High-Resolution Mapping of Potential Wetlands in Support of Precision Conservation in Ontario’s Agricultural Lands

Lead Applicant: Ben DeVries

Research Priority: Water Quality & Quantity

Program Type: Tier 1

Funding Cycle: 2026/2027

Research Centre: N/A

Research Summary: Periodic flooding on low-lying areas of agricultural fields can reduce crop yields but may also support ecosystems by maintaining water quality and soil health. Traditional satellite imagery has struggled to monitor flooding at the sub-field scale. This project will develop new methods to map flooding patterns in southern Ontario using satellite sensors. The goal is to capture both seasonal and short-term inundation (flooding) events with better spatial and temporal resolution, using optical and synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite imagery and machine learning methods. Improved time series maps across Ontario will be used to produce maps of potential wetlands on agricultural lands. Case studies will be identified from hot spots of field flooding, which will compare very high resolution optical and SAR imagery with established modelling tools.