The Urban Oven Index is a simple public ranking of the hottest properties in a city or neighborhood based on thermal imagery and temperature data. By identifying the top 10 hottest land parcels, parking lots, schools, campuses, or commercial sites, the project turns urban heat into a visible and engaging story that communities can easily understand.

The project uses disclosure and visualization to reveal which places are contributing most to the urban heat island effect and which sites are staying cool. The resulting rankings can be shared through media, social campaigns, community reports, and public dashboards to spark conversation about trees, shade, cool surfaces, and climate resilience.

Part research tool and part public awareness campaign, the Urban Oven Index helps cities, organizations, and residents better understand local heat patterns while creating opportunities for education, engagement, and action.

‍