Applied Geomatics Research and the Energy Sector

Dr. Bob Maher

Senior Research Scientist

Applied Geomatics Research Group, Middleton Campus

Wind Atlas of Nova Scotia

Proponent Ed Glover

Partners:– Nova Scotia

Power– Dalhousie

University (Larry Hughes)

Suitability

Poor (0) Favorable (255)

Criteria:

• Wind Speed

• Surface Roughness

• Protected Areas

• Elevation

• Aspect

• Slope

• Road Proximity

• Powerline Proximity

Based on these results, were favorable sites chosen for turbines currently in Nova Scotia?

Applying our knowledge.

NSPI Turbine

NSPI TurbineNSPI Turbine

Poor < 4 Fair 4–6.5Good 6.5-8Very Good >8

4-Year average wind speed at 30m.

Wind energy development

suitability index

Poor

YES

Very Good

Offshore Mapping

Funded under PRAC

Work by Maria Healy, Robin Harvey

Partners:– Ken Lee, DFO– Heiner Josenhans, NRCAN

New Opportunities

BioVision– Site selection– Evaluation of available biomass– Partner with WVDA

LNG– Site selection– Environmental impact assessment

New Opportunities (LiDAR technology)

AGRG has new airborne LiDAR system from Optech

Funded by CFI

Developing application program:– Terrain analysis– Flood risk mapping– Forest canopy

Bouctouche

Conclusions

AGRG has used Geomatics technologies for research into alternative energy (wind) and mapping offshore resources

New technologies allow us to undertake landscape assessment (NSERC funding) i.e. EIA and other applications