Measuring Micro Community Temperatures Using Microcontrollers

Urban environments are complex, with varying landscapes that include large structures, roads, clear spaces, and green spaces with natural canopies. These variations can lead to significant differences in local temperatures, often differing from the broader temperature data reported by weather services. This project aims to measure and analyze these micro-community temperature variations using microcontrollers, providing valuable insights into how different environments affect local temperatures.

The Case of Framingham

Framingham is an excellent example of a community with a wide variety of urban landscapes. It includes densely built areas, open spaces, and lush green zones. These diverse environments are home to distinct populations living in specific areas, making Framingham a perfect study location for this project. By measuring temperature variations across these different zones, we can better understand the microclimatic effects of urban design and natural landscapes.

What is a Community Thermometer? 

Despite seeing a small tupperware container with random electronics inside this is neither nefarious nor is it arbitrary. It contains many different electronic components which as a whole allows it to track time, measure temperature and store it all onto a spreadsheet file. 

This is all able to be done by using a small programmable hardware piece known as an Arduino which is able to communicate process data that it receives from the other components which are connected to its board. The metal rod which sticks out of the container is a waterproof temperature module (DS18B20). Inside the container you might be able to see two other modules outside of the Arduino; these will be the Real Time Clock (RTC DS3231), which keeps track of the time and ticks the time, and the SD Card Adapter module which is able to write given data into a comma separated value file (.csv).

If you wish to learn more about the schematics and the programming you may visit:
ArduinoTempSensor Copy - Wokwi ESP32, STM32, Arduino Simulator to find out more. 

Where are the Community Thermometers located?

Explore the map of Framingham below to view the 5 locations where the Community Thermometers have been placed:

Cochituate Rail Trail head
Mary Dennison Park
Callahan State Park
Bates Park
Roosevelt Park