Overview

Treacherous weather, expansive spatial areas and remote locations are just a few factors that challenge the monitoring of sea and river ice conditions on a regular basis. Earth observation satellites are effective alternatives to aerial surveillance missions as they offer a comparable window in which to view and monitor icy environments without having to endure the harsh elements.

One of the primary drivers behind the development of the RADARSAT-1 program was the capability of space-borne SAR to effectively monitor Canadian ice-covered waters in support of shipping operations. RADARSAT-1 has proven highly successful in addressing the operational information requirements for this application and Canada is now recognized as a world leader in the operational use of space borne SAR for sea ice monitoring.

RADARSAT-2 hosts a number of new capabilities that will benefit sea and river ice applications. In particular, multi-polarization options will provide improved ice edge detection, ice type discrimination and ice topography and structure information.