The Learning Journey

Phase 1: Learning & Tools - Building foundational skills

GIS & Mapping Software: We learned to use QGIS and ArcGIS to create and analyze tree canopy maps. We explored layers for land cover, heat, and transportation routes.
Satellite & Aerial Data: We worked with NASA Landsat imagery, USDA Urban Tree Canopy datasets, and local LiDAR elevation maps to understand surface temperature and tree coverage patterns.
Data Analysis Tools: Spreadsheet software (Excel/Google Sheets) and Python scripts were used to calculate canopy percentages, compare temperature differences, and generate graphs.
Measurement Tools: We practiced using handheld infrared thermometers to measure surface heat, GPS devices for precise location tracking, and mobile mapping apps like Collector for ArcGIS.
Reference Materials: Urban forestry guides and city planning reports helped us understand desert-adapted tree species, water use, and typical city landscaping practices.

Neighborhood Walks: We walked multiple routes near the school at different times of day (morning, noon, afternoon), documenting shade presence, sidewalk heat, building orientation, and tree types.
Data Collection: We used clipboards, sketch pads, cameras, and mobile devices to record field observations. They noted pavement material, length of unshaded stretches, and where pedestrians congregated.
Heat Measurement: Handheld infrared thermometers and temperature sensors were used to measure surface temperatures in shaded vs. unshaded areas. Data was logged for later comparison with satellite datasets.
Community Engagement: We interviewed local residents and bus riders, using prepared survey questions and audio recorders to capture personal experiences with heat exposure and walking patterns.

Data Cleaning & Comparison: We merged field-collected temperature data with GIS layers, satellite imagery, and city tree inventories. Discrepancies between datasets highlighted the limits of remote sensing in urban deserts.
Visualization & Prototyping: We experimented with heat overlay maps, “walkability” corridors, and public-facing infographics using Canva and GIS export tools. Iterative prototypes helped refine clarity and readability for different audiences.
Prioritization Exercises: Using weighted criteria (shade density, foot traffic, feasibility, and water requirements), students identified high-priority planting zones and made preliminary recommendations for desert-appropriate trees.
Collaboration & Review: We presented their findings to educators, peers, and the municipal urban forester for feedback, revising maps and recommendations based on both technical input and lived experiences shared by community members.

Experiments and Prototype

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