Using free satellite images to monitor permafrost and soil productivity

Bipole III Transmission Complex - Environmental Monitoring

Our client, Manitoba Hydro, needed to understand the impact of Bipole III (BPIII) construction on permafrost in northern climates and cropland through the Red River valley. We stepped in to help.

The client implemented tree clearing techniques to mitigate and reduce permafrost thaw—they wanted to know which methods were most beneficial. Our team utilized thermal infrared (TIR) temperature data to compare right-of-way (RoW) permafrost sites to adjacent off RoW permafrost sites. By assessing the TIR images, we differentiated between clearing practices and determined those most effective.

Manitoba Hydro also needed to accurately identify the amount and degree of cropland impacted from tower construction and powerline stringing activities. By comparing adjacent on and off RoW crop biomass signatures from multispectral satellite imagery, we successfully calculated the amount of area effected and level of the impact for over 700 linear kilometres of agricultural land. The result? Our client had the information they needed accurately compensated producers impacted by BPIII construction.