Canada Centre for Remote Sensing (CCRS)

What We Do

The Canada Centre for Remote Sensing (CCRS), Natural Resources Canada is the Government of Canada's centre of excellence for remote sensing and geodesy.

CCRS delivers two national services, houses key scientific expertise and undertakes research and development in support of Government of Canada information needs.

In partnership with many government stakeholders, through strong links to academia and private sector, and via international collaborations, CCRS ensures that satellite data works to serve the needs of Canadians.

CCRS's Geodetic Survey Division delivers the Canadian Spatial Reference System (CSRS), providing the geodetic data used as standards for accurate three-dimensional positioning in Canada. Key geodetic reference infrastructure and Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) tracking stations are operated to support this mandate. CCRS scientific expertise supports international efforts for the maintenance of a global geodetic reference frame.

The Earth Observation Data Service (EODS) encompasses the reception, processing, archiving and dissemination of remotely sensed Earth Observation (EO) data for Canada. This includes the operation of ground stations receiving EO data from Canadian and foreign satellites.

CCRS' core science foundation supports development of EO sensors for satellite missions, improves EO data quality and data handling methodologies, and develops value-added EO-based information, applications and services. In this fashion, the potential of EO data is harnessed to provide solutions that enable government departments to better deliver mandates ranging from sovereignty, safety and security, environmental monitoring, and natural resource management.

Data Acquisition Division – responsible for the acquisition of Earth observation data in Canada; the archiving and distribution of Earth observation data; the maintenance of Canada's Earth observation data archive; the development of advanced ground systems for efficient reception; the development of prototype processing systems; and the provision of informatics and computer services to CCRS.

Earth Observation and GeoSolutions Division – through its critical mass of scientists, EOGD provides a foundation of scientific expertise that is key to rendering satellite data useful to the Government of Canada. The group encompasses experts in remote sensing technology, satellite signals, data methodologies, and the development of value-added image products, information, applications and services.

EOGD scientists work in partnership with many other departments, as well as with academia, private sector and international collaborators.

In addition to transforming data from existing satellite sensors, EOGD scientists are involved in the development of next-generation satellite sensors, and the scientific preparations for effectively and immediate use of data from sensors that will be launched shortly.

Geodetic Survey Division – responsible for providing and maintaining spatial reference systems, standards, and national networks of control points for Canada in support of geomatics applications.

The Division ensures the availability of spatial referencing information, expertise, and services that are responsive to the needs of our clients.

Office of the Director General – has the overall responsibility for the strategic direction and overall management of the three divisions within CCRS. DGO leads on overarching strategic partnerships, including international relations, and on major initiatives such as CCRS' partnership role in Canada's Long Term Space Plan.