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SCAR GSSG - History of the Geographic Information Program 1994-2004

Updated: 

HISTORY OF THE GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION PROGRAM


The Work Programs for the previous 10 years are here.

The 2002-2004 Work Program
The 2000-2002 Work Program
The 1998-2000 Work Program
The 1996-98 Work Program and
The 1994-96 Work Program


GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION PROGRAM 2002-2004


There are ten projects in the GI Program, these are:

  1. Place Names;
  2. Topographic Database;
  3. Map Catalogue;
  4. King George Island GIS (KGIS);
  5. Spatial Data Model;
  6. National On-line Atlases
  7. Cybercartographic Atlas
  8. GIS Collaboration in East Antarctica
  9. IHO Bathymetry Proposal
  10. Grove Mtns ortho-rectified satellite image map

Program Coordinator: Mrs Janet Thomson, UK

Program Objectives:

  1. To integrate and coordinate Antarctic mapping and GIS programs;
  2. To make fundamental reference data available to the Antarctic and global user communities.

1. Place Names (SCAR Composite Gazetteer)

Project Leader: Italy - Prof Roberto Cervellati

Members: UK, Germany

Goal: Provide an authoritative database of all Antarctic place names approved by recognised bodies, for reference by national Antarctic naming authorities, scientists and operators.

Activities:

  1. Continue to collect descriptions and dates of approval for letters B to Z
  2. Address non-responding countries via letter through former GGI representatives / SCAR delegates / COMNAP delegates / Place Names Committees
  3. For new or modified entries include source of co-ordinates (Australia to suggest fields)
  4. If countries supply names for submarine features advise GEBCO
  5. Investigate links to existing gazetteers for place names above 60° South
  6. Publish a "Supplement 2004" including all new information compiled since 1998
  7. Remove SCOUT program from website
  8. Prepare position paper on multiple names for SCAR XXVIII
  9. Advise KGIS and Larseman Hills GIS projects on pilot studies related to establish common coordinates per SCAR Gazetteer feature using GIS
  10. Address the resourcing of the SCAR Composite Gazetteer from two years on prior to SCAR XXVIII

If you are interested in obtaining an ArcInfo export file (.e00) containing all CGA entries at 1 January 2002 then please visit the Geoscience Australia site.

Go here if you are interested in viewing the classes of Antarctic place name features

Click on this image to access the CGA Place Names of Antarctica database

2. Antarctic Digital Database (ADD)

Project Leader: UK - Mr Adrian Fox

Members: Australia, USA, Germany

Goal: Provide a SCAR standard small scale topographic GIS database, for use by scientists and operators, and contribute topographic data to global mapping initiatives.

Activities:

  1. Australia to check coding for ice shelves / glacier tongues
  2. Add Chinese / Lambert traverses for version 4.0
  3. Italy to supply ITASE data for version 4.1
  4. Release ADD 4.0 in August 2002
  5. Release ADD 4.1 including bedrock contours from BEDMAP, improved elevation data derived from BKG ERS Altimeter DEM, and improved metadata in Decemeber 2002 (provided funding is available)
  6. Get advice from other SCAR groups on northern limits for extension above 60°S
  7. Workshop on extension above 60°S: To investigate northern limits and to involve relevant national data providers in the project
  8. Identify data sources for extension above 60°S
  9. Migrate the ADD to object oriented data model and create the Antarctic Map Server

3. Map Catalogue

Project Leader: Australia - Mr Henk Brolsma

Members: UK, USA, Germany, Chile

Goals: To maintain a public-access catalogue of all Antarctic mapping products

Activities:

  1. Ask relevant countries through former GGI representatives / SCAR delegates / COMNAP delegates to check existing entries and to add new or missing ones
  2. Evaluate which countries will provide translation of catalogue interface into Spanish, French, and Russian (Australia to write explanatory notes first)
  3. Provide a SCAR Map Catalogue start page
  4. Implement a geographical mask search tool
  5. Define additional fields if necessary
  6. Evaluate inclusion of SCAR geological map catalogue (at BAS)
  7. Link US and BAS thumbnails into the map catalogue
  8. Request countries to provide thumbnail scans of their maps

Notes:

  1. Search for maps in the catalogue
  2. Log in page for Custodians to update their entries

4. King George Island GIS (KGIS)

Project Leader: Germany - Mr Steffen Vogt

Members: Argentina, Chile, Brazil, Poland, China, Korea, UK, Uruguay

Goal: To produce an integrated geographic database for use by all countries, for use in multi-disciplinary applications.

