Innovation in Alberta: NorthWind partners with Wyvern for remediation from space

Together, they are pioneering a transformation in space-based monitoring and environmental stewardship, aiming to shape a greener and more promising tomorrow for our province.

Local Innovators

Based in Edmonton, Alberta, Wyvern uses its constellation to collect high-resolution hyperspectral images from space. Unlike traditional remote sensing technology, which captures only three to four broad segments of the light spectrum, Wyvern’s satellites capture data in over thirty narrow bands, leading to the identification of unique chemical and physical properties of the Earth’s surface. These rich datasets, providing spectral information well beyond the range of the human eye, enable new applications in environmental monitoring, invasive species detection, and reclamation efforts.

NorthWind Land Resources Inc. (NWLR), another local Edmonton business, is keen to harness the power of Wyvern’s data. As a leading environmental consulting firm in Alberta, they focus on finding practical and innovative solutions to complex challenges affecting our upstream reclamation and remediation programs. The NWLR team is dedicated to delivering affordable, tailored services that prioritize safety while ensuring compliance with regulatory and environmental obligations.

The Perfect Fit

Wyvern and NorthWind joined forces to provide reclamation services to Alberta’s oil and gas industry. Monitoring the health and well-being of land surrounding well sites is no easy task. Wells are often located in extremely remote areas, creating accessibility challenges for workers along with potential safety implications.

Until today, remote monitoring solutions did not provide the level of detail needed by NorthWind and their clients, meaning in-person fieldwork was almost always required in the oil and gas reclamation process, limiting scalability. Enter Wyvern. Wyvern’s high-resolution, hyperspectral satellite data provides the spectral signatures needed to eliminate the need for extensive in-person monitoring, empowering NorthWind with the scalability needed to effectively address their clients’ requirements.

NorthWind has partnered with Wyvern for the 2024 monitoring period, commencing this upcoming spring. Wyvern’s Chief Revenue Officer, Thomas VanMatre, says the one-year term is only the beginning. “This partnership exemplifies Albertan innovation. NWLR and Wyvern will be at the forefront of the ‘sustainable environmental solutions’ conversation,” says VanMatre. “Wyvern’s hyperspectral imaging constellation will provide a level of fidelity in environmental reporting that was previously not possible at scale. This partnership will expedite reclamation efforts across the entire province.”

Summary

In their collaborative efforts, NorthWind Land Resources and Wyvern showcase the power of local businesses uniting to achieve efficiency, affordability, and quality in sustainable environmental solutions. NorthWind’s commitment to passing cost savings onto clients aligns seamlessly with Wyvern’s dedication to providing low-cost, high-quality data. This partnership demonstrates the mutual benefits of cooperation between Alberta businesses and sets a standard for delivering superior environmental services while maintaining financial sensibility. Together, they represent a model of successful synergy in the pursuit of sustainable and effective solutions for their clients and the environment.

To learn more about hyperspectral imagery and how it can address planetary-scale problems, visit the Wyvern Knowledge Centre.