The Temperature Rome bus ATAC Monitoring System (TRAMS)

The TRAMS (Temperature Rome bus ATAC Monitoring System) experiment aims to study the temperature field across the city of Rome and its surroundings with the fine spatial resolution of individual streets. This is achieved through temperature measurements collected by microsensors (MetroTracker) mounted on the roofs of buses operated by ATAC, Rome’s main public transportation agency. These sensors continuously record temperature and other parameters as the buses travel through the city. The data enable an in-depth analysis of the city's microclimatic variations, influenced by urban morphology, including tree-lined and non-tree-lined streets, urban canyons, proximity to parks and water courses, and other factors. This information is crucial for urban planning, public health, and environmental management, especially in the context of increasing heat events and their implications for urban populations. A comprehensive analysis of these data has allowed us to investigate the spatiotemporal dynamics of the urban heat island (UHI) and the cooling effect of roadside trees. The results reveal a diurnal cycle of UHI intensity consistent with findings from previous studies, with nighttime peaks reaching up to 5°C. Additionally, a significant inverse correlation is observed between tree density and daytime temperatures, with areas of high tree density averaging approximately 1°C lower temperatures.