Optimising sensor deployment in open-plan offices using ordinary kriging for spatial indoor temperature mapping

Conference item

This study demonstrates the potential of geostatistical spatial interpolation, specifically ordinary kriging, to support thermal comfort mapping in complex open-plan office environments using a limited number of sensors. By analysing temperature distributions across contrasting climatic seasons and occupancy states, the research highlights how spatial coherence, interpolation accuracy, and uncertainty are strongly influenced by operational conditions and internal heat dynamics. The findings show that while kriging is effective for reconstructing broad spatial thermal patterns, its performance is constrained under occupied conditions where short-range variability and localised effects dominate. Variogram analysis further reveals that indoor thermal environments are characterised by short spatial correlation lengths, underscoring the importance of both sensor density and strategic placement. Overall, the work provides a methodological framework for interpreting spatial thermal data in buildings, offering insights into how interpolation-based approaches can be applied sensibly to support indoor environmental assessment while acknowledging their limitations for comfort-critical diagnostics

Authors: Suliman, A; Tekler, Z; Topouzi, M; Lizana, J; Low, R

• Publication status: Accepted
• Peer review status: Peer reviewed
• Acceptance date: 2026-05-28
• Event title: Indoor Air 2026
• Event location: Singapore
• Event website: https://www.indoorair2026.org/
• Event start date: 2026-06-14
• Event end date: 2026-06-18
• Language: English
• Keywords: ordinary kriging; sensor distribution; thermal comfort; indoor temperature mapping