At the 2024 Paris Olympics, marathoners battled extreme heat while fans enjoyed the festivities. However, event planners faced significant challenges due to high temperatures. To enhance urban comfort, Hua Wei and his team at Arizona State University are leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to provide actionable shade information.
Their two projects, Shaded Route Planning and DeepShade, aim to improve pedestrian and cyclist experiences during heat waves. Shaded Route Planning identifies cooler walking or biking routes by analyzing satellite images to reveal shade patterns from buildings and trees. It offers users options balancing speed and shade, tested successfully at the Olympics.
Meanwhile, DeepShade predicts how shade shifts over time, helping city planners design cooler public spaces by simulating shade dynamics. Both projects exemplify AI’s potential in fostering healthier, resilient urban environments. As extreme heat impacts become critical, these innovations highlight the importance of integrating technology for social good, enhancing public health and comfort.
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