# Assessing Spatiotemporal LST Variations in Urban Landscapes Using Diurnal UAV Thermography
## 5 Discussion
To address these limitations, we implement several targeted mitigation strategies during our workflow: (1) the optimization of flight parameters with increased image overlap (90% compared to the standard 60-70% for RGB imagery) to enhance point cloud density; (2) the application of specialized feature detection algorithms calibrated for thermal contrast rather than visual texture; and (3) temporal consistency controls ensuring minimal temperature variation during each flight mission (limited to \(<\)45 min). Several methodological aspects of the study warrant consideration. The SfM photogrammetry approach for thermal orthomosaic generation introduces additional complexity, as thermal infrared wavelength characteristics differ fundamentally from visible spectrum imagery for which most SfM algorithms are optimized. The temporal scope of this study--limited to a single day in January within a semiarid climate--constrains generalizability to different seasons or climatic regimes. This limitation is particularly significant when considering that surface thermal properties can vary substantially with seasonal environmental conditions. For instance, vegetated surfaces demonstrate markedly different thermal signatures during growing seasons due to changes in leaf area index and evapotranspiration rates. Similarly, the thermal behavior of impervious surfaces may differ under summer conditions with increased solar radiation and higher ambient temperatures. Furthermore, seasonal variations in soil moisture content likely influence the thermal response of bare soil areas. While our January measurements effectively capture winter thermal dynamics and provide valuable insights into surface material properties with minimal vegetation influence, they represent only one temporal snapshot in the annual climatic cycle. Additionally, a detailed local assessment focusing on class-based spatial autocorrelation patterns may yield deeper insights into the spatial heterogeneity of thermal behaviors across specific LULC types. The empirical quantification of LULC-specific thermal signatures offers valuable guidance for urban climate adaptation strategies. The observed prolonged heat retention in impervious surfaces substantiates the efficacy of several interventions: deployment of high-albedo materials, implementation of permeable pavements, and strategic integration of green infrastructure. The temporal persistence of elevated temperatures in paved surfaces into evening and midnight periods highlights the importance of considering nocturnal thermal comfort in urban design--particularly critical given climate change projections that indicates disproportionate increases in nighttime temperature minima. The proven cooling effect of water bodies underscores the importance of incorporating water-based elements into urban planning, with GWR models facilitating data-driven optimization of hydrological features. The considerable spatial variability in thermal patterns indicates that urban cooling strategies should be tailored to specific locations rather than applied uniformly.