Terrain Analysis in

Using radar satelite images to assess climate change risks inherent with land development in Nunavut communities Significance Terrain analysis CONTEXT participate in the planning process by provides information contributing their knowledge towards the Permafrost is ground that has been frozen for that enables development of their community’s plans. more than two years. In Nunavut, permafrost communities to make By identifying and distinguishing lands that is under all of the land. The warming better adaptation are more susceptible to the negative impacts temperatures associated with climate change decisions when of climate change (flooding, landslides and will affect the stability of the permafrost and planning for new the shifting of land), communities will be therefore affect infrastructure in Nunavut. infrastructure better equipped to minimize the costs Currently, there are few resources available associated with the failure of foundations developments in to assist developers building on unstable of buildings and infrastructure. permafrost regions. permafrost. This project enables the Government of Nunavut’s Department of APPROACH Community and Government Services and the Hamlets of Nunavut to acquire knowledge This project monitors the shifting of about site conditions of lands chosen for permafrost by assessing the soil, permafrost Partners future development by conducting a terrain and drainage conditions of the selected • Community and Government analysis in six communities. lands. The following monitoring methods are Services, Government being used: radar satellite images, digital of Nunavut elevation models, optical images, site visits • Hamlets of , Baker Lake, and local knowledge. Based on the data and , , Cape Dorset and information obtained, the studied terrains are ranked based on their suitability for • Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada future development. The communities of Arviat, Baker Lake, Kimmirut, Gjoa Haven, Cape Dorset and Kugluktuk were chosen FOR MORE INFO based on their need for this information as Senior Manager well as the ability to build off previous work. Planning and Lands Department of Community and Government Services, EXPECTED RESULTS Government of Nunavut This project will provide communities with p. (867) 982-7651 tools and policies to assist in better land Photo: 3V Geomatics Arviat (yellow dot) is imaged as ice forms during the fall f. (867) 975-7742 and early winter. Blue is from the bright ground during September. Green or management. Information will be integrated yellow show areas where ice is beginning to form on and lakes in P.O. Box 1000, Stn 1360, October. Red areas show ice formed in December. into the municipal community plans. Kugluktuk, NU, X0B 0E0 The results from this project will aid in www.cgs.gov.nu.ca reducing the costs, damages, and losses

OBJECTIVE associated with the failure of foundations Information from this project will be used by of buildings and infrastructure in Nunavut. planners and engineers to assist the selected Aside from the communities benefiting, communities in the decision-making process the territorial and federal governments, which of selecting lands for future development. have made considerable investments in Pan-Territorial Information Notes MAR.2015.NU.06 Community members are encouraged to the communities, will also benefit financially. ISSN 2291-3904