INRS team officially launches new version of IceMAP-R algorithm
QUÉBEC CITY, March 24, 2025 /CNW/ - Institut national de la recherche scientifique (INRS) is proud to announce the operational release of the new version of the IceMAP-R algorithm developed under the supervision of Professor Karem Chokmani, a remote sensing and hydrology specialist at INRS. This project, carried out in partnership with Ministère de la Sécurité publique (MSP), represents a major technological breakthrough in river ice monitoring.
River ice is an ice formation that develops on the surface of watercourses in winter and can cause ice jams and flooding when it forms or breaks up. In Québec, it represents a major issue for public safety, infrastructure management, and navigation, especially for municipalities, civil security, and Hydro-Québec. The critical period for river ice is from December to April, with increased risk during mild spells and the spring breakup.
Since December 2024, MSP's government operations centre has been using this new version of IceMAP-R to monitor river ice in real time throughout Québec. This enhanced version now enables automatic processing of images from the RADARSAT Constellation Mission (RCM) satellite through a standalone program.
"This successful collaboration with MSP has made it possible to develop a technological solution adapted to Québec's climate. The implementation of this standalone version of IceMAP-R is a significant step forward for citizen safety and the proactive management of ice jam risks," said Professor Karem Chokmani, a researcher at INRS.
This system no longer relies on commercial software for data preprocessing and analysis. The entire process, including satellite image acquisition, ice chart generation and distribution, is therefore automated by MSP, ensuring greater responsiveness and reliability. The ice charts produced are also published in real time by MSP on Données Québec.
The deployment of this technology is part of a continuing joint effort by INRS and MSP to improve tools for forecasting and managing the risks associated with ice jams. The IceMAP-R algorithm has been tested in preoperational mode since 2023 on all rivers in southern Québec, validating its performance and integration into MSP's operational systems.
"MSP now has a cutting-edge tool that is essential for anticipating flood risks and optimizing interventions in the field. This project is a perfect illustration of the effectiveness of partnerships between research institutions and government agencies in the prevention of natural hazards," concludes Professor Chokmani.
The project also benefited from the contribution of Chayma Chaabani, a postdoctoral researcher at INRS's Eau Terre Environnement Research Centre. She collaborated on the development of the algorithm under the supervision of professors Karem Chokmani and Saeid Homayouni.
About INRS
INRS is an academic institution dedicated exclusively to graduate research and training in strategic sectors in Quebec. For the past 55 years, it has actively contributed to Quebec's economic, social, and cultural development. INRS ranks first in Quebec and Canada in research intensity. It is made up of four interdisciplinary research and training centres located in Quebec City, Montreal, Laval, and Varennes, which focus their efforts on strategic sectors: water, earth, and environment (Eau Terre Environnement Research Centre); energy, materials, and telecommunications (Énergie Matériaux Télécommunications Research Centre); urbanization, culture, and society (Urbanisation Culture Société Research Centre); and health and biotechnology (Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie Research Centre). The INRS community includes over 1,500 students, postdoctoral fellows, and faculty and staff members.
Related link:
Ministère de la Sécurité publique | Government of Québec
SOURCE Institut National de la recherche scientifique (INRS)
Media contacts: Julie Robert, Institut national de la recherche scientifique (INRS), Service des communications et affaires publiques, 514 971-4747, [email protected]; Ministère de la Sécurité publique, Relations médias, Direction des communications, Ministère de la Sécurité publique, 418 646-6777, poste 30274, [email protected]
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