GLOBAL REFLECTIVITY MAP (2.0)
### HOW THE GLOBAL REFLECTIVITY MAP WORKS
Reflective Earth uses satellite images to calculate how much sunlight is reflected back to space from the selected area and how much could be reflected if the surface were brightened. Explore multiple areas to understand the reflectivity of different surfaces nearby.
### ACTIONS YOU CAN TAKE TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE
You can reduce heat in your building and substantially cut your cooling energy bills by increasing the reflectivity of your building and surrounding areas. You can also help reduce death and illness from extreme heat by advocating for changes in a neighborhood or a city’s reflectivity.
### DOWNLOAD THE DATA
After you designate all of the computer screen area or selected 10 meter square pixels, you can download the data for analysis or to share with your neighbors, with property owners, and with local officials. Ask them to join you in taking action to make outdoor surfaces more reflective and make your community more resilient to extreme heat.
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About the Reflectivity Optimization map
The Reflectivity Map shows measurements of surface reflectivity (%) and potential surface-reflected outgoing solar radiation (watts per square meter). The surface reflectivity measurements are based on Sentinel-2 satellite images from the European Space Agency (ESA) and the potential surface-reflected outgoing solar radiation is based on atmospheric data from the European Center for Medium Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF). The map and underlying data were developed under the leadership of Michel Gelobter by the Reflective Earth team in partnership with the World Resources Institute and the Cool Roof team at Google.