Activities:

  1. Continue obtaining and integrating data: high resolution topography for Eastern part of the island, thematic data
  2. Evaluate available nearshore bathymetry data
  3. Publish meta data on the Antarctic Master Directory
  4. Maintain database, website and user's manual
  5. Continue promoting KGIS among users / data producers (attend 3rd Scientific Coordinators Meeting on KGI, liase with CEP, COMNAP and IAATO)
  6. Maintain close links to related GIS projects on KGI
  7. Organise KGIS workshop in March/April 2003 in Freiburg including participants from Argentina, Brasil, Chile, China, Czech Republic, Germany, Korea, Poland, Russia, UK, Uruguay (provided funding is available)
  8. Continue contributing to the development for the SCAR spatial data standards
  9. A UK-Germany pilot study on place names: propose common coordinates per SCAR Gazetteer feature using GIS (provided funding is available)
  10. Link data into Cybercartographic Atlas (provided funding is available)
  11. Enquire possibilities to establish mapserver

5. Spatial Data Standards

Project Leader: Australia - Mr Henk Brolsma

Members: UK, USA, Germany, Chile

Goal: To provide a SCAR standard spatial data model for use in SCAR and national GIS databases.

Activities:

    1. Continue developing the SCAR Feature Type Catalogue and the SCAR Spatial Data Model
    2. Provide SCAR Feature Type Catalogue online for comments - finalise by end August 2002
    3. Creation and incorporation of symbology
    4. Investigate metadata / data quality requirements
    5. Ensure compliance to ISO TC211 and OGC standards
    6. TC211 "Standards-In-Action" symposium - presentation on SCAR FTC to TC211 meeting (Switzerland, 21 May 2003) - Steffen Vogt to attend and present current research.

6. National On-line Atlases

Project Leader: USA - Mr Jerry Mullins

Members: Australia, China, Canada

Goal: To develop a distributed network of national Antarctic online atlas nodes linked to the Cybercartographic Atlas hub.

Activities:

  1. Version 2 of US Antarctic Atlas (incorporating ADD V3.0) be made available online by end 2002
  2. Build up a collaborative group for participation in the project
  3. USA to provide Communications and Outreach Group a list of new satellite missions relevant to Antarctic geospatial information to be made available on the GGI website - October 2002
  4. Keep group members informed on available imagery collections
    - contact for aerial photography collections - August 2002
    - details on what they have - September 2002
    - USARC provide scanned flight line indexes for web site - December 2002)

7. Cybercartographic Atlas

Project Leader: Canada - Prof D.R. Fraser Taylor

Members: Australia, USA, China, Argentina, Chile, IHO, Poland

Goal: To provide an online Antarctic Cybercartographic Atlas

Activities:

  1. Prepare a detailed technical framework for the atlas (December 2002)
  2. Hold a workshop of key stakeholders (Ottawa, October 2003)
  3. Continue development of the content of the Atlas (August 2002 - March 2003)
  4. Contact key groups in the scientific standing groups and standing committees of SCAR to incorporate case studies for the atlas (August 2002 - March 2003)
  5. Consolidate linkages with the key online nodes for the atlas and add new nodes as appropriate (August - December 2002)
  6. Develop contacts with key information providers/users of the Atlas such as COMNAP, IAATO, etc. (August 2002 - March 2003)
  7. Begin full implementation of the Atlas (January 2003)
  8. Complete a working version of the atlas for demonstration at the XXVIII SCAR meeting, Bremen, Germany, July 2004

8. GIS Collaboration in East Antarctica

Project Leader: Russia - Dr Alexander Yuskevitch

Members: Australia, China, Italy

Goal: To develop and finalise a proposal for GIS collaboration at a key site in East Antarctica.

Activities:

  1. Australia to revise the Russian proposal and to take forward a regional GIS of Larseman Hills in cooperation with China and Russia
  2. Circulate draft proposal for comment
  3. John Manning to follow up with Russia on the regional geodetic control database
  4. Propose common coordinates per SCAR Gazetteer feature using Larseman Hills GIS

9. IHO Bathymetry Proposal

Project Leader: Australia - Mr John Manning

Members: Canada, New Zealand, IHO

Goal: Support the proposal for the production of a new International Bathymetric Chart of the Southern Ocean.

Activities:

  1. John Manning to contact Hans-Werner Schenke regarding Ron Macnab and his involvement in the International Bathymetric Chart of the Southern Ocean

10. Grove Mountains ortho-rectified satellite image map 10. Grove Mountains ortho-rectified satellite image map

Project Leaders: Prof E Dongchen and Mr Henk Brolsma

Members: Australia, China

Goal: To prepare a 1:25 000 scale ortho-rectified satellite image map of the Grove Mountains.

