CCA appoints expert panel to examine geodetic infrastructure in Canada

A robust geodetic infrastructure—the backbone for everything from aviation safety to Arctic observation—allows nations to ensure the integrity of their own positioning, navigation, and time services in a world increasingly dependent on satellite-based systems. At the request of Natural Resources Canada, the CCA has formed an expert panel to examine opportunities associated with renewed domestic investment in geodetic infrastructure and whether Canada has sufficient infrastructure to meet its current and future needs.

Geodesy is the science of accurately measuring and understanding three fundamental properties of Earth—its geometric shape, orientation in space, and gravity field—and how they change over time.

Denis Hains, President and CEO at H2i Inc. and guest professor in Geomatics Sciences at Université Laval, will serve as chair of the expert panel. Mr. Hains is a member of the Strategic Advisory Group of the international Seabed 2030 initiative, senior special advisor to the Canadian Ocean Mapping Research and Education Network, affiliate research scientist at the Center for Coastal and Ocean Mapping at the University of New Hampshire, and a member of the Hydrographic Professional Accreditation Scheme of the International Federation of Hydrographic Societies. 

“Geospatial high accuracy matters. Real-time geodetic knowledge and resilient infrastructure underpin economic development, national security, and sovereignty—defining the ‘what, where, and when’ of informed decision-making,” said Mr. Hains. “I am honoured to chair this panel and to help lead a rigorous, forward-looking examination of Canada’s contribution and leadership in this critical domain.”

As chair, Mr. Hains will lead a multidisciplinary group of panel members to answer the following question:

How does geodetic infrastructure impact Canada and its economy?

“This panel will help build a clearer picture of the geodetic infrastructure that Canada depends on, providing evidence-based insights to inform decisions about future needs,” said Tijs Creutzberg, President and CEO of the CCA.  “We’re grateful to have this group of experts agree to take on this project at this time.”

Read more about the project.

Expert panel members serve as individuals and do not represent the views of their organizations of affiliation or employment.

This project was supported by the Government of Canada through the Strategic Science Fund.