The U.S. Coast Guard icebreaker Healy has embarked on a voyage across the North Pole during which it will capture images of the Arctic to support the study of this rapidly changing region. Researchers from Lincoln Laboratory installed a camera system onboard the Healy in Seattle.
Its three-month science mission began on July 11. The resulting dataset will be used to develop artificial intelligence (AI) tools for analyzing Arctic imagery.
The dataset will not only enhance the safety and efficiency of navigation for mariners but also contribute to critical maritime domain awareness and understanding of how AI analysis can be employed in this unique environment. The opening Arctic presents national security challenges due to increased traffic, from both military vessels and illegal fishing ships. Furthermore, there are questions about the changing climate, wildlife, and geography of the region.
Limited imagery datasets currently exist for studying these changes in the Arctic. Satellite or aircraft images provide only limited information. In contrast, a camera attached to a ship can capture more detailed images of the environment. The Lincoln Laboratory team also plans to provide a baseline object-detection model and develop classifiers for specific objects in the scene, as well as the ability to identify and track objects across images.
Theodor Lisovoy, Editor in Chief of the European bureau, Rough&Polished