Activities:

  1. Identify other information sources (eg. Geological information from China)
  2. Identify existing maps
  3. China to digitise existing topographic maps and develop a digital elevation model
  4. Identify existing satellite imagery, ground control, connection between datums and topographic surveys
  5. Determine medium and high-resolution satellite imagery to purchase
  6. Australia to acquire high-resolution satellite image (Jan-Feb 2003)
  7. Georeference and Ortho-rectify the imagery using existing mapping and ground control
  8. Design and produce satellite image maps (dual language, Chinese/English)
  9. Start on a compilation of a GIS for the Grove Mountains










GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION 2000-2002 PROGRAM

[If you are interested in obtaining or looking at geographic information of Antarctica then please visit our Links page. From there jump to an individual countries agency that is responsible for geographic information collection and dissemination. Particularly good sites include the Antarctic Resource Center at USGS, the Australian Antarctic Data Centre and the Antarctic Digital Database (ADD) at British Antarctic Survey]


There are nine projects in the GI Program, these are:

  1. Topographic Database;
  2. Place Names;
  3. Spatial Data Standards;
  4. Map Catalogue;
  5. Imagery Catalogue
  6. King George Island GIS Database;
  7. GIS Collaboration in East Antarctica
  8. Bathymetric Database; and
  9. On-line Atlases
  10. Cybercartographic Atlas

Program Coordinator: Mrs Janet Thomson, UK

Program Objectives:

  1. To integrate and coordinate Antarctic mapping and GIS programs;
  2. To make fundamental reference data available to the Antarctic and global user communities.

1. Topographic Database

Project Leader: UK - Mrs Janet Thomson

Collaborators: USA, Japan

Goal: Provide a SCAR standard small scale topographic GIS database, for use by scientists and operators, and contribute topographic data to global mapping initiatives.

Activities:

(if external funding is available)

  1. Provide Antarctic data to the Global Mapping project
  2. Print Version 3.0 Antarctic Digital Database [ADD] manual - Flyer is now available [219 Kb]
  3. Develop and release Version 4.0 of the ADD
    - Incorporate new 1:250K and smaller scale data from members
    - Revise coastline and glaciers from radar data
    - Incorporate BEDMAP contours
    - Review extent to include sub-Antarctic islands
    - Review production CD-ROM
    - Review implications of new SCAR Spatial Data Model

2. Place Names

Project Leader: Italy - Prof Roberto Cervellati

Collaborators: UK, Germany, Japan

Goal: Provide an authoritative database of all Antarctic place names approved by recognised bodies, for reference by national Antarctic naming authorities, scientists and operators.

Activities:

  1. Database development
    – incorporate new names as supplied by members
    – make revisions to the names database
    – collect descriptions and approval dates from members
    – incorporate descriptions and approval dates in the database
  2. Website Development
    – release updates each quarter
    – design a version control system
    – develop a data access and user registration facility
  3. Publish the updated letter "A" with descriptions, date and toponymic analysis

3. Spatial Data Standards

Project Leader: Australia - Mr Henk Brolsma

Collaborators: UK, Germany, Chile

Goal: To provide a SCAR standard spatial data model for use in SCAR and national GIS databases.

Activities:

  1. To determine the scope the model (content and application of the SDM)
    - incorporate map symbology into the data dictionary
  2. Review ISO TC211 and other relevant standards
  3. Produce and distribute a draft SDM for comment
  4. Publish as a SCAR standard

4. Map Catalogue

Project Leader: Australia - Mr Henk Brolsma

Collaborator: USA

Goals: To maintain a public-access catalogue of all Antarctic mapping products

Activities:

  1. Determine the scope of Edition 6 (map types and area of coverage)
  2. Collect revisions to draft version presented at XXVI SCAR
  3. Publish Edition 6 of the SCAR Map Catalogue [hardcopy (USA) and on-line (Australia)
  4. Develop an on-line catalogue revision tool for use by members

5. Imagery Catalogue

Project Leader: USA - Mr Jerry Mullins

Collaborators: Australia, UK, NZ

Goals: To maintain a public-access catalogue of all Antarctic satellite imagery and aerial photography

Activities:

  1. Identify existing satellite imagery, aerial photography and catalogues
  2. Describe functionality and content of each catalogue
  3. Develop a SCAR WG-GGI web site index to Antarctic imagery
  4. Proposed future developments for the Antarctic Imagery Catalogue

6. King George Island GIS Database

Project Leader: Germany - Mr Steffen Vogt

Collaborators: China, Chile, Argentina, Korea, Russia, Poland, Brazil, Uruguay

Goal: To produce an integrated geographic database for use by all countries, for use in multi-disciplinary applications.

Activities:

  1. Develop a specification (including the SCAR Spatial Data Model)
  2. Obtain geographic data from members
  3. Integrate the geographic data and standard products
  4. Produce a user manual for the database including all metadata
  5. Provide on-line access and user registration facility.

