Maps and their derivatives are the cornerstones of understanding and advancing the geological knowledge base of an area. Advances in the acquisition, processing and dissemination of remotely sensed data has enabled the production of readily accessible maps useful for the assessment of an area's resource potential by industry and community members alike.

The Resource Identification Through Remote Predictive Mapping-RPM project is a pan-North initiative tightly linked to the other NRD projects, and utilizes remotely sensed data in order to focus field efforts in the north, extend coverage, and maximize mapping impact. Through a range of remotely sensed data, project contributions will include the production of maps that are digital, quantitative, predictive, testable, and cover significant areas. As well, the project will coordinate the production of resource potential maps for each of the NRD project areas.

A major objective of the project is to develop and implement an economically viable strategy for upgrading geoscience knowledge in the north through the use of remote sensing and Geographic Information System (GIS) techniques in order to focus and expand the influence of traditional mapping. This includes satellite (e.g., RADARSAT, LANDSAT, ASTER, Hyperion), airborne systems (e.g., magnetics and radiometrics), and deep probing ground geophysical surveys (seismic and magneto-telluric).

Project Priorities

• With partners and stakeholders, create inventory of data and analysis methodology in order to identify and address knowledge gaps.
• Acquire (commercial, in-kind) datasets including: DEMs, LANDSAT TM7, RADARSAT, hyperspectral, potential fields, seismic, magneto-telluric, radiometrics.
• Create resource potential maps for areas of high economic potential.
• Early release of innovative data fusion products (e.g., magnetics + bedrock maps; Radarsat + surficial maps).

Project Partners:

• Alberta Geological Survey
• Canadian Space Agency
• National Research Council of Canada
• Ontario Ministry of Northern Development and Mines
• Polaris
• CS Lord Northern Geoscience Centre
• International Institute for Geo-Information Science and Earth Observation
• University of Waterloo
• University of Alberta
• McMaster University
• University of British Columbia
• Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Industry Diamond Mantle Reservoir Study-MDR

• BHPBilliton Diamonds
• DeBeers Canada
• Kennecott Canada Exploration
• Diavik Diamond Mines Inc.

For More Information: Don Desnoyers