The Application of UAV LiDAR Systems to the Monitoring and Mapping of the Effects of Climate-Driven Changes on Western Arctic Communities

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The Western Arctic Research Centre (WARC) is the headquarters of the Aurora Research Institute (ARI) a division of Aurora College. Located in Inuvik, Northwest Territories WARC is in an area of Canada where climate-driven changes directly impact the way-of-life of Western Arctic residents more adversely than other regions. Changes to the landscape, in particular, are clearly visible along the coastlines and inland to the valleys, water channels, and along the slopes. The net effects of these changes affect not only the natural habitat but also the Western Arctic infrastructure. To protect Western Arctic people, wildlife, and infrastructure it is imperative that the effects of climate-driven changes are investigated, monitored, and widely disseminated to provide much-needed information to support the development and implementation of climate change adaptation strategies and mitigation plans. One of WARC's primary aims is to improve the quality of life for NWT residents by applying scientific, technological and indigenous knowledge to solve northern problems and advance social and economic goals. Through close collaboration and partnerships with northern local decision makers, local practitioners, and industries WARC conducts research designed to build upon our knowledge and understanding of climate-driven changes and their effects on landscape dynamics, permafrost environments, people, wildlife, Western Arctic ecosystems, and potential impacts on infrastructure.This proposal requests financial support to purchase an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) system, which will be used in collaboration with our partners to perform research on the effects of climate-driven changes on Western Arctic Communities. The UAV LiDAR system will be used to support research mainly in the area of snow depth measurement, permafrost degradation, slumping, coastal erosion, hazard mapping, and infrastructure monitoring.