Greenland’s coastal waters have been mapped using satellite technology for the first time, covering an area of 22,000 square kilometres, according to the Danish Geodata Agency.

The pilot project focused on areas near Nuuk, Maniitsoq, Tasiilaq, and Ittoqqortoormiit. Data from the mapping is now freely available to the public through the Greenlandic platform NunaGIS. The agency stated that its aim is to enhance maritime safety, support rescue operations, and strengthen infrastructure in Greenland’s coastal waters.

The initiative comes amid rising ship traffic in the Arctic. Many coastal areas in Greenland have previously lacked reliable charts, creating risks for sailors. Satellite mapping now enables the identification of tidal zones, the refinement of coastlines, and the highlighting of high-risk areas.

Collaboration with Asiaq

The project was carried out in close partnership with Asiaq, Greenland’s survey authority. We are very pleased with the cooperation and the fact that the new data is now easily accessible in Greenland via NunaGIS. Knowledge of reefs is crucial for safety at sea. With the great distances here, it is vital that we test and use the opportunities offered by satellite technology,’ said Asiaq’s director, Mette Skarregaard Pedersen.

Benefits for sailors and authorities

Although the data is not yet part of official nautical charts and cannot be used for navigation, it provides essential tools for local sailors, commercial operators and authorities. It can support voyage planning, search and rescue, and general maritime infrastructure.

The Geodata Agency is also working on partnerships with companies such as Garmin and Navionics to integrate the data into systems already used by many sailors. In the longer term, the project could help set international standards for the use of satellite data in Arctic coastal mapping.

‘This pilot project is an important step towards increasing maritime safety in Greenland’s coastal waters. It gives local users access to data that has not been available before and provides a solid foundation for further work,’ said Christian Thellufsen, chief consultant at the agency.

Towards international standards

The results are expected to lead to new methods of mapping and closer cooperation with both local and international actors on the future of Arctic navigation safety.

Fact box: Greenland satellite mapping project

  • Mapped area: 22,000 km² of coastal waters
  • Locations: Nuuk-Maniitsoq, Tasiilaq, Ittoqqortoormiit
  • Launched: 2023 as a pilot project
  • Purpose: Improve navigation safety, support rescue, and enhance infrastructure
  • Partners: Geodata Agency (Denmark), Asiaq (Greenland)
  • Data access: NunaGIS and Geodata Agency website