Richmond, B.C. –MDA’s Information Systems group announced today that its space-based imagery is being used to assess the impact of Typhoon Bopha that struck the Mindanao region of the Philippines on
December 4, 2012.
MDA provided imagery acquired by the RADARSAT-2 satellite over the southern Philippines to support disaster relief efforts. The first imagery covering the Mindanao region was acquired on December 4 and 5, 2012 and was provided to the University of the Philippines, hours after the storm struck land. The imagery of the of the Cagayan de Oro and Iligan River Basins in Mindanao allowed the University to complete an initial assessment of the extent of flooding conditions. Secondary, focused image collection was taken on December 7 and 9, 2012, in support of the International Charter “Space and Major Disasters.”
When a natural disaster of the magnitude experienced in the Philippines occurs, there is an urgent need to identify major changes that have an impact on the people and infrastructure on the ground. Satellite imagery acquired immediately after the event provides updated views of how the landscape has changed and the extent of damage to critical infrastructure such as buildings, roads, and airports. These images can be compared with satellite imagery taken before the event to help identify areas that have been hit hardest by the disaster, determine passable routes for aid workers, as well as safe areas suitable for establishing aid camps to provide medical support and shelter.
Launched in 2007, RADARSAT-2 is the world’s most advanced commercial C-band Synthetic Aperture Radar satellite. RADARSAT-2 offers new imaging capabilities and a faster turn-around schedule for data acquisition and product delivery. It provides enhanced information for applications such as environmental monitoring, ice mapping, resource mapping, disaster management, and marine surveillance. RADARSAT-2’s ability to collect imagery independent of darkness or inclement atmospheric conditions is a valuable support during times of emergency to supplement airborne and ground resources for local and regional damage assessment.
-
### -
CONTACT:
Wendy Keyzer
MDA External Relations
(604) 231-2743
Forward-Looking Statements
This release contains forward-looking statements and information, which reflect the current view of MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd. (“MDA” or the “Company”) with respect to future events. The forward-looking statements in this regard include statements regarding the performance of the Company’s RADARSAT-2 system. Any such forward-looking statements are based on MDA’s current expectations, estimates, projections and assumptions in light of its experience and its perception of historical trends. Any such forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations. The risks that could cause actual results to differ from current expectations include, but are not limited to: failure of third parties and subcontractors; failure of systems to meet performance requirements; risks associated with operating satellites and
providing satellite services, including in-orbit failures or impaired satellite performance; and failure to anticipate changes in technology, technical
standards and offerings or compliance with the requisite standards. The foregoing list of important factors is not exhaustive. MDA cautions readers
that should certain risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary significantly from those
expected.
For additional information with respect to certain of these risks or factors, plus additional risks or factors, reference should be made to the Company’s continuous disclosure materials filed from time to time with Canadian securities regulatory authorities, which are available online under the Company’s profile at www.sedar.com or on the Company’s website at www.mdacorporation.com.