News
Urban climate intelligence for decision-making
- August 7, 2026
- Meteorology and Climatology
The Meteorology and Climatology Area of the CEAM has developed a tool that integrates climate data, thermal indicators and territorial information to support adaptation to extreme heat.
The Meteorology and Climatology Area of the CEAM Foundation has developed VITUCLIM, a scientific and technical urban climate intelligence tool designed to facilitate the consultation, visualisation and interpretation of information related to heat in València, its metropolitan area and the municipality of Alzira.
The platform transforms data generated by CEAM’s temperature and humidity sensor network into accessible and useful information for citizens, the educational community, technical professionals and public administrations. It aims to improve knowledge of the urban heat island, thermal variability within cities and population exposure during periods of high temperatures.
VITUCLIM provides access to information through interactive maps showing how temperature and humidity vary across different neighbourhoods and urban, peri-urban and reference environments. The platform makes it possible to compare densely built-up areas, residential zones, green spaces and open environments, helping to identify locations where heat may be more intense or persistent.
In addition to temperature and humidity data, the tool includes indicators related to thermal discomfort, the number of hot days and tropical nights. These variables allow for a more detailed analysis of local thermal conditions and help demonstrate that urban heat does not affect all parts of a city equally.
VITUCLIM integrates different layers of climate and territorial information that go beyond the representation of temperature alone. The platform facilitates the identification of useful locations, facilities and resources during periods of extreme heat, including climate shelters or climate-safe spaces, where people can seek protection from high temperatures, rest and access drinking water.
The combination of thermal data, climate indicators and territorial information makes it possible to understand not only where heat is concentrated, but also which protective resources are available, where they are located and which areas may require additional adaptation measures.
This information can help identify priority areas, improve the distribution of climate shelters, plan green infrastructure, strengthen the protection of vulnerable populations and support medium- and long-term public decision-making.
Among VITUCLIM’s new functionalities are its thermal comfort routes, currently being tested in the València metropolitan area and in Alzira.
This tool is conceived as a navigation system that will allow users to travel from one point to another while prioritising routes with better thermal conditions and, in particular, greater availability of shade.
The routes are initially designed to facilitate access to climate shelters, although they may also be used to reach other destinations. The tool will incorporate information on drinking fountains, benches and resting points along the route, as well as options adapted for people with reduced mobility.
In this way, VITUCLIM will make it possible not only to locate the nearest climate shelter, but also to identify a route that reduces heat exposure as much as possible during the journey.
The platform also incorporates a heat perception survey designed to understand how citizens experience thermal conditions in different places and situations. This information complements instrumental measurements with the experience of the population and integrates the social dimension into the analysis of urban heat risk.
VITUCLIM’s data and functionalities can be consulted directly through its web platform. The tool is also available as a mobile application for Android devices and is expected to become available for iOS in the near future, making the information accessible from anywhere.
At present, the network data are updated monthly. Future phases will progressively incorporate selected points with real-time data, improving the monitoring of intra-urban thermal variability during extreme temperature events.
VITUCLIM represents a step forward from urban heat observation to applied climate intelligence. The platform does not merely display data; it combines climate information, thermal indicators, citizen perception, urban resources and navigation tools to support urban planning, public health, environmental education and adaptation to extreme heat.
By transforming local climate data into understandable and actionable information, VITUCLIM contributes to improving urban preparedness, guiding public decisions and advancing towards more liveable, healthy and resilient urban environments.
Access the platform:
https://www.vituclim.org/home
Download the VITUCLIM mobile application for Android. An iOS version will be available soon.
You can also follow the VITUCLIM LinkedIn page for updates, results and information on new functionalities.
