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SpatialNews Press Release
RSI and VIASAT to Investigate Impact of Snowpack
on Hydrological Cycle
RSI Awarded Contract to Extract SWE Values over Mountainous Terrain Using
RADARSAT-1
Richmond, B.C. -RADARSAT International (RSI) and VIASAT Geo-Technologies
have been selected by the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) to lead a project team
who will develop and evaluate a methodology that uses RADARSAT-1 satellite
imagery to determine snow water equivalent (SWE) values over mountainous
terrain.
The SWE represents the water content in a snowpack, and plays an important
role in understanding the hydrological cycle. The amount of water stored in
the snowpack affects agricultural practices, watershed management,
hydroelectric power and potentially poses an environmental hazard through
flash flooding and avalanche danger.
Previous studies using RADARSAT-1 data to determine SWE values have been
successful over flat to moderate terrain. Using the radar backscatter
information from the satellite sensor, snow conditions and moisture
information can be extracted and used to infer SWE values. The current
project seeks to adapt the algorithms and software developed by VIASAT,
INRS-Eau and Hydro-Québec for radar information over mountainous areas. Test
data will be acquired with the participation of BC Hydro for the Cheakamus
Watershed, near Whistler, in British Columbia, Canada.
Jeff Hurley, Project Manager at RSI, said: "Initial demonstrations using
RADARSAT-1 data for this application, are positive. If this project is
successful, our goal is to work with VIASAT to provide an operational
RADARSAT-1 derived SWE extraction service in mountainous regions around the
world."
The project was funded under the first call for proposals for the Earth
Observation Application Development Program of the CSA. This innovative
program provides support for research and commercialization of services
using CSA-sponsored missions such as RADARSAT-1. The data is being provided
through a provincial agreement dating back to the launch of the RADARSAT-1
satellite.
About the Earth Observation Application Development Program (EOADP)
The Earth Observation Application Development Program (EOADP), a new program
managed by the Canadian Space Agency, supports innovative uses and
applications of space-based Earth-observation data generated by Canadian
supported missions. This data is being used in areas as diverse as
monitoring forestry and agricultural resources, management of coastal
regions, exploring for minerals, and science education in schools.
These applications illustrate the widespread need for Earth-observation
data, both in Canada and around the world, and the effectiveness of
partnerships combining resources and expertise from the public and private
sectors.
About the Canadian Space Agency (CSA): www.space.gc.ca
Established in 1989 and situated in Saint-Hubert, Quebec, the Canadian Space
Agency coordinates all aspects of the Canadian Space Program. Through its
Space Knowledge, Applications and Industry Development business line, the
CSA delivers services involving: Earth and the Environment; Space Science;
Human Presence in Space; Satellite Communications; Generic Space
Technologies; Space Qualification Services and Awareness. The Canadian Space
Agency is at the forefront of the development and application of space
knowledge for the benefit of Canadians and humanity
About VIASAT Geo-Technologies Inc.: www.viasat-geo.com
VIASAT Geo-Technologies Inc., a Canadian enterprise founded in 1991 whose
head office is located in Montreal, is a consulting firm as well as an
engineering software products company working in the field of geomatics.
VIASAT's mission is to provide quality services, to develop software
products based on user needs, and to implement innovative solutions in the
geomatics field.
About RADARSAT International (RSI): www.rsi.ca
RSI, a wholly-owned subsidiary of MacDonald Dettwiler and Associates
(TSE-MDA, www.mda.ca), is a worldwide provider of products and information
solutions derived from Earth-observation (EO) satellite data.
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