R3GIS is developing a new line of research to understand how cities heat up and how they can cool down. In Mantova, our first prototype combines temperature sensors, GIS analysis and AI models to monitor how heat accumulates across different neighbourhoods. By collecting continuous thermal data on the ground, we can build a precise and spatially detailed heat map, revealing where heat islands form, how they evolve during the day and which areas are most vulnerable.

This evidence becomes strategic for planners and decision-makers. The integration of sensor data with geospatial analysis makes it possible to quantify the impact of urban surfaces, vegetation and building density on local temperature. With these insights, municipalities can allocate resources where they matter most, prioritising tree planting, shading strategies and cooling interventions that directly mitigate heat-stress conditions for residents. Future developments will extend the prototype to larger areas and additional environmental variables, strengthening our contribution to climate-resilient urban planning.