Exploring Sustainable Cities with Earth Observation Data
Urban planners face new challenges with climate change, seeking ways to maintain human and environmental well-being. By analyzing Earth observation data from multiple sources, it's possible to create smart urban growth strategies that balance society and nature.
Enter Interactive MapUrban Insight
A detailed environmental report about cities, focused on solving specific problems in urban locations. Ideal for environmentalists, researchers, or anyone curious about the environmental conditions of a region.
- Environmental indicator charts: temperature, humidity, air quality, wind speed, UV index, atmospheric pressure, cloud coverage and precipitation
- Insights that help understand environmental impact in urban daily life
- Explanations about the benefits of each proposed solution
- Personalized answers to local questions, such as "What types of plants can I have on my house balcony?"
GreenBuild Report
A bulletin aimed at architects and engineers, enabling constructions to achieve higher levels of sustainability certification. Ideal for professionals who want to optimize projects targeting environmental certifications, such as LEED.
- Strategies to increase sustainability of residential, commercial and urban projects
- Assessment of the building's energy performance and environmental comfort
- Practical recommendations to reduce energy and resource consumption
- Useful information to obtain LEED certification for your project
Policy Bulletin
A bulletin focused on managers, politicians and planners who want to implement sustainable measures in projects with limited budgets. Offers analysis and practical recommendations for strategic environmental decisions.
- Identification of viable sustainable solutions within budgetary constraints
- Recommended policies for efficient environmental management
- Indicators and metrics for environmental impact monitoring
- Development of a project framework to support its execution and implementation
About the project
Project Summary
Our project is a versatile data platform designed to transform complex environmental and urban data into actionable insights for decision-makers. The system generates customized, interactive technical bulletins that address critical challenges in urban development. Its capabilities range from conducting detailed geotechnical risk assessments to enhance the safety and resilience of infrastructure, to creating comprehensive sustainability plans that guide construction projects toward certifications like LEED. By translating raw data into clear, evidence-based recommendations, the platform empowers engineers, planners, and city officials to build safer, more resilient, and truly sustainable communities.
Example
Urban Insight Bulletin — Rio de Janeiro, RJ
A preview of a bulletin generated automatically by the platform, turning environmental data into charts and clear recommendations.
- Expand tree canopy in the hottest districts to reduce the urban heat-island effect.
- Prioritize outdoor activities in the morning, when the UV index is lower.
- Improve drainage in low-lying areas ahead of high-humidity days.
The challenge
The Problem
Rapid and unplanned urban expansion is a primary driver of global environmental challenges. Cities consume over two-thirds of the world's energy and are responsible for more than 70% of global CO2 emissions, significantly contributing to climate change and resource depletion. These global pressures manifest as severe local problems that directly impact human quality of life.
The platform
Our Solution
The project developed the Resilient Cities Data Platform (RCDP), an interactive platform based on NASA and government data, aimed at sustainable urban planning. The platform integrates:
Vulnerability Maps
Identifying communities at risk using socio-environmental indices.
Green Space Prioritization Tool
Recommending locations for new parks or tree planting based on temperature and vegetation coverage.
Community Input Layer
Allowing residents to contribute geotagged information about infrastructure and local risks, promoting civic engagement.
Impact
UN SDGs Impact
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
This is the project's central objective. The platform is a tool designed to promote safer, more resilient, and sustainable urban planning.
SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
The platform is a technological innovation that directly aims to build more resilient and sustainable infrastructure.
Press & events
City Science in the Media
Coverage and appearances of our project in the press and at events.
City Science at COP-30
One of our team members was interviewed on the news about the project's participation in COP-30, showing how the platform turns environmental data into insights for sustainable urban planning.
Watch on YouTubeIn the press
- O Liberal Pará student, 15, to present NASA-awarded project at COP-30 in Belém
- Um Só Planeta João do Clima: meet the 15-year-old taking on the climate crisis on the Amazon island of Caratateua
- Nidde Digital 15-year-old student from Colégio 7 de Setembro to bring NASA-awarded project to COP30
- Guarany Junior Colégio 7 de Setembro student represents Ceará at COP30 with NASA-awarded project
Go deeper
Nerd Zone
Mathematical Foundations and Implemented Algorithms, A detailed analysis of the technologies and methodologies behind the environmental analysis system
Nerd Zone