Forests, or green heritage
Space technologies developed for RADARSAT play a leading role in observing and managing Canada's natural resources.
Satellites provide data that can help protect and manage the ecological integrity and use of Canada's national parks. With this technology, Parks Canada can detect changes in the forest ecosystem and in the biodiversity - sometimes difficult to observe from the ground-and as a result, get an accurate picture of the health of the parks and take action quickly.
The information gathered is made available on the Parks Canada Web site to increase public awareness of climate change.
Overview of the main RADARSAT-1 Earth observation data applications
Overview of the main RADARSAT-2 Earth observation data applications
Text version - on the graphic about the forests, or Green Heritage.
Forests, or Green Heritage - Canada has the largest national parks system in the world - 42 national parks.
Source: Parks Canada
Globally, about 13 million hectare of forest are deforested each year-the equivalent of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick combined Footnote 1
Canada's RADARSAT provides important data used to map and monitor forests around the world. These maps produced by specialists using satellite data, give us an accurate picture of forest activities.
The advanced technology used by the satellites makes it possible to detect clear-cut areas in forests at rates approaching 100%. Whether assessing the environmental impact of clear cutting in boreal and tropical forests or gauging the success of reforestation operations, specialists can count on Canadian technology and expertise.
www.asc-csa.gc.ca/eng/satellites/radarsat/ecosystem.asp
A partnership for the habitats of wild speciesFootnote 2
Environment Canada and the Canadian Space Agency are currently working on establishing a national satellite-assisted environmental monitoring program. By combining the knowledge and expertise of the government, universities, the private sector and environmental protection agencies, this co-operative pilot project would make it possible to improve management of wild species and the enforcement of legislation supporting environmental and species protection.
Space for Habitat would use RADARSAT technology to monitor wild species habitat. Data collected would make it possible to monitor developments and changes occurring in these ecosystems, even in the most remote locations. There are also plans to use the same techniques to monitor Canada's protected areas, in order to enforce environmental protection legislation.