OTTAWA - As International Polar Year kicks off on March 1, 2007, a new Canadian project will make a significant contribution to the better understanding of polar regions. Polar View, funded in part by the CANADIAN SPACE AGENCY, offers a unique satellite-based service designed to help Canadians identify the impacts of environmental/human pressures and guide appropriate responses.
Using remote sensing technology, data about ice and snow conditions are gathered and analyzed by an experienced network of experts. Detailed information is then delivered, around-the-clock, to a diverse group of over 40 international users. These include government agencies, research institutes, commercial interests and northern residents.
Polar Views ice information service is being particularly well received in communities such as Pond Inlet on Baffin Island. Inuit hunters and travelers are able to go into the local PARKS CANADA office and view the latest ice and snow conditions. They can easily locate the changing ice edge and thin ice. The exploration and mining industry will find the information useful when it comes time to build winter roads and transport materials.
Earth observation technologies have long been used to monitor the Earths weather conditions. But this is the first time services have been offered comprehensively by a network of the world's leading cryospheric remote-sensing experts. Polar View service providers are located in nine countries with a management team in each significant polar region (North America, Antarctic, Euro-Arctic and the Baltic). Services can be customized to meet users needs.
Learn about the extensive Polar View services at www.PolarView.org.
Comments