Thematic areas
The Canadian Space-based Earth observation (EO) Strategy and associated program plans, outline three main thematic areas of Government priority: environment, resource and land use management, and security and foreign policy. In partnership with other Government of Canada departments and agencies, the Government Related Initiatives Program has led multiple projects in those areas.
Environment
The aim is to provide space data and information by developing and using key technologies that will make it possible to:
- Better understand and monitor the key parameters and processes of the Earth, atmosphere, oceans, cryosphere and biosphere systems and how these are related;
- Predict and measure the impact of climate change on land, marine and atmospheric environments and the changes in key factors that influence climate change;
- Support operational environmental applications, such as pollution detection, ice monitoring and mapping, wetlands mapping, coastal change detection and accurate weather and climate forecasting and modeling;
- Support environmental policy and decision making at all levels through the provision of scientific advice on issues including air quality, water quality and quantity and biodiversity.
Resource and land management
The aim is to provide space data and information by developing and using key technologies that will make it possible to:
- Develop and implement policies and regulations for the orderly and sustainable development of natural resources and agriculture;
- Support decision-making processes of public and private sectors related to sustainable resource development and management;
- Support land use management at national, regional, and local levels.
Security and foreign policy
The aim is to provide space data and information by developing and using key technologies that will make it possible to:
- Support the surveillance of Canada's territorial land and coastal sovereignty and related national security issues;
- Support disaster management and emergency response in Canada and abroad, including the protection of critical infrastructures;
- Support Canada's effort to play an active, visible and key role in initiatives stemming from its foreign policy, particularly in peacekeeping operations, humanitarian assistance and trans-border issues (pollution, fisheries, etc.).