Canadian Geospatial Digest for June 17th, 2024

1. Students ‘walk’ across Canada with Parks Canada giant floor map
2. First ever map provides social-ecological view of Canada’s lakes
3. Interactive map helps explain the mysteries of Ottawa’s proposed zoning changes
4. Overwatch Sensor Technology to be Utilized in Canadian Wildfire Efforts
5. New P.E.I. climate risk map predicts future coastal erosion and flooding

Students ‘walk’ across Canada with Parks Canada giant floor map

Canadian Geographic collaborated with Parks Canada to produce a new educational program for students: a giant, walkable floor map of Canada. Allowing students to walk across Canada, the 88 -square-metre vinyl map aims to create connection between Canadians and the various protected areas through the country. The map, in both an English and French version, is available to educators and educational groups across Canada starting in September for no cost. 

Read the full article here.

(Tyler Fleming / CTV News)

First ever map provides social-ecological view of Canada’s lakes

Out of the University of Montreal, a map examining the health of lakes across Canada’s 11 ecozones aims to cohesively showcase a social-ecological map of one of Canada’s most important natural resources. The three main areas of analysis for this map are the biophysical and chemical characteristics of each lake, known threats to lake health, and how the lake is used recreationally. Due to Canada’s vast size, and multiple jurisdictions, data collection has historically been disjointed across the lakes. One of the goals for this project was to sample each lake the same way, to produce a cohesive dataset. The main goal of the map is to help policy makers and the general public better understand the threats facing lakes, and prioritize areas for conservation and restoration.

Read the full article here.

Data compiled by Nicolas F. St Gelais, and Réanne Dupont, and Morgan Botrel of the Maranger Lab, Department of Biological Sciences (2023)

Interactive map helps explain the mysteries of Ottawa’s proposed zoning changes

Ottawa is seeing its largest overhaul of zoning bylaws since 2001. To help citizens understand the current rules, and changes to come, the City has created an interactive map showcasing the current zoning, and the new bylaws that will be put into place in late 2025. The interactive map has been under construction since last year, relying on some of the vast data sources in Ottawa’s ‘Digital Twin’. The interactive map allows users to click on any of the city to learn more about current zoning, future changes, floodplain mapping, and eventually buildings in 3D. As part of public consultation required for bylaw ammendments, the map also allows for feedback collection.

Read the full article here, and check out the map here.

Ottawa’s interactive Zoning Map.

Overwatch Sensor Technology to be Utilized in Canadian Wildfire Efforts

Alberta based flight services provider, Airborne Energy Solutions has partnered with Overwatch Imaging to enhance wildfire detection and mapping for the 2024 wildfire season. Airborne will utilize the TK-8, Overwatch Imaging’s multispectral sensor. The TK-8 captures 8 spectral bands (Red, Green, Blue, Near-Infrared, Shore-wave Infrared, Long-wave Infrared, and Middle-wave Infrared). The sensor, and Overwatch’s AI technology will significantly enhance detection and monitoring of wildfires in communities and across vast landscapes. 

Read the full article here.

New P.E.I. climate risk map predicts future coastal erosion and flooding

A newly released coastal hazard tool for P.E.I replaces an existing mapping platform that shows flood and erosion vulnerability. The ‘Climate Hazard & Risk Information System’, or CHRIS, adds new valuable features such as water depth predictions and rates of coastal erosion. CHRIS was created by climate scientists at UPEI, and allows all users to see potential future impacts along the coast line, and inland. There are future plans to add other climate related hazards to the map, including heat maps.

Read the full article here.

Visit CHRIS here.

Nominations Open for New Awards at Canada’s National Geomatics Expo

Canada’s National Geomatics Expo is introducing a new awards program at the Calgary event (October 28-30, 2024). The program aims to honour standout achievements in geomatics, with a focus on leadership, innovation, and forward thinking. Award categories include Game Changer, Innovation, Thought Leadership, Public Sector Focus, and Strategy and Leadership. The GoGeomatics advisory committee and industry experts will decide the winners. Nominations are open via an online Google Form, and sponsorship opportunities are available.

Learn more here.