Salem is seeking volunteers to collect data for a heat mapping initiative to pinpoint areas in the city that tend to get hotter due to environmental factors such as too much concrete or not enough trees. The data collection day is tentatively scheduled for July 25, but may be rescheduled for August 1 if the weather does not cooperate.

How it Works

Volunteers will drive around the city with special equipment to collect data on temperatures. The data will then be turned into a map to help city officials identify areas that need additional investment in heat mitigation strategies, such as planting trees, increasing green spaces, and creating shade structures.

The heat mapping initiative is part of the city’s Climate Action Plan, which aims to slash the city’s greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2035. The plan provides a roadmap for dozens of initiatives around transportation, waste management, energy conservation, and the city’s food system.

A similar heat mapping initiative in Portland in 2024 showed that temperatures vary widely across the metropolitan area during hot summer days. Salem’s mapping will help the city better target resources in areas that tend to get hotter.

Getting Involved

Up to 100 volunteers can participate in the heat mapping initiative. Volunteers will be required to commit to driving three routes throughout the day on the designated data collection day. A volunteer orientation will take place on July 14 from 5:30-6:30 p.m.

The heat mapping campaign will be funded by utility rate funds and will be done in partnership with Marion County, the Recovery Outreach Community Center, and other organizations.

Original reporting: Salem Reporter — read the source article.