Geomatics
For more than 20 years, AGRG has transformed geospatial data into practical insights that help organizations understand change, manage risk and make informed decisions.
Based at NSCC's Annapolis Valley Campus, Applied Geomatics Research Group (AGRG) uses advanced remote sensing, geographic information systems (GIS), lidar and spatial analysis to map, monitor and model complex land and water environments.
Working with industry, governments, Indigenous communities and not-for-profit organizations, AGRG delivers applied research that supports climate adaptation, environmental stewardship, sustainable development and infrastructure planning.
From coastal flooding and erosion to habitat mapping, aquaculture planning and watershed analysis, AGRG provides decision-ready information that helps partners respond to today's challenges and prepare for tomorrow's opportunities.
Why work with us
Work with researchers experienced in GIS, remote sensing, lidar, GNSS and spatial technologies.
Partner with one of Canada's leading geomatics research teams.
Access specialized sensors, drones and geospatial software to support data collection, analysis and visualization.
Engage in flexible research projects tailored to operational needs, timelines and decision-making priorities.
Get support identifying funding opportunities, defining project scope and connecting with the right expertise.
Organizations retain ownership of intellectual property developed through applied research projects.
Areas of expertise
Advanced mapping and spatial analysis supporting:
- Coastal flooding and storm surge assessment
- Sea-level rise and climate adaptation
- Coastal erosion and shoreline change
- Marine and coastal habitat mapping
- Aquaculture site planning and management
High-resolution terrain analysis and modelling supporting:
- Watershed and river studies
- Floodplain and flood risk mapping
- Surface water flow analysis
- Hydrological modelling
- Water resource management
Spatial data and analysis supporting:
- Forest landscape assessment
- Forestry applications
- Land-use and land-cover mapping
- Resource management planning
- Environmental stewardship
Interactive decision‑support maps
Facilities and equipment
NSCC is the only Canadian academic institution operating a topographic-bathymetric lidar system. The Leica Chiroptera 4X measures both land elevation and underwater depth, enabling detailed mapping for environmental monitoring, coastal management and navigation safety.
Collect high-resolution aerial data using DJI Matrice 300 and 400 RTK drones equipped with lidar (Zenmuse L3), thermal (Zenmuse H20T) and multispectral (MicaSense Altum-PT) sensors for surveying, inspection and environmental monitoring.
Collect highly accurate location data using Leica GNSS equipment with Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) positioning for mapping, surveying and geospatial analysis.
Gather and analyze land and water data using technologies such as the BioSonics Singlebeam Echosounder, R2Sonic Sonic 2026 and Teledyne SeaBat T20 multibeam echosounders to support environmental, coastal and infrastructure projects.
Monitor water levels, temperature, flow and other environmental conditions using HOBO data loggers, a 14-foot Boston Whaler survey vessel, Teledyne Sentinel-V Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP) and OTT MF Pro flowmeter.
Research projects and impact
Global talent, local impact
Learn how AGRG helped Rene, Danielle and Zhikal navigate new beginnings, build connections and grow their careers in Nova Scotia.
From coastline to firelines
Developed with AGRG researchers, this Nova Scotia made software is helping communities better understand and respond to wildfire risk.
A decade of geomatics research with topo-bathymetric lidar
Leveraging a unique research capability to map both land and water for environmental monitoring, aquaculture and climate resilience.
NSCC research predicts storm surge flooding and erosion
Advanced coastal mapping and modelling help Atlantic Canadians prepare for flooding and erosion through accessible online tools.
Service streams
Ready to explore a project?
Complete our project intake form to get started