Title: Recent Insights Into Sea Ice in the Canadian Arctic, From Multiyear Ice in the Last Ice Area to Seasonal Ice Along Proposed Shipping Routes
Speaker: Dr. David Babb, University of Manitoba
Date: October 20, 2026
Time: 4:00–5:00 p.m. ET
Abstract:
Presentation topics include an introduction to sea ice, remote sensing of sea ice, and ongoing sea ice research at the University of Manitoba. Dr. Babb will also highlight results from a recent survey onboard the CCGS Amundsen and discuss how sea ice impacts the proposed expansion of the Port of Churchill.
Speaker Bio:
David is a research associate with the Centre for Earth Observation Science at the University of Manitoba where he studies Arctic sea ice. Using a combination of in situ observations, satellite remote sensing and models, David seeks to understand regional sea ice characteristics and processes throughout the Canadian Arctic. David’s research spans from the oldest and thickest ice in the Queen Elizabeth Islands in the northern Canadian Arctic to ice conditions along seasonally ice-covered shipping routes in the sub-Arctic.
Title: GeoRetina AI: Turning Geospatial Data into Actionable Intelligence for Risk and Conservation
Speaker: Dr. Shahab Jozdani, Chief Executive Officer of GeoRetina Inc.
Date: July 31, 2026
Time: 4:00–5:00 p.m. ET
Abstract:
GeoRetina AI: Turning Geospatial Data into Actionable Intelligence for Risk and Conservation
GeoRetina AI brings together geospatial artificial intelligence (GeoAI), large language models (LLMs), and interactive 2D and 3D mapping to make risk assessment and conservation planning faster, clearer, and more accessible.
Through a conversational interface, users can investigate locations, combine complex environmental datasets, identify hazards and conservation opportunities, and translate spatial evidence into decision-ready insights.
Title: How can artificial intelligence and remote sensing improve landslide hazard mapping across Canada?
Speaker: Dr. Hejar Shahabi, Postdoctoral Researcher at INRS
Date: June 25, 2026
Time: 4:00 PM ET
Abstract:
Join us for an exciting webinar with Dr. Hejar Shahabi, Postdoctoral Researcher at INRS, as he explores how AI, LiDAR, and deep learning are transforming landslide detection and predictive modelling.
Topics include:
🛰️ High-resolution LiDAR-based landslide detection
🤖 AI and deep learning models for national-scale hazard mapping
📍 High-resolution susceptibility modeling for vulnerable regions in Quebec
🌎 Geohazard mitigation and disaster risk management
Moderated by Masoud Babadi Ataabadi from the CRSS-SCT Student Chapter.
Title: Common Sensing: Geomatics for the Public Good
Speaker: Sophia Chen, GIS Officer, National Community Mapping Lead, Canadian Red Cross
Date: May 27, 2026
Time: 2:00 PM MT
Abstract:
What does remote sensing look like when it is turned toward care, resilience, and community?
Drawing on professional practice across governmental and humanitarian institutions, this talk traces how risk is mapped before it becomes disaster, how messy sensor data becomes knowledge we can trust, and what we owe the people we observe from a distance.
Sensing for the commons — between the practical and the unresolved.
Title: AI-Powered Analytics for Environmental Remote Sensing
Speaker: Dr. Lincoln Xu, Assistant Professor in the Department of Geomatics Engineering at the University of Calgary
Date: April 29
Time: 2:00–3:00 PM MT
Abstract:
As remote sensing datasets continue to grow in scale and complexity, extracting useful insights across different data types remains a major challenge. In this session, Dr. Xu will share how advanced AI methods combined with hyperspectral, multispectral, SAR, and optical remote sensing can support stronger environmental monitoring and resource exploration.
The webinar will also highlight:
- SAR applications for monitoring Canada’s water and ice environments
- Recent advances in hyperspectral environmental analytics
- Real-world applications for government, Indigenous communities, and industry
Dr. Xu’s work has also received international recognition, including the AutoICE competition organized by the European Space Agency.
