Spatial Exploration of Areas Affected by Heatwaves Using Big Data: The Impact on Urban Residents’ Activities

Abstract

With the increase in frequency and intensity of heatwaves due to continued climate change and changes in urban spaces, research is needed to reduce their negative impacts. In Korea, several studies have been conducted on the subject since the unusual occurrence of extreme weather in 2018; however, as few have focused on the effects of heatwaves on the lives and activities of urban residents, this study investigates these effects and explores their spatial aspects. Using population big data, the changes in the active population on days when heatwaves occurred were statistically verified through a paired-samples test. Additionally, regional variations in changes were analyzed using GIS and spatial cluster analysis. Despite a slight temporal variation, the statistical analysis showed that the occurrence of heatwave is associated with decreased activity among urban residents. There was a difference in the active population between regions, and cluster analysis revealed that some hot spots saw increased activity in the population despite the occurrence of heatwaves, including Mapo-gu, Songpa-gu, and Gangnam-gu on weekdays and Gwanak-gu, Gangseo-gu, and Eunpyeong-gu on weekends. Conversely, the cold spots found included Seodaemun-gu, Gangbuk-gu, Seongbuk-gu, and Jongno-gu on weekdays and Jongno-gu, Jung-gu, Seocho-gu, and Gangnam-gu on weekends. These results can serve as basic data to prepare a heatwave response policy that reflects the characteristics of the region.