NWT RESEARCH DATABASE

Regions: Inuvialuit Settlement Region, Gwich'in Settlement Area, Sahtu Settlement Area, Dehcho Region, North Slave Region, South Slave Region

Tags: physical sciences, geological mapping, biomass, land surface data

Objective(s): To develop biomass and forest resource models for GNWT multi source inventory, and to assess how the resource is changing through time and in space due to climate and fire influences.

Project Description: Collect airborne laser scanning data over biomass plots over NWT. Specifically to develop biomass and forest resource models for GNWT multi source inventory, and to assess how the resource is changing through time and in space due to climate and fire influences. Airborne laser data coverage is calibrated by field plot data (most provided by GNWT) and models are created which are then upscaled to the larger forest covered area of the NWT using machine learning algorithms and supplemental predictor datasets such as Landsat, EOSD, DEM and climatic data layers. Accommodations, vehicle rentals, aircraft rental (Yellowknife and Ft Simpson), media relations, developing new natural resources inventory processes and data layers for GNWT Natural Resources (Hay River) and potentially Geomatics Centre (Yellowknife). Reports to GNWT as well as journal publications and media articles (radio, newspaper, possible CBC / Global news interviews as the research team has in the past). No explicit plans or invitations to communicate with NWT communities but if GNWT wish the team to do this the team would be happy to. The fieldwork for this study will be conducted from July 15, 2019 to August 31, 2019.