels: Calgary’s Urban Heat Pulse

To model Calgary’s #UHI with precision, I processed 242,376,352 pixels from Sentinel-2 & Landsat 8/9 (Summer 2025).

Using multi-temporal composites in #RStats on #Debian, I’ve revealed the persistent link between greenery & heat. Data shows that NDVI > 0.35 triggers a sharp drop in surface temp.

This is a foundational layer for my Multi-Dimensional Environmental Matrix (#MDEM) framework for #UrbanHealth.

#Calgary #GIS #RemoteSensing #Sustainability #yyc #ClimateResilience #GreennessOfCalgary

Just a byproduct of my current research... 😉
Investigating the environmental patterns of Calgary. Sometimes the most telling insights emerge while working on something even bigger.

UPD: The total raw dataset consists of 242,376,352 individual pixels!

#UrbanHeatIsland #EnvironmentalScience #DataScience #Calgary #Sustainability #RemoteSensing #GIS #MDEM #GreennessOfCalgary #CalgaryMDEM #RStats

🔥 Mapping the Urban Thermal Environment: Summer 2025 Land Surface Temperature (LST) in Calgary

I am sharing the latest results of my spatial data analysis, focusing on the intra-urban thermal zones across Calgary, AB. The attached choropleth map and bar chart detail the average Land Surface Temperature. While the map shows whole city area, the bar chart made specifically for built-up residential communities. To ensure accurate and fair comparison, undeveloped greenfield areas and strictly industrial zones were filtered out.

❗ Based on the Summer 2025 satellite composite data:
🔴 The highest average LST values among residential areas were recorded in Rundle, Manchester, Marlborough, Martindale, and Castleridge.
🔵 The lowest average LST values were observed in Rideau Park, Roxboro, Discovery Ridge, Eau Claire, and Osprey Hill.

Find more interesting posts with hashtag #GreennessOfCalgary

#RStats #GISChat #QGIS #SpatialAnalysis #RemoteSensing #EarthObservation #UrbanEcology #OpenScience #YYC #Alberta #Canada

Saturday Data Dive: Mapping Calgary’s Thermal Fingerprint 🛰️📊

Spent some quality time with GEE, R and Landsat-8/9 data today.

I’ve just finished processing a Median Land Surface Temperature (LST) model for Calgary, covering the entire Summer of 2025. This isn't just a single-day snapshot—it’s a robust composite of many satellite scenes, filtered to show the true intra-urban thermal zones.

Quick Takeaways:
🔹 Surface temperature in some busines area and "heat traps" peaked at over 51.3°C.
🔹 The contrast between our "Cool Islands" and "Extreme Heat Zones" is striking.
🔹 This automated workflow in R allows for a granular look at urban climate resilience that standard reports often miss.

I’m currently finalizing a full breakdown and a community-by-community analysis.
Stay tuned—the detailed article is coming soon!

#Calgary #DataScience #UrbanHeatIsland #RemoteSensing #ClimateResilience #Landsat #RStats #GIS #Sustainability #GEE #EnvironmentalData #Summer2025 #YYC #GreennessOfCalgary #Alberta #Canada

Calgary experienced a very wet and rainy summer in 2025. Naturally, the city’s vegetation responded vigorously to the high moisture levels, showing lush growth compared to the scorching summer of 2024. 🌿
Among residential areas, tiny Roxboro showed the most significant "greening"! Meanwhile, the lowest "recovery" rates were observed in the city's newest communities.

Read more about my research and explore the full data here:
https://www.datastory.org.ua/how-much-greener-is-calgary-in-2025/

#Calgary #NDVI #RemoteSensing #DataScience #Climate #YYC #OpenData #RStats #GreennessOfCalgary

How did Calgary respond to the wet summer of 2025?
Here’s the median summer NDVI map derived from Sentinel-2 imagery.
You can clearly see the Bow River corridor, Nose Hill Park, and the contrast between established tree-rich communities and newer developments.

Full analysis here:
https://www.datastory.org.ua/how-much-greener-is-calgary-in-2025/

#Geospatial #NDVI #UrbanClimate #Calgary #RStats #GreennessOfCalgary #yyc #Apberta #QGIS #foss4g #EnvironmentalMonitoring #UrbanHealth

New analysis published:
“How Much Greener Is Calgary in 2025?”

Using Sentinel-2 data (~8.5M pixels), I calculated NDVI change (ΔNDVI) between the 2024 drought and the rainy 2025 season across all Calgary communities.

Clear spatial pattern:
• Strong rebound in mature tree neighborhoods
• Limited change in developing, impervious-heavy zones

Method: R (terra, tidyverse) + QGIS
Community boundaries: Open Calgary

Article + interactive table: https://www.datastory.org.ua/how-much-greener-is-calgary-in-2025/

#RemoteSensing #NDVI #OpenData #UrbanEcology #RStats #QGIS #GreennessOfCalgary

A slightly tongue-in-cheek AI animation of a conceptual model showing leakage of highly mineralized mine waters into a carbonate aquifer:
https://youtu.be/WDIze8QNMYs

Yes - it’s simplified. Yes - real systems are messier.
But sometimes a "clean" visual helps to communicate density-driven flow and reactive processes more intuitively than 20 pages of equations.

The animation idea emerged while working on my monograph. Draft versions are available here:
https://zenodo.org/records/16741148

Engineering humor is allowed - even in hydrogeochemistry 😁

#Hydrogeochemistry #Groundwater #MineWater #ReactiveTransport #CarbonateAquifer #PHREEQC #AIinScience #Geoscience #SvystunovaGully

Processed and stacked image from Sentinel-2 satellite.

#Sentinel2 #GrennessOfCalgary #RemoteSensing #Calgary #Alberta #Canada

How reliable are dilution estimates in contaminated aquifers?

In my current monograph, I validated the dilution coefficient using two fully independent approaches:
- chloride concentrations as a conservative tracer
- solution density calculated in PHREEQC (Laliberté–Cooper model)

I then performed a robust statistical comparison of both dilution estimates (n ≈ 2000).
The result: no statistically significant difference between the two methods (Mann–Whitney test), with very close median values and negligible effect size.

❗What does this mean in practice?
It confirms that density-based calculations — often ignored in groundwater contamination studies — provide robust, independent validation of classical tracer-based approaches.
This is especially important for highly mineralized mine waters, where density-driven processes (e.g. buoyancy effects, Rayleigh–Taylor instability) can critically affect plume behavior.

#Groundwater #Geochemistry #PHREEQC #MineWater #Hydrogeology #RStats #SvystunovaGully

Thousands of studies describe Rayleigh–Taylor instability, and most hydrogeological models acknowledge its importance in contaminant transport.

However, in studies of the Svystunova gully mine-water storage pond, I have not seen density explicitly accounted for — despite highly mineralized waters where this factor can fundamentally change plume behaviour.
By calculating solution density within the contamination halo, I demonstrated a real risk of gravity-driven sinking of the contamination plume to the base of the aquifer. This finding adds a critical dimension to impact assessment and is now documented as a standalone section in my ongoing report.

If you work with mine water, aquifers contamination, or long-term contamination modelling, this is a parameter worth revisiting.

#Hydrogeochemistry #Groundwater #MineWater #PHREEQC #RStats #QGIS #EnvironmentalRisk #Contamination #RiskAnalysis #SvystunovaGully