• New Drone Rules: What Geospatial Professionals Should Know
• Protecting Southern Resident Killer Whales: New Measures in Place
• Canada’s $1.3 Billion Border Plan: Geospatial Tools at the Forefront
• Volatus Aerospace’s Game-Changer: Surveillance as a Service Revolutionizes Security
• Canada’s First Spaceport Set to Launch Nova Scotia into the Space Race

New Drone Rules: What Geospatial Professionals Should Know

Transport Canada is rolling out updates to drone regulations, bringing stricter rules for pilots and manufacturers. If your drone weighs over 250 grams, advanced certification will likely be required, and expanded no-fly zones could affect operations near sensitive areas.

New manufacturing standards are also coming, ensuring drones meet stricter safety guidelines before entering the market. For geospatial professionals, this means preparing for updated certifications, adapting to new restrictions, and ensuring your equipment complies with the latest rules.

These changes aim to keep drones safe and reliable—stay informed to ensure your projects stay compliant and on course!

Read more here 

Protecting Southern Resident Killer Whales: New Measures in Place

The Canadian government has introduced critical measures to protect the endangered Southern Resident killer whale population. These initiatives aim to address threats like reduced prey, noise pollution, and vessel disturbances.

Key actions include area-based fishing closures to boost Chinook salmon stocks, interim sanctuary zones prohibiting vessel traffic in sensitive areas, and mandatory speed restrictions to reduce noise. Vessels must also maintain a 400-meter distance from killer whales along southern BC’s coast.

These measures reflect a coordinated effort to ensure the long-term survival of these iconic marine mammals. For more details, visit Fisheries and Oceans Canada.

Canada’s $1.3 Billion Border Plan: Geospatial Tools at the Forefront

The Government of Canada is investing $1.3 billion in its Border Plan, with new security exercises underway starting in Ontario. These drills, announced by Public Safety Minister David McGuinty, aim to enhance coordination between agencies like CBSA, RCMP, and provincial governments.

Geospatial and geomatics tools play a critical role in this effort, providing advanced mapping, surveillance, and data analytics to monitor borders effectively. From tracking migration patterns to identifying high-risk zones, these technologies are essential for maximizing the plan’s impact and ensuring smart allocation of resources.

As Canada bets big on border security, geospatial professionals are at the heart of turning this billion-dollar investment into actionable results. Learn more at Canada.ca.

Canada’s Volatus Aerospace Revolutionizes Surveillance with New Service

Volatus Aerospace, a Canadian company, has launched a groundbreaking ‘Surveillance as a Service’ solution. Combining drones, fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters, and ground sensors with advanced EO/IR systems, the service provides real-time intelligence through Kongsberg Geospatial’s IRIS Terminal.

This scalable model eliminates the need for costly infrastructure, positioning Volatus as a leader in the growing global drone surveillance market, projected to reach $612 billion by 2032. For Canada, this innovation underscores the nation’s role in advancing geospatial and surveillance technology.

Read more at Canadian Aviation News.

Canada’s First Spaceport Set to Launch Nova Scotia into the Space Race

Maritime Launch Services is building Canada’s first commercial spaceport near Canso, Nova Scotia, with plans for up to eight annual launches using Ukrainian-built Cyclone-4M rockets. The inaugural launch is slated for 2025.

This project positions Canada as a key player in the global space industry, offering new opportunities for geospatial applications like satellite deployment, Earth observation, and environmental monitoring.

Read more at Ottawa Citizen.