Canadian Geospatial Digest for March 11th, 2024

1. MDA, now MDA Space, is making some moves
2. Tent City Nation: Mapping stories of homeless encampments across Canada
3. Geomatics Enables that: Drones being considered for drone displays for Canada Day celebrations
4. The Power of Geographic Analysis for mitigating health risks
5. Provincial Insights: Mapping Canada’s Per Capita Federal Tax Contributions
   

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MDA, now MDA Space, is making some moves:

One of Canada’s most venerable geomatics and earth observation companies MDA has rebranded to MDA Space. As well MDA is being added to the S&P/TSX Composite Index. These moves validate MDA Ltd.’s strong financial performance. This also its visibility and credibility in the global space industry, potentially attracting a broader investor base. The space sector continues to grow. MDA’s addition to this major Canadian equity benchmark is a signal of anticipated growth. Read more here.

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Mapping Tent City Nation in Canada

The “Tent City Nation” interactive map by the Canadian media is a clever use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to share the gravity of homelessness in Canada. It maps out reports on homelessness and encampments, visually representing a crisis that, according to the Canadian Observatory on Homelessness, affects at least 35,000 individuals daily and over 235,000 annually. This GIS tool not only shares stories but also brings crucial attention to the widespread and dynamic nature of homelessness across the country. See the full story here.

 

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Geomatics Enables that: Drones being considered for drone displays for Canada Day celebrations

Location technology enables many modern innovations and could be transforming how we celebrate national events. In Burlington, Ontario, the city council is reimagining Canada Day festivities with a geospatial twist. They are considering replacing traditional July 1 fireworks with a drone show, a move that not only promises a unique visual spectacle but also demonstrates cost-effectiveness, with the drone display estimated at $14,000 compared to the $22,000 for conventional fireworks.

These geospatial tools, though not new, are finding novel applications in fields far beyond their traditional uses. Drone shows, powered by precise location data and advanced coordination, are just one example of how geospatial technology is creatively enhancing public events and experiences. For the geospatial community, Burlington’s potential move is a vivid illustration of the evolving and exciting applications of geomatics in everyday life. The story is here.

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The Power of Geographic Analysis for mitigating health risks

The University of Calgary’s research linking radon exposure in rural homes to their proximity to drilled groundwater wells, geography and location intelligence are pivotal. The geographical analysis identifies spatial patterns in radon distribution by examining the proximity of homes to these wells, highlighting environmental and health risks specific to rural areas. This approach, integrating and visualizing diverse data sets, underscores the significance of location in assessing and understanding environmental health hazards like radon exposure.  Read the full story here.

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Provincial Insights: Mapping Canada’s Per Capita Federal Tax Contributions

Fidelity Investments is taking data from Statistics Canada, along with maps, to enhance our understanding of federal tax payments per capita. They have created a map that allows for a visual exploration of this data. This analysis reveals that although Ontario contributed the largest share of personal taxes in 2021, accounting for 42% of the total due to its large population, a per capita perspective offers a different view. The map indicates that the Northwest Territories have the highest per capita tax payments, while New Brunswick has the lowest. This approach, combining analysis and mapping, provides Canadian geospatial professionals with a unique perspective, highlighting regional financial contributions in relation to federal taxes, a crucial element in understanding the economic geography of our nation. See it all here.