National Atlas Frameworks

Environment Canada is evaluating the GSDNR program's National Atlas Frameworks data for use in several of their initiatives, including the National Pollution Release Inventory, a new 'Find Your Watershed Service', major dams and diversions, and a detailed study of cross-border watersheds. In these projects, the 1:1M GSDNR watershed framework will be used to show downstream effects of water-based pollution sources, to associate watershed boundaries with place names, social, economic and environmental factors, and to study continental water resources with respect to water availability (drought) and water quality. The framework will also support analysis and public communication of serious environmental consequences for areas that are flooded/depleted due to water diversions and dams, and will aid in the modeling of particular basins to resolve pollution, water diversion, water supply, and climate change questions.

Landsat-7 National Imagery Coverage

The Canadian Forest Service is using GSDNR's Landsat-7 satellite images for the purposes of Kyoto reporting through the National Forest Carbon Accounting Program (NFCAP). Specifically, Landsat-7 images are enhancing the National Forest Inventory, a key component of the NFCAP. In particular, these images are being used to extend the inventory, to assess the accuracy of plot size and location, and to provide other area-based parameters such as forest condition.

Parks Canada is using Landsat-7 images for several initiatives, including the development of a national monitoring program to detect change in slope movement, shorelines, insect infestations, and vegetation. Landsat-7 images are also being used for the characterization of both specific ecosystems within national parks and the larger ecosystem of the whole park. The calculation of land fragmentation and vegetation indexes is also being done using Landsat-7 images.

The GSDNR Communicator: Summer 2004