INT_ATTCOM_SIOS2_RS Terrestrial Photography applications on Snow cover in Svalbard 2 [PASSES2] (DTA.AD004.417)

Thematic area

Earth system science and environmental technologies

Project area

Structure responsible for the research project

Institute of Atmospheric pollution Research (IIA)

Project manager

ROBERTO SALZANO
Phone number: 3332674435
Email: roberto.salzano@cnr.it

Abstract

Ground-based observations are critical for many disciplines that are trying to monitor climate change in a remote environment such as the Svalbard archipelago. This overview of cameras operating in Svalbard has been compiled by searching for specific applications that monitor the snow cover and by collecting information about images that can be accessed on the internet, including those not solely dedicated to cryospheric research. The survey identified 43 cameras operating in the region that are managed by research institutions and private companies. These cameras include facilities operated by different nationalities. The datasets vary, but the feasibility of using them to determine fractional snow-covered area is generally limited. Identifying the key metadata necessary to survey the available devices revealed problems and knowledge gaps that prevent using the full potential of the terrestrial photography network in Svalbard.

Goals

This terrestrial photography survey in the Svalbard archipelago is a key action for the identification of relevant data sources for different disciplines. The optimization of active and future observing systems will be designed considering the PASSES legacy where different setups were included ranging from heterogeneous camera devices (different sensor resolutions, fore optics, sensor types), to installation features (site elevation, perspective coverage, acquisition seasoning), image data processing (ortho-rectification and classification), and uncertainty quantification. There is a need for a shared strategy for the different components of these data processing chains, and the final solution will be a compromise between maintenance issues, logistic requirements, resource allocation and data/privacy constraints. This update also highlighted the need for integrating terrestrial photography as a cal/val tool for satellite remote sensing, which is arguably the application of terrestrial photography with the largest potential scientific impact.

Start date of activity

01/07/2021

Keywords

Criosfera, Neve, remote sensing

Last update: 15/07/2025