This dataset uses RADARSAT Constellation Mission (RCM) Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite images to identify open water regions within ice-covered rivers during winter, with the aim to assess hydrokinetic resources near remote communities reliant on diesel fuel for electricity generation. The data is processed with the HyRASS, a machine learning-based SAR image processing and classification algorithm. Disclaimer: This dataset was designed to identify open water regions within ice-covered rivers for assessing hydrokinetic resources near remote communities reliant on diesel fuel for electricity generation and is subject to the following limitations: • This dataset was derived from RADARSAT Constellation Mission (RCM) Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite images. While these images are generally reliable, they are subject to inherent limitations, including resolution constraints, potential distortion, and occasional inaccuracies in real-time conditions capture. • The HyRASS algorithm is designed to pinpoint open water areas using satellite images, with a particular emphasis on RCM quad polarization (QP) imagery. This specialization means that its effectiveness depends on the accessibility of this specific type of imagery. Consequently, the data it produces might not cover a broad spectrum of time periods. For more reliable results, it's essential to classify areas more regularly, ensuring that detected open water regions are consistent over time. This dataset is intended for preliminary assessment and should not be the sole basis for making critical decisions or investments related to hydrokinetic energy projects. Further validation and in-depth analysis are strongly recommended, and users should conduct their own due diligence and additional research to verify the data accuracy and relevance for specific applications. By accessing and using this dataset, users acknowledge and accept these disclaimers. The providers of this dataset explicitly absolve themselves of any responsibility or liability for any consequences arising from the use, reliance upon, or interpretation of this dataset. Users are advised that their use of the dataset is at their own risk, and they assume full responsibility for any actions or decisions made based on the information contained therein. This disclaimer is in accordance with applicable laws and regulations, and by accessing or utilizing the dataset, users agree to release the providers of this dataset from any legal claims, damages, or liabilities that may arise from such use.

Building on the initial effort (“Database of Open Water Areas in River Ice for Provinces of Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, and the Maritimes - Potential Locations For River Hydrokinetic Energy Extraction Identified Through Optical Satellite Imager”; weblink: https://search.open.canada.ca/openmap/d9823004-29aa-40e2-aa47-9c54cf88c309), a follow-up research project has led to the publication of this extensive analysis encompassing the entirety of Canada’s major freezing rivers. This work has applied advanced image processing and classification algorithms to the selected images, elevating the classification and analysis to a higher level of accuracy and providing a more comprehensive dataset for exploring river hydrokinetic energy prospects across the country. This dataset identifies open water areas within ice-covered major Canadian rivers, aiming to evaluate potential hydrokinetic resources. The data is derived from high-resolution optical satellite imagery obtained from Landsat and Sentinel satellites corresponding to National Research Council (NRC) 2014 flow data of river reaches with water depths of at least 10 meters and a flow velocity of a minimum of 0.5 meters per second. Using advanced image processing and machine learning algorithms, the dataset efficiently differentiates between ice-covered and open water regions, providing a reliable basis for assessing hydrokinetic energy potential in the identified areas. Disclaimer: This dataset is subject to the following limitations: • Landsat and Sentinel optical satellite images are high-resolution, but they may contain resolution errors, possible distortions, and inaccuracies in depicting on-ground conditions. • Despite advanced image processing and machine learning algorithms, errors or biases may exist. • The dataset's reliability is also influenced by the NRC flow data. Therefore, users should view this dataset as a preliminary assessment tool, not a definitive guide for decision-making or investment in hydrokinetic projects. It is strongly recommended to validate its accuracy and suitability for specific applications through additional research and studies. By accessing and using this dataset, users acknowledge and accept these disclaimers. The providers of this dataset explicitly absolve themselves of any responsibility or liability for any consequences arising from the use, reliance upon, or interpretation of this dataset. Users are advised that their use of the dataset is at their own risk, and they assume full responsibility for any actions or decisions made based on the information contained therein. This disclaimer is in accordance with applicable laws and regulations, and by accessing or utilizing the dataset, users agree to release the providers of this dataset from any legal claims, damages, or liabilities that may arise from such use.

Locations of open water within river ice in Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, and the Maritimes were discerned manually using publicly accessible optical satellite images spanning from 2013 to 2020. This initial effort has led to a dataset pinpointing potential sites for river hydrokinetic energy initiatives. A more comprehensive dataset encompassing the entirety of Canada’s major freezing rivers has also been developed entitled “Hydrokinetic Resource Mapping - Optical Satellite Imagery Analysis of Open Water Regions in Ice-Covered Canadian Rivers” and is available at (https://search.open.canada.ca/openmap/61b4e576-9f3a-49a1-9546-b29be14787a4). Disclaimer: The identification of open water locations within river ice in Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, and the Maritimes, as described, was conducted manually through the analysis of publicly available optical satellite images. This dataset is subject to the following limitations: 1- The manual identification method may introduce potential human error and subjectivity within the dataset. 2- The publicly accessible satellite images employed may not provide fully comprehensive or entirely accurate representations of the actual conditions in the identified locations due to image resolution constraints, cloud cover, or atmospheric interference. This dataset is intended for preliminary assessment and should not be the sole basis for making critical decisions or investments related to hydrokinetic energy projects. Further validation and in-depth analysis are strongly recommended, and users should conduct their own due diligence and additional research to verify the data accuracy and relevance for specific applications. By accessing and using this dataset, users acknowledge and accept these disclaimers. The providers of this dataset explicitly absolve themselves of any responsibility or liability for any consequences arising from the use, reliance upon, or interpretation of this dataset. Users are advised that their use of the dataset is at their own risk, and they assume full responsibility for any actions or decisions made based on the information contained therein. This disclaimer is in accordance with applicable laws and regulations, and by accessing or utilizing the dataset, users agree to release the providers of this dataset from any legal claims, damages, or liabilities that may arise from such use.