The Canadian Space Agency (CSA) announced today at GeoSASK 2001 the awarding of seven contracts, worth more than $1 million, to Canada’s space industry for developing hyperspectral processing systems and applications. These contracts have been awarded to MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates, Atlantis Scientific, Borstad Associates, Lockheed Martin Canada, Tecsult and MIR Teledetection.
“Our investment through these innovative Canadian space companies will position Canada as one of the leaders in earth imaging research,” said the Honorable Brian Tobin, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for the Canadian Space Agency. “Partnerships guaranteed through this investment in the acquisition of knowledge, expertise and talent will translate in our ability to compete efficiently in new niche markets throughout the world.”
“Canada’s long term commitment to Earth Observation has developed over time from the design of sensors to development of applications,” said Dr. Virendra Jha, CSA’s Space Technologies Director General. “And there is no doubt that the Canadian Space Agency will continue to support the Canadian space industry in key sectors such as remote sensing and above all in hyperspectral.”
The projects awarded today through the Earth Observation Applications Development Program (EOADP), are to support leading edge Canadian space companies that are also bearing their share of risks in developing and commercializing innovative processing systems and applications. These innovations will have a major impact in remote sensing, vegetation land cover classification and mineral exploration.
Funding for this project was provided for in the February 2000 budget and is therefore built into the existing financial framework.
The GeoSASK 2001 conference focuses on Spatial Information Management and GIS, Harnessing the Spatial Potential of the Internet, new Automated Land Titles Processes, E-Business, etc. Participants are to broaden their knowledge of provincial, national and international developments in GIS and land information systems, and explore opportunities for improving productivity in their own organizations.
