Estimation of Land Surface Temperature Using Satellite Remote Sensing, a Case Study in the Cities from El Salvador: Berlin, Alegría, and Santiago de María

Satellite remote sensing has gained popularity due to new sensors, which, combined with new open and inexpensive technologies, can be used as an alternative to estimating land surface temperature (LST). LST estimation is essential for determining biophysical parameters and processes such as surface energy fluxes, particularly evaporation and crop production. Some open-satellite observation systems have sensors that allow thermal infrared wavelengths to be recorded in digital layers of images around the Earth. In developing countries such as El Salvador, low-cost LST research is required to provide indicators to improve decision-making regarding land use. El Salvador has a poor climate monitoring capacity on the ground with only 27 traditional weather stations. We propose using a methodology for LST estimation based on low-cost tools. The proposed methodology allows the processing of satellite digital images to estimate the LST using QGIS software tools and images taken by Landsat 8 satellite sensors. We conducted a study in El Salvador’s rural areas, particularly in the Berlin, Alegria, and Santiago de Maria cities. The results obtained have been satisfactory, which can drive further studies using this methodology for temperature monitoring on a larger scale.