Satellite-Derived Bathymetry for Nunavut

Many northern communities rely on up-to-date bathymetric information for safe ship passage between regions. However, bathymetry data for the Canadian Arctic are frequently either outdated or unavailable. Our research seeks to address this through satellite-derived bathymetry (SDB). In August 2017 we collected seafloor reflectance data from the west and east arms of Cambridge Bay, NU, as well as echo sounding data from the east arm. Using satellite imagery from Landsat 8 OLI, Sentinel 2 MSI, and WorldView 2, we compare common SDB methods to assess their performance for the waters around several communities in Nunavut. The results will directly provide bathymetric information for these communities, and will help the Canadian Hydrographic Service and others working to map marine areas in the Arctic employ SDB optimally.