Remote sensing & photogrammetry

Our research in advanced remote sensing image processing and digital photogrammetry has resulted in breakthrough technologies that are used by:

• Google
• NASA
• US Geological Survey
• Natural Resources Canada
• and many others

Our research accomplishments have won international and national awards, such as one of 100 internationally outstanding university technologies (other winners include MIT, Stanford, and Yale); international award for significant enhancement of the applications of photogrammetry, remote sensing, or spatial information sciences (one recipient every four years); and NSERC Synergy Award for Innovation (awarded by the Governor General of Canada).

Our research in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) focuses on gathering, processing, and visualizing geospatial data focusing on disaster management, updating urban thematic maps and generating 3D city models. In disaster management, we focus on combining data from different sources such as satellite imagery, UAV images, LiDAR, existing thematic maps and social media to produce damage maps. We also focus on generating hydrological models to produce flood susceptibility maps.

3D city models help us to produce a digital tween of cities that play an essential role in the analysis and management of the challenges of modern cities. In our department, we focus on generating 3D city models in different levels of detail (LoD) using data sources such as LiDAR and UAV/Terrestrial imagery.

The main research topic of what is informally called the Geodesy Group is the geoid, the horizontal surface that best approximates the sea level, to and the reference surface for meaningful heights.

A horizontal surface is easy to visualize, particularly at the sea or a lake level, but it is considerably more difficult to determine it over land, where a heights reference are usually needed.

The first Canadian geoid of decent accuracy was produced by our group back in 1985 based on the Stokes-Helmert theory of geoid determination. Our implementation of this theory has been improved and developed into one of the most accurate approaches worldwide.

Hand in hand with the problem of a reference surface for heights comes the problem of the definition of heights to be used. These "practical heights above sea level," must be derived from observed heights or height differences at the Earth’s surface. In this area, we have formulated the rigorous orthometric heights.

The group has also carried out some research related to geodynamics.

The research satellite CASSIOPE hosts the GPS Attitude, Positioning, and Profiling (GAP2) instrument designed by GGE researchers. It is one of eight instruments making up the Enhanced Polar Outflow Probe platform on the satellite.

CASSIOPE was launched in September 2013 into an elliptical, near-polar orbit and continues to provide a wealth of scientific data.

The four white antennas on the left-facing side of the spacecraft feed separate GPS receivers whose data is used to determine the position, velocity, and attitude of the spacecraft while the antenna on the upper side, feeding an additional receiver, is used to profile the ionosphere’s electron density.

Graduate students in the Geodetic Research Lab, as well as researchers elsewhere, are analyzing GAP2 data to better understanding the ionosphere and its interaction with solar activity and the Earth’s magnetic field.

Ocean Mapping Group

The Ocean Mapping Group is focused on developing new and innovative techniques and tools for the management, processing, visualization and interpretation of ocean mapping data.

The group specializes in the areas of:

• seafloor mapping
• hydrodynamic numerical ocean modelling
• marine habitat mapping
• acoustic water column interpretation
• evaluating autonomous mapping platforms.

The group works to gain a better understanding of the marine environment using acoustics and to minimize uncertainty in ocean mapping products.

Global demand on raw materials and energy requires rapid progress in exploration, planning, and extraction of very often difficult to access natural resources. This demand is driving the development of advanced exploration and complex mining methods which may involve simultaneous extraction of deposits in different physical states (e.g., solid deposits, oil or natural gas) and variable behaviour characteristics. At the same time, the increasing cost of mining and growing demands for improved mine safety and environmental protection require a thorough understanding of how extraction affects the behavior of the rock mass and its impact on the surface and underground infrastructures. This, in turn, calls for the development of innovative solutions and the application of the most advanced technology available.

CCGE research focuses on the integrated analysis of results of rock mass deformations obtained using the Finite Element Method (FEM) with results of geodetic monitoring and supported by results of gravimetric methods and modeling.

Deterministic modeling using FEM involves the investigations of large-scale rock mass behavior consisting of brittle rock, evaporates, and reservoirs in connection with the underground extraction of hydrocarbons and minerals (e.g., copper, zinc, gold and uranium). Accurate forward deterministic modeling of rock mass deformations and stress redistribution requires a thorough understanding of the mechanisms underlying changes of rock mass behavior under varying loading conditions. FEM further requires precise knowledge of boundaries and physical parameters of the rock mass strata.

Deformation monitoring research is based on the use of state-of-the-art sensing technologies (geodetic, geotechnical and geophysical monitoring, gravity determinations) for geo-data acquisition and management, development of methods for information extraction and analysis, and the assimilation of this information in models, such as the geomechanical models of rock mass or mining subsidence prediction models.

CCGE research on gravity modeling and analysis modifies global-scale theory and practice to address the special considerations of regional problems in support of large-scale integrated analysis. Microgravity investigations and gravimetric surveys enhance the mapping of density changes which leads to identification of geological boundaries, faults, and mining subsidence. By detecting anomalies as small as 10 microGal, these surveys help locate cavities and discontinuities within the rock mass. The results of gravimetric monitoring and analysis form part of the integrated analysis of deformations during extraction and recultivation stages. Gravimetric methods also have strong applications in both mineral and oil exploration.

David Coleman

• Fellow of Canadian Academy of Engineering
• Fellow of Royal Canadian Geographical Society
• Fellow of Engineers Canada

Richard Langley

• Fellow of the Institute of Navigation
• Fellow of the Royal Institute of Navigation
• Fellow of the International Association of Geodesy

John McLaughlin

• Fellow (and Past President) of the Canadian Academy of Engineering

Marcelo Santos

• Fellow of the International Association of Geodesy

Anna Szostak-Chrzanowski

• Fellow of International Society for Mine Surveying

Petr Vaníček

• Fellow of American Geophysical Union
• Fellow of International Association of Geodesy
• Fellow of Czechoslovak Society for Arts and Sciences

Yun Zhang

• Fellow of Canadian Academy of Engineering

We collaborate with these companies to grow and improve our research.

• CARIS
• Fledermaus - QPS
• SceneSharp
• Gemini Navsoft