Generally, there are two areas where technological improvements can be made. These are iceberg reconnaissance and iceberg modeling:

1. There have been two significant changes in iceberg reconnaisance methods over the 83 years of the Ice Patrol's history. First, in 1946 IIP began using aerial reconnaissance to augment then eventually replace surface patrols with U.S. Coast Guard Cutters. The last surface patrol utilizing a cutter was in 1973. Second, in 1983, Side-Looking Airborne Radar (SLAR) became an integral part of Ice Patrol's iceberg reconnaissance operations. One would reasonably assume SLAR detection methods would greatly enhance iceberg location credibility. This has not been statistically supported. On the other hand, technological detection improvements have made IIP more cost efficient due to changes in operational resources (aircraft versus Cutters) and fewer staff hours. In the future, IIP will be using digital imagery vice film from SLAR and from satellite (RADARSAT) for iceberg detection using Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR).

2. There are two iceberg variables that can be modeled; iceberg drift and iceberg deterioration. Prior to computer modeling, these two factors had to be computed by hand or not at all. In 1979, IIP began using a computer drift model. In 1983, computer deterioration modeling began. IIP has tried to keep up with the improvements in computing technology that have occurred since the late 1970's. Currently, IIP has obtained the latest in computing technology and software. This will allow IIP to streamline iceberg modeling and product generation while incorporating a Geographic Information System (GIS).

Overall, technological advancements improve the quality of iceberg limit reliability and cost efficiency of IIP.