Senior Researcher
- Tromsø
tlau@norceresearch.no
+47 918 58 817
Inaugural Polar Remote Sensing Workshop to Address Arctic Operations and Technological Advancements
The international workshop in Tromsø unites a broad spectrum of expertise to explore and discuss the latest advancements in remote sensing of sea ice and icebergs.

Source:
Tom Rune Lauknes, NORCE
KV Svalbard in the Arctic Ocean
NORCE is one of the co-hosts of the first International Environmental Working Group (EWG) Polar Remote Sensing Workshop, which takes place in Tromsø, October 29–31, 2024. The three-day workshop convenes engineers, scientists, and operators from international defense sectors, government ice centers, and the research and development community.
The workshop is organised by the International Cooperative Engagement Program for Polar Research (ICE-PPR) in cooperation with the Office of Naval Research, NORCE, The Norwegian Defence Research Establishment (FFI) and the American Presence Post in Tromsø.
In the Arctic capital of remote sensing

Source:
Katrine Jaklin, NORCE
Adam VanDervort, the American Presence Officer in Tromsø, opened the workshop. – The new Presence Post in Tromsø makes it easier to connect US scientists with Norwegian and regional partners. It is a huge return on investment to be in a town like Tromsø.

Source:
Katrine Jaklin, NORCE
Pål Julius Skogholt, representing Tromsø Municipality, welcomed the participants to "the Arctic Capital and the Space Capital of Norway".

Source:
Katrine Jaklin, NORCE
The main host of the workshop is John Woods from the International Engagement Office at the Office of Naval Research.

Source:
Katrine Jaklin, NORCE
Co-host of the workshop, Tom Rune Lauknes, Senior Researcher in NORCE, is eager to welcome the attendees to Tromsø: – Tromsø is not only the gateway to the Arctic but also a vibrant hub for Earth Observation. We are thrilled to host experts and enthusiasts alike in this dynamic field and look forward to fostering groundbreaking discussions and collaborations, Lauknes says.
Key Objectives
The workshop, based in part on previous ICE-PPR Workshops, aims to address several crucial areas of Arctic operations. It will specifically focus on:
Addressing Arctic Operations and Challenges: Examine the needs and obstacles in Arctic operations, particularly focusing on sea ice, icebergs, and remote sensing technologies and techniques.
Exploring Remote Sensing Advancements: Participants will delve into cutting-edge developments in synthetic aperture radar (SAR) and optical imaging from spaceborne sensors, unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), and explore state of the art within machine learning. The discussions aim to understand how these technologies are transforming operational capabilities in the Arctic.
Fostering Collaboration and Data Integration: A critical objective of the workshop is to establish collaborative partnerships and data integration strategies across the ICE-PPR coalition. The event will promote discussions around standard operating procedures and best practices for remote sensing campaigns, aiming to identify opportunities for future collaboration and coordination among international stakeholders.