Seafloor characterization between Tadoussac and Baie-Comeau from Lidar data acquired by the Canadian Hydrographic Service

The Canadian Hydrographic Service (CHS) has been mapping Canada’s coastline since 2017 using an airborne remote sensing technology called LIDAR. LIDAR technology uses lasers to generate high resolution maps of the topography of the land and the seabed bathymetry. The objective of this project is to use the LIDAR data to improve understanding of marine ecosystems. Researchers will develop a methodology for mapping seabed habitat in the Gulf of St. Lawrence based on CHS’s LIDAR data. The project will result in maps that demonstrate habitat diversity and that will strengthen coastal ecosystem management capabilities through well-documented tools and guides. The project will integrate machine learning and biostatistics to perform complex spatial analyses. Centre Interdisciplinaire de Développement en Cartographie des Océans (CIDCO) will collaborate with the Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC) on LIDAR, Laval University on benthic ecology, and University of Florida on interdisciplinary environmental research using geospatial technologies.

Faculty Supervisor:

Ian Spooner;Tim Webster

Student:

Partner:

Centre Interdisciplinaire de Développement en Cartographie des Océans

Discipline:

Earth science

Sector:

Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

Acadia University

Program: