Satellite Imagery and Air Photos

Remote Sensing is the science (and to some extent, art) of acquiring information about the Earth's surface without actually being in contact with it. This is done by sensing and recording reflected or emitted energy and processing, analyzing, and applying that information.  Today, the use of orbiting satellite sensors and the satellite imagery they provide are fundamentally changing how Canadians view their nation and their planet.

The Canada Centre for Mapping and Earth Observation (CCMEO) is the Government of Canada's centre of excellence for remote sensing.  CCMEO provides the access, transformation and dissemination of satellite image data and products to government and public users.   Within Natural Resources Canada, satellite imagery is used to characterize and monitor Canada’s landmass, primarily in support of the responsible development of its natural resources.

Offering finer detail than satellite imagery, aerial photographs continue to be used today in map-making, urban and rural planning, environmental impact studies, civil law cases, and real estate evaluations.  Natural Resources Canada houses the Government of Canada’s National Air Photo Library.