06/26/2025
Tullahoma Selected for UTC Urban Canopy Assessment to Guide Tree Planting Efforts - Study uses satellite imagery and artificial intelligence to map surface temperatures and identify optimal locations for urban forestry initiatives
The City of Tullahoma has been selected as one of 12 Tennessee communities to participate in a comprehensive urban canopy assessment conducted by the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga's Interdisciplinary Geospatial Technology Lab.
The study utilizes high-resolution satellite imagery combined with artificial intelligence technology to map surface temperature readings throughout the city limits, identifying areas with elevated temperatures that could benefit from increased tree coverage. The data will provide scientific guidance for Tullahoma's Urban Forestry Program to strategically focus tree planting efforts where they will have the greatest impact on temperature reduction and community health.
"The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga's Interdisciplinary Geospatial Technologies Lab is thrilled to partner with the Tennessee Department of Forestry to provide an urban canopy assessment for the city of Tullahoma," said Charlie Mix, GIS Director and Adjunct Instructor at UT Knoxville from the Interdisciplinary Geospatial Technology Lab. "Our students and staff are utilizing the latest high resolution satellite imagery with GeoAI (the fusion of modern mapping technology with artificial intelligence) to map urban forests and other land cover types, measure average surface temperatures, and map populations at risk to extreme heat. By overlaying these resulting maps, patterns begin to emerge identifying where communities are at more risk of extreme heat and that could benefit the most from tree planting and other heat mitigation strategies. We hope that this data will help communities manage their urban forests, through data driven insights."
The assessment maps various land cover types and measures average surface temperatures while also identifying populations at risk of extreme heat exposure. By overlaying these data layers, researchers can pinpoint specific areas where tree planting and other heat mitigation strategies would be most beneficial to the community.
Funding for the canopy assessment was provided through the Tennessee Division of Forestry's Urban and Community Forestry Program via federal funding from the U.S. Forest Service. There is no cost to the city for the study.
"This study data has the potential for a big impact on our planting efforts and maximize their long-term effects for our city," said Tullahoma City Arborist Lyle Russell. “A data-supported strategic guide to where our trees will benefit Tullahoma the most is a big win in combating heat island effects, adding beautification, and providing residual health benefits for our citizens. I am grateful to Professor Mix and the Tennessee Division of Forestry’s Urban and Community Forestry Program for including us, and I look forward to putting their data to work for Tullahoma.”
“The years-long commitment that the City of Tullahoma has placed on proper tree planting and maintenance continues to benefit our community and its citizens greatly,” said Jason Quick, Tullahoma City Administrator. “As growth continues to progress in Tullahoma, the preservation of our tree canopy will remain a focal point in development, along with ensuring that newly planted trees meet established guidelines to enhance the beauty of our city’s landscape.”
The completed assessment will provide Tullahoma city officials with data-driven insights to enhance the effectiveness of current urban forestry initiatives and guide future tree planting programs throughout the community. The study data is anticipated to be ready for city review by the Fall of 2025.
About the Tennessee Division of Forestry's Urban and Community Forestry Program:
The Tennessee Department of Agriculture Division of Forestry's Urban and Community Forestry Program provides technical assistance and administers grants that help communities initiate or expand their local urban forestry programs. This includes funding for tree planting projects on public land. The program offers cost-share funding for tree planting on public property, rights-of-way, and private non-profit land with public access.
About UTC Interdisciplinary Geospatial Technology Lab: The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga's Interdisciplinary Geospatial Technology Lab specializes in cutting-edge mapping technologies combined with artificial intelligence to address environmental and community challenges.
