1. How can RADARSAT help in emergencies?
Its data can be useful in many types of emergencies. When,
for example, in January 1997, the Russian oil tanker Hakhodka ran aground near Japan, causing the worst oil spill in that country's
history, RADARSAT images provided to Japanese authorities
in the hours following the disaster allowed clear identification of the location and extent of the
spill. This helped manage cleanup operations.
In the spring of 1997, Manitoba residents were faced with one of the
worst floods in their history. Local and
military officials were quickly provided with images showing the progress and extent of the flood. These images assisted authorities in flood management
operations.
2. Why does RADARSAT collect data on Canada's North?
The data collected by RADARSAT helps the Canadian Ice Service (CIS)
create daily ice charts.
These are vital to the Canadian Coast Guard, commercial fishermen, maritime transport industries, and marine petroleum exploration teams. For example, in
August 1996, the Canadian Coast Guard used RADARSAT images to assist the American cruise ship
Hanseatic, which ran ashore on ice in the Arctic Ocean with 200 passengers aboard.
3. What does RADARSAT look for on land?
RADARSAT can obtain data on such factors as soil humidity, forests, flood damage, surface topography, and crop conditions. For example, rice, the staple food for two-thirds of the
world's people, is cultivated in wet
regions that are often cloudy or rainy, where it might be
difficult for optical satellites to gather images. RADARSAT can collect information in all weather
conditions and cloud cover, so rice harvests now can be managed more efficiently.
4. Does RADARSAT help detect
underground features?
RADARSAT's sensitivity to topography and relief makes it an invaluable tool
during geological investigations. Many of our most vital natural
resources such as natural gas, minerals, water, and oil are found
underground, beneath typical features that the satellite can
detect.
5. What does RADARSAT look for on the ocean surface?
It provides information on features such as surface waves so
we can better understand the oceans and their impact on our climate. These data are
used by meteorological services, the fishing industry, and oceanographers.
RADARSAT is used to detect icebergs in Newfoundland and
Labrador.
6. How can RADARSAT help us get to know our planet better?
More than 500 years after Christopher Columbus discovered America, there are still certain
parts of the planet, such as Antarctica, that are not well
understood. RADARSAT
allows us to continue to explore and pursue our commitment to monitoring and protecting this planet through sustainable development.
7. How can I obtain data?
This depends on your use for the data:
For Canadian
federal or provincial government users
For International and Commercial
Users
8. How much does the data cost?
The data is managed by MDA
Geospatial Services who can assist you with pricing.
9. Do you have data for a
specific location?
RADARSAT has data from all parts of the globe. To determine the
date and time of acquisition, beam mode, or related information, contact the Order Desk designated for your
industry segment (see MDA
Geospatial Services). Provide them with the coordinates of the location (longitude
and latitude) and any other restrictions
such as season, date range, incidence angles, and so on. The Order Desk will conduct a search of the archives and provide you with
choices from among the available beams to make your selection.
With its powerful, reliable, and flexible radar technology, RADARSAT can go where neither humans nor technology
have gone before.
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