UrbanHeatSense.IoT is establishing London's first city-wide LoRaWAN microclimate network and crowdsourcing platform for real-time, hyperlocal air temperature and humidity data collection. It is designed to address the critical challenge of data scarcity in urban climate research, stemming from the lack of accurate, high-resolution air temperature data over long time periods. We warmly invite residents across London to take part in our project!
What We Offer:
We are currently offering 10 sensor boards free of charge, with allocation on a first-come, first-served basis. If you miss this round, more sensors may become available in the future, so we encourage you to register your interest as soon as possible.
Eligibility for Outdoor Sensor Deployment:
To ensure your sensor can send data effectively, you will need to be in an area with LoRaWAN network coverage. If you are unsure about coverage in your area, you can check the The Things Network coverage map here.
We welcome citizen scientists who have an outdoor space such as a secure pole, sturdy tree branch, or fence where the sensor can be mounted securely using cable ties at a height of 2–3 metres for optimal data collection. We suggest installing the sensor with a north-facing exposure, though this is not a strict requirement.
Please note: Residents in high-rise flats are not eligible to participate in this specific outdoor deployment due to sensor mounting requirements.
Beyond UHI Monitoring in London:
Are you interested in using our sensors for indoor temperature monitoring or other research purposes (even outside UK?) Do you need climate data, LoRaWAN link data, or hardware sensors for your own projects? Perhaps you're looking to set up a microclimate network in your city using our project as a blueprint?
We can provide data, hardware, and service to help establish a microclimate network in your city. If so, please email us to discuss the details:
To participate, please provide the following information:
Completed consent form
Your postcode and email address
A photo of your proposed deployment location
Consent Form
Please review and complete the consent form below to participate in the Urban Heat Sense project.
Once your registration is confirmed, we will send the sensor and detailed setup instructions by post.
Rest assured, any personal data you share will be used exclusively for this project and will not be shared with third parties.
How to Set Up and Deploy Your Urban Heat Sense Sensor
Parts Included:
Sensor device
Stevenson screen (enclosure)
Antenna
Cable ties
Battery
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Insert the Battery: Open the sensor casing and insert the provided battery. Ensure it is securely in place.
Attach the Antenna: Peel off the adhesive backing and attach the antenna to the side of the sensor box.
Assemble the Stevenson Screen: Place the sensor inside the screen. Align the middle and bottom layers of the screen and secure them using the screws provided.
Mount the Sensor: Use cable ties to attach the Stevenson screen to a stable pole or fence. Ensure it is mounted 2-3 meters above the ground and facing north.
Find Your Location: Use your smartphone or a mapping tool to determine the latitude and longitude of your deployment site.
Submit Deployment Details: Take a photo of the deployment site. Fill in the provided online form with your location, device ID, and photo.
Done! Your live temperature data will appear on our website map within 3 working days.
Need Help? Watch the Tutorial Video
Still Have Questions?
Visit our FAQ page for common troubleshooting steps and additional information.