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SCAR GSSG - AGDI - Background " /> " />

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BACKGROUND TO AGDI PROJECT

The SCAR WG-GGI has identified a growing number of digital datasets from SCAR member countries that are being or could be used in research, GIS analysis and planning. Currently there is no formal standard for these datasets to meet - thus causing difficulties in integrating data from different sources. There is no coordinated approach or program to acquire, or even access fundamental datasets and in some cases unnecessary duplication of data. In terms of examining data, often it is collected for a single project and could have limited or no access available.

At XXIV SCAR in Cambridge, August 1996, the WG-GGI agreed to a new geographic data project, termed ‘geographic data integration’. The initial task was to “develop a SCAR proposal for the collection, integration and publication of fundamental geographic datasets of surface elevation bedrock elevation, coastline and bathymetry, drawing on existing SCAR, national and international programs”.

In September 1997 the Project Manager Glenn Johnstone was appointed.

At XXV SCAR meeting in Concepcion, July 1998, the Working Group agreed to the following goal for the renamed project - Antarctic Geographic Data Integration (AGDI):

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.

Further consultation with users in May 1999 (see Hobart report for feedback) resulted in a modification of the aims of the project. The most significant changes were the introduction of the "Data Library" and 1:5Million scale product concepts.