Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems

Who and why

Remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS, or drones) are tools used by the GNWT in a wide range of program areas. GNWT departments use RPAS to improve staff safety relative to environmental conditions that are potentially harmful, increase the availability and detail of information, and reduce the cost of collecting data relative to other acquisition methods. RPAS use in the GNWT is governed by the RPAS Directive [Note: insert permalink to Directive in PDF form here].

What

The GNWT uses RPAS to gather various forms of infrastructure, environmental, cultural, and resource management information. For example, the GNWT uses RPAS to capture oblique photography and videography to assist with inspections and monitoring of:

  • Highway corridors (embankments, culverts, bridges)

  • Quarries

  • Wildlife

The GNWT also uses RPAS for aerial mapping to:

  • Document and study permafrost thaw (link),

  • Document and interpret archaeological sites (link),

  • Monitor the impacts of environmental disturbances, such as wildfire (link),

As RPAS operations are regulated by Transport Canada, the GNWT has a program to coordinate training and operations to ensure staff operate safely and consistently.

The GNWT operates several systems with still and video cameras as well as infrared sensors (refer to above-mentioned website links for examples of hardware in operation). When in operation, the RPAS is flown manually by a pilot on the ground or follows pre-programmed routes in auto-pilot mode, while on-board computers prompt the cameras to capture images and video automatically at pre-determined locations or at set time intervals. All GNWT RPAS must be covered by aviation-specific liability insurance, which is renewed annually.

Where

The GNWT uses RPAS throughout the NWT to assist in various department program areas whereby remote sites are accessed by road, boat, or aircraft. Most trained staff members have operational privileges that restrict deployment to remote areas away from communities and airports, while a select few staff have “advanced” privileges allowing them to operate in communities and near airports. The vast majority of operations are completed in small areas (usually within 1 km2). The GNWT does not use RPAS to perform widespread systematic surveillance.

For operations near communities and airports, the data is collected with no intention of collecting personal information. In these areas photographs, videos and aerial mapping are often taken from sufficiently high altitudes (90-120 m) and horizontal distances (30 m) that the collection of personal information (such as facial features or license places) is not technologically possible. To avoid collecting footage from individuals not involved in the operation, GNWT staff members are trained to keep at least 30 m distance between the RPAS and bystanders, and position their sensors to minimize inadvertent personal information collection. It may not be possible to avoid collecting personal information. If collection of personal information is deemed unavoidable, GNWT staff must adhere to the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy (ATIPP) Act.

When

The GNWT RPAS program started in 2015-2016 with technical investigations, followed by capacity building and training sessions since 2017.