Empowering Inuit communities to map their own land

Building an inclusive AI tool for safer sea ice travel, empowering Inuit communities and citizen scientists.

This project empowers Inuit communities and the public by transforming satellite and drone imagery into accessible, web-based tools for sea ice classification and safe travel. Building on ESA-PhiLab’s IRIS software and partnerships with SmartICE, it adapts advanced machine learning to enhance environmental monitoring and climate research. Hosted by UCL, the platform will support citizen science and educational outreach, including GeoBus-led school workshops introducing AI and environmental data analysis. The project will be delivered through four phases: preparation, development, testing, and launch. It includes iterative user testing with Inuit operators and students to ensure usability and relevance.

Success will be measured by increased public participation, improved sea ice data quality, and strengthened academic-community partnerships. By bridging academic research and community needs, the project fosters climate resilience, supports safer Arctic navigation, and promotes interdisciplinary collaboration. Ultimately, it delivers a scalable model for inclusive, data-driven environmental engagement and education.