Table of Contents

FAQ's

RADARSAT

1. How can RADARSAT help in emergencies?
2. Why does RADARSAT collect data on Canada's North?
3. What does RADARSAT look for on land?
4. Does RADARSAT help detect underground features?
5. What does RADARSAT look for on the ocean surface?
6. How can RADARSAT help us get to know our planet better?
7. How can I obtain data?
8. How much does the data cost?
9. Do you have data for a specific location?

1. How can RADARSAT help in emergencies?

Its data can be useful in many types of emergencies. When, for example, in January 1997, the Russian oil tanker Hakhodka ran aground near Japan, causing the worst oil spill in that country's history, RADARSAT images provided to Japanese authorities in the hours following the disaster allowed clear identification of the location and extent of the spill. This helped manage cleanup operations.

In the spring of 1997, Manitoba residents were faced with one of the worst floods in their history. Local and military officials were quickly provided with images showing the progress and extent of the flood. These images assisted authorities in flood management operations.

2. Why does RADARSAT collect data on Canada's North?

The data collected by RADARSAT helps the Canadian Ice Service (CIS) create daily ice charts. These are vital to the Canadian Coast Guard, commercial fishermen, maritime transport industries, and marine petroleum exploration teams. For example, in August 1996, the Canadian Coast Guard used RADARSAT images to assist the American cruise ship Hanseatic, which ran ashore on ice in the Arctic Ocean with 200 passengers aboard.

3. What does RADARSAT look for on land?

RADARSAT can obtain data on such factors as soil humidity, forests, flood damage, surface topography, and crop conditions. For example, rice, the staple food for two-thirds of the world's people, is cultivated in wet regions that are often cloudy or rainy, where it might be difficult for optical satellites to gather images. RADARSAT can collect information in all weather conditions and cloud cover, so rice harvests now can be managed more efficiently.

4. Does RADARSAT help detect underground features?

RADARSAT's sensitivity to topography and relief makes it an invaluable tool during geological investigations. Many of our most vital natural resources such as natural gas, minerals, water, and oil are found underground, beneath typical features that the satellite can detect.

5. What does RADARSAT look for on the ocean surface?

It provides information on features such as surface waves so we can better understand the oceans and their impact on our climate. These data are used by meteorological services, the fishing industry, and oceanographers. RADARSAT is used to detect icebergs in Newfoundland and Labrador.

6. How can RADARSAT help us get to know our planet better?

More than 500 years after Christopher Columbus discovered America, there are still certain parts of the planet, such as Antarctica, that are not well understood. RADARSAT allows us to continue to explore and pursue our commitment to monitoring and protecting this planet through sustainable development.

7. How can I obtain data?

This depends on your use for the data:

For Canadian federal or provincial government users

For International and Commercial Users

8. How much does the data cost?

The data is managed by MDA Geospatial Services who can assist you with pricing.

9. Do you have data for a specific location?

RADARSAT has data from all parts of the globe. To determine the date and time of acquisition, beam mode, or related information, contact the Order Desk designated for your industry segment (see MDA Geospatial Services). Provide them with the coordinates of the location (longitude and latitude) and any other restrictions such as season, date range, incidence angles, and so on. The Order Desk will conduct a search of the archives and provide you with choices from among the available beams to make your selection.

With its powerful, reliable, and flexible radar technology, RADARSAT can go where neither humans nor technology have gone before.