Sensor-Integrated Microclimate Monitoring Drone for Respiratory and Heat-Related Health Risk Assessment

Overview

Urban microclimates, which are small variations in temperature, humidity, air quality, and carbon dioxide, have a profound effect on human health, energy consumption, and environmental sustainability, yet they are often overlooked by traditional monitoring systems. This project developed an autonomous drone system capable of collecting high-resolution environmental data across multiple neighborhoods in ten cities in the Inland Empire region. The drones measured temperature, humidity, CO₂, and air quality at multiple elevations and during critical periods of daily human activity, including morning commute, midday peak, evening commute, and nighttime. Analysis revealed substantial differences between adjacent cities, with temperature variations of up to six degrees Fahrenheit, CO₂ differences of twelve parts per million, and spikes in air pollution that coincided with periods of heavy traffic. These variations correspond to increased risks of heat stress, respiratory complications, and dehydration, risks that conventional fixed monitoring stations often fail to detect. By mapping these highly localized environmental conditions, this research provides a new approach to linking urban microclimates directly to public health outcomes. The findings offer actionable insights for urban planning, targeted interventions, and protection of communities most vulnerable to heat and poor air quality. This methodology represents a significant advancement in environmental monitoring by combining mobile sensor technology with health risk analysis, providing a scalable model for cities to visualize and respond to microclimate challenges that are invisible to traditional observation methods. The work demonstrates how precise environmental data can inform both scientific understanding and practical strategies to improve public health and urban resilience.

Competition history

• CSEF 2026 Earth & Environmental Sciences(Senior Division) · Entry S-08-08

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