Projects
From R&D to operational deployments — explore some of our Earth observation initiatives
Lake Ice Algorithms and Products
Developing and validating satellite-based lake-ice algorithms and products on ice extent, phenology, thickness, and ice type, supporting climate monitoring, ice & weather forecasting, and northern transportation safety.
Methods
Development of physically-based and machine-learning algorithms for ice–water discrimination, ice type classification, and ice thickness retrieval from multi-sensor satellite observations. Algorithm performance is rigorously evaluated using in-situ measurements and independent satellite-derived reference datasets.
Data Sources
Multi-mission optical imagery, SAR, radar altimetry, passive microwave observations, and GNSS-R measurements. In-situ data from operational ice services and targeted field campaigns across diverse lake and climate regimes.
Outputs
Validated lake-ice extent, phenology, ice-type and ice thickness products scalable from individual lakes to global coverage. Ice cover retrieval solutions supporting climate indicators, forecasting systems, and decision-making for northern transportation and infrastructure.
Related Publications
Machine learning based classification of lake ice and open water from Sentinel-3 SAR altimetry waveforms
Potential of GNSS-R for the monitoring of lake ice phenology
A new approach for the estimation of lake ice thickness from conventional radar altimetry
Assessment of machine learning classifiers for global lake ice cover mapping from MODIS TOA reflectance data
50 years of lake ice research from active microwave remote sensing: Progress and prospects
Snow and Ice Radiative Transfer Modelling
Advancing forward and inverse radiative transfer modelling for snow and ice remote sensing to improve the physical consistency and accuracy of satellite-based retrievals across diverse cryospheric environments.
Methods
Contribution to the development and evaluation of imaging SAR, LRM and SAR altimetry, and GNSS-R modules within the Snow Microwave Radiative Transfer (SMRT) model. Electromagnetic modelling of snow, lake ice, sea ice, and ice sheets, supported by sensitivity analyses and uncertainty quantification.
Data Sources
Physically realistic snow and ice representations spanning a wide range of microstructural, thermodynamic, and dielectric properties. Field-based measurement campaigns, complemented by thermodynamic lake-ice simulations and satellite observations for model evaluation and calibration.
Outputs
Enhanced SMRT model configurations supporting snow and ice retrieval algorithm development and uncertainty-aware product generation. Open-access radiative transfer modelling framework enabling transparent, reproducible research and improved satellite-based climate and cryosphere applications.
Related Publications
Forward modelling of SAR backscatter during lake ice melt conditions using the Snow Microwave Radiative Transfer (SMRT) model
Forward modelling of synthetic aperture radar backscatter from lake ice over Canadian subarctic lakes
Investigating the effect of lake ice properties on multifrequency backscatter using the Snow Microwave Radiative Transfer (SMRT) model
Future Satellite Missions
Contributing scientific and algorithmic expertise to the definition of next-generation Earth observation missions by identifying priority water and cryosphere parameters and supporting their observability through physically consistent mission concepts.
Methods
Identification of key scientific questions and geophysical ice and snow parameters, combined with assessments of algorithm readiness and heritage. Contribution to the development and application of end-to-end forward-simulation and retrieval simulators, alongside other partners, to evaluate measurement requirements, sensor configurations, and expected retrieval performance.
Data Sources
Airborne and field campaign datasets used to characterize geophysical variability and sensor performance, complemented by existing satellite archives. Physically based forward simulations and ice/snow model-informed scenarios supporting sensitivity analyses and observational gap assessments.
Outputs
Science traceability inputs linking geophysical requirements to mission observables and retrieval performance. Contributions to mission definition studies, simulator-based trade analyses, and published reports and roadmaps guiding future water and cryosphere observation capabilities.
Related Publications
Enabling SAR altimetric simulations in the Snow Microwave Radiative Transfer (SMRT) model for the ice-sheet, sea-ice and lake-ice
Improving the estimation of lake ice thickness with high resolution radar altimetry data
Observational Requirements for Climate and Ecological Indicators
Defining satellite observation requirements for climate-sensitive physical and ecological indicators across permafrost, freshwater systems, and ecosystems to support climate assessment, environmental monitoring, and evidence-based decision-making in northern and protected environments.
Methods
Systematic assessment of scientific, operational, and user-driven monitoring needs across permafrost, lake water quality and quantity, and ecological indicators of climate change. Gap analyses of existing observation capabilities, leading to the definition of tiered satellite observation requirements linked to climate-relevant variables and applications.
Data Sources
Synthesis of existing in situ monitoring networks and long-term field observations, complemented by analyses of SAR, optical, thermal, and multispectral satellite capabilities. Structured consultations with scientific experts and end-user communities to ensure relevance and usability.
Outputs
Observation requirements frameworks and technical reports guiding satellite mission planning and data acquisition strategies. Recommendations for sensor characteristics, revisit frequencies, and priority regions supporting improved monitoring of permafrost dynamics, freshwater systems, and ecosystem change.
Related Publications
Satellite-derived multivariate world-wide lake physical variable timeseries for climate studies
Bedfast and floating ice dynamics of thermokarst lakes using a temporal deep learning mapping approach: Case study of the Old Crow Flats, Yukon, Canada
The catastrophic thermokarst lake drainage events of 2018 in northwestern Alaska: Fast-forward into the future
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