Operational use of satellite data for sea ice analysis at the U.S. and Canadian national ice centers

The U.S. National Ice Center and Ice Center Environment Canada have the mutual goal of providing the highest quality environmental support to their customer base operating in ice infested waters. The U.S./Canada Joint Ice Working Group was established in 1986 to promote the exchange of data, ideas and professional expertise to enhance the operational support capabilities of both ice centers. Through cooperative use of satellite, aircraft and ground truth data sources and sharing of expertise, the work accomplished by this group has had a positive impact an the overall cost effectiveness of support for each center and has improved safety of operations for vessels operating in ice-covered North American waters.