The perceived temperature differs from the air temperature. The air temperature indicates how warm it is outside, whereas the perceived temperature indicates how warm a person feels under particular weather conditions. For example, if the air temperature is measured at 30 ºC, the perceived temperature may run up to 40 ºC in the blazing sun and out of the wind. In the shade of trees or buildings, the perceived temperature is generally lower than in a paved area in the full sun.

The  De Hittebestendige Stad  [Heat-proof Cities] study conducted by Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences provides urban planners with the following three guidelines for cooling outdoor areas:

The Perceived Temperature map can also be compared to the  Social vulnerability to heat  map, in order to find out whether neighbourhoods with high perceived temperatures coincide with areas housing vulnerable groups. Such a comparison can help set priorities in areas.