North. Safe. Sound.
Built for Northern Conditions
SmartICE technology has been developed specifically for Arctic environments. Designed to withstand arctic winter conditions, the sensors operate in remote regions where reliable ice information is critical for ice travel, cultural activities, emergency prevention, and search-and-rescue response.
As climate change continues to affect ice conditions across the north, SmartICE provides communities and industry with sensor technology and tools to monitor and map changes in sea ice, lake ice, and river ice environments. By combining local and Indigenous knowledge with real-time monitoring and mapping technology, SmartICE supports safer access to the ice while helping communities
Our Monitoring Technology Includes:
SmartBuoy
SmartBUOYs are stationary sensors embedded in the ice to measure ice thickness using thermistors, which operate like a thermometer. Each SmartBUOY contains 60 thermistors that measure the temperature of the air, snow, ice, and water, creating a temperature profile that allows us to determine the thickness of the ice.
SmartBUOYs monitor both sea ice and freshwater ice. In sea ice environments, SmartBUOYs are deployed in landfast ice, while in freshwater environments they provide valuable information on lake and river ice conditions for communities that rely on these routes for travel, harvesting, and other land-based activities.
Data from SmartBUOYs are transmitted via satellite 1-2 times per day and shared with communities through SIKU.org
Mobile Monitoring
Systems
SmartICE’s mobile ice monitoring systems provide valuable information about ice conditions along community trails and targeted monitoring areas in both sea ice and freshwater environments. In sea ice environments, the Ice Profiler (previously known as the SmartQAMUTIK) is towed behind a snowmobile and provides real-time ice thickness measurements to the operator as they travel on the ice. In freshwater environments, SmartICE uses IceMap™, which is also towed behind a snowmobile, to monitor lake and river ice conditions as well as winter roads and ice roads.
The Ice Profiler measures ice thickness using electromagnetic signals and the salinity of seawater. It transmits electromagnetic signals through the snow and ice, which induce electrical currents in the conductive saltwater below. These signals return to the sensor, producing an instantaneous measurement from the top of the snow to the bottom of the ice.
IceMap™ uses ground-penetrating radar (GPR) to continuously measure and map ice thickness in freshwater environments, helping identify thin or problematic ice along community trails, winter roads, and ice roads.
Monitoring trips are completed at least once per week in each community, and data is shared with communities through SIKU.org.
GIS and
Remote Sensing
SmartICE Knowledge Coordinators are trained in interpreting optical and synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite images for their community. They use their expertise to create weekly ice travel safety maps that utilize satellite imagery overlaid with local Indigenous Knowledge, SmartBUOY deployment sites, and ice thickness information from the Ice Profiler.
Monitoring Services for Industry and Research
SmartICE provides ice monitoring solutions for transportation, fisheries, tourism, engineering, and defence and sovereignty operations across the Arctic and other seasonally ice-covered regions. Our technology and accurate ice information reduce delays and fuel costs, improve logistics, and promote informed operational decisions in unpredictable northern environments.
Recent and ongoing projects highlight the diverse applications of SmartICE services:
- Since 2024, SmartICE has partnered with the Department of Labrador Affairs to support the planning, monitoring, and maintenance of the Labrador Winter Trails network. These trails are critical transportation links for northern communities in Labrador, enabling access to hunting grounds, neighbouring communities, and essential services.
- In spring 2026, SmartICE provided ice monitoring equipment, training, and technical support to the 1 Canadian Ranger Patrol Group to facilitate the safe movement of personnel and equipment along a portion of the Northwest Passage between Kugluktuk, NU, and Churchill, MB. This support contributed to a historic 5,200-kilometre, 52-day patrol involving approximately 200 Rangers, helping manage the logistical challenges of Arctic travel while supporting Canada‘s renewed focus on Arctic sovereignty.
Connected to local ice conditions.
Access SmartICE monitoring data, ice thickness information, and Ice Safety Maps through SIKU. Browse the Quick Guide to SmartICE on SIKU below for detailed instructions and learn how to access local ice information.
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