A method to assess the variation of urban canyon geometry from sky view factor transects

Abstract It is now possible to generate large quantities of sky view factor (SVF) values due to advances in digital techniques for calculating SVF from hemispherical images. Coupling image acquisition with Global Positioning System (GPS) data now enables transects to be accurately placed, enabling site-specific SVF analysis in relation to street geometry. This paper examines SVF transects through four land cover classes. The findings indicate that although SVF averages are distinctly different in each of the land cover types, an average SVF value for a particular land use type is not a sufficient estimate at street resolution.

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