7. GIS Collaboration in East Antarctica

Project Leader: Russia - Dr Alexander Yuskevitch

Collaborators: Australia (AAD), China

Goal: To develop a proposal for GIS collaboration at a key site in East Antarctica.

Activities:

  1. Define user needs and select a site
  2. Develop a specification (incorporating the SCAR Spatial Data Model)
  3. Produce an index of existing data over the site
  4. Prepare a project plan and budget

Notification received from NZ that they are unable to complete the project

8. Bathymetric Database

Project Leader: New Zealand -- Mr Tony Bevin

Collaborators: Australia, IHO, GEBCO, Germany

Goal: To provide a SCAR Standard small scale bathymetric database to support research applications.

Activities:

  1. Identify sources and coverage of Antarctic bathymetric data
  2. Produce and publish an index of sources and coverage
  3. Develop a specification for a small scale database (incorporating the SCAR Spatial Data Model)
  4. Prepare a project plan and budget

9. On-line Atlases

Project Leader: USA - Mr Jerry Mullins

Collaborators: Canada, Argentina

Goal: To maintain and further develop the SCAR Science on-line atlas.

Activities:

  1. Keep the US Antarctic Atlas up-to-date, as an element of the SCAR Science on-line atlas
  2. Add new scientific data, from SCAR member nations, where appropriate
  3. Develop an interface strategy with the Cybercartographic Atlas
  4. Produce a time frame on implementation of the above activities

10. Cybercartographic Atlas

Project Leader: Canada - Prof Fraser Taylor

Collaborators: Argentina

Goal: To define the user requirements of on-line atlas technology by SCAR and develop implementation strategies for an Antarctic Cybercartographic Atlas

Activities:

  1. Identify potential user requirements and contributors including GOSEAC, GLOCHANT, COMNAP, ATCM, JCADM and other SCAR Working Groups
  2. Research capabilities of existing systems and data (both SCAR and non-SCAR) availability
  3. Develop an integretion strategy with the SCAR Science on-line atlas
  4. Hold workshop in Puerto Madryn, Argentina, late November 2001
  5. Subject to funding, hold workshop in Ottawa, Canada, late May 2002
  6. Identify and pursue funding sources for implementation of the project

GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION 1998-2000 PROGRAM

  1. Standards;
  2. Place Names;
  3. Topographic Database;
  4. King George Island GIS;
  5. Geographic Data Integration; and
  6. Maps and Charts Catalogue

Program Coordinators: Mrs Janet Thomson (UK) and Dr Jörn Sievers (Germany)

Program Objective: To integrate and coordinate Antarctic mapping and GIS programs, and to make fundamental reference data available to the Antarctic and global user communities.

1. STANDARDS (Project Leader: UK)

Goal: To provide map, data dictionary and directory standards for use by all SCAR members.

2. PLACE NAMES (Project Leader: Italy / Germany)

Goal: Provide an authoritative database of all Antarctic place names approved by recognised bodies, for reference by national Antarctic naming authorities, scientists and operators. The 2nd CGA Workshop was held in Rome on 15-17 March, 1999. Outcomes and Action Items from Workshop.

3. TOPOGRAPHIC DATABASE (Project Leader: UK)

Goal: Provide a SCAR standard small scale topographic GIS database, for use by scientists and operators, and contribute topographic data to global mapping initiatives.

4. KING GEORGE ISLAND GIS (Project Leader: Poland)

Goal: To produce a SCAR standard large scale GIS database for use by scientists and operators, and to provide a model for the coordination and integration of mapping programs over areas of intense international activity.

5. GEOGRAPHIC DATA INTEGRATION (Project Leader: Australia)

Goal: To facilitate availability of integrated fundamental GIS datasets (including surface elevation, bedrock elevation, bathymetry, coastline and features) over Antarctica, through liaison with other programs and international agencies, for use by global change researchers and other scientists.

6. MAPS AND CHARTS CATALOGUE (Project Leader: USA)

Goal: To maintain a public-access catalogue of all Antarctic topographic and bathymetric maps, and nautical and aeronautical charts.


GEOGRAPHIC DATA 1996-98 PROGRAM



GEOGRAPHIC DATA 1994-96 PROGRAM


The Working Group agreed to recommend that SCAR, COMNAP and the Treaty adopt a number of principles regarding place naming practices, and to defer further action on the toponymic guidelines pending a response to those recommendations.

Further consultation is required with COMNAP on the proposed stations atlas, as COMNAP is currently considering a request from the Treaty to produce a stations handbook. The GIS Projects Register is now operational, and all countries are encouraged to utilise the system as a means of avoiding duplication.

Geographic Data