The technology of remote wind monitoring is at the forefront of wind resource
assessment. The use of SODAR systems for rural wind resource measurements is
relatively well established; however their use within the urban environment is yet to
be fully explored. The wind flow within an urban environment proves to be
considerably more complex than its rural counterpart due to building interactions and
increased sources of turbulence. An old AQ500 SODAR system is to be recommissioned
for use on an urban rooftop. The process of renovation is documented,
and the fault finding process outlined, to provide a fuller knowledge of system
operation and to eliminate any faults present. The proposed site for the system is fully
assessed with regard to expected air flows caused by its own topography, and that of
the surrounding area. Boundary Layer theory and the urban heat island phenomenon
are examined in order to assess the air flow in and around cities. The current and
future states of urban wind energy are discussed, and the position of SODAR systems
within the field is evaluated. Future applications of SODAR and remote wind sensing
techniques are presented