135 Oklahoma City Addresses Extreme Heat Using Dynamic GIS-Powered Tools Mitigating Risk and Increasing Resilience The Oklahoma City Office of Sustainability’s first deep dive into digital mapping showed just how important spatial awareness can be—especially when it comes to extreme summer heat. For context, this state capital is similar in size to New York City at 621 square miles. But its population of about 750,000 is more spread out than the roughly eight million people clustering in the Big Apple. The sustainability team, which sits within the city’s planning department, gained crucial insights when they mapped summer temperatures and air quality data across over half of the city. They learned that having fewer people, buildings, and paved surfaces hasn’t shielded the Big Friendly from big-city concerns. The team posted the temperatures onto interactive maps using GIS technology. These maps now serve as a vital tool for local agencies and the public, highlighting health risks and guiding services to vulnerable households. A few things became clear through the project: First, the maps revealed neighborhoods where temperatures are hottest, and air quality is poorer. Deaths and heat-related illnesses rise during heat waves, and most are preventable. The work to identify hot spots uncovered places to focus intervention. Second, mapping air quality sensor locations revealed critical gaps in the city’s monitoring coverage. The city could face costly penalties if it exceeds federal air quality standards.
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