This award, provided by the Antarctic Geology and Geophysics Program and the Antarctic Biology and Medicine Program of the Office of Polar Programs, supports mapping, surveying, satellite imagery, and geodetic activities in support of the US Antarctic Research Program. Geodetic surveying, aerial photography, remote sensing (principally using several varieties of satellite imagery), and mapping comprise a variety of activities necessary for the successful operation of a multifaceted scientific and exploration effort in Antarctica. Year-round data acquisition, cataloging, and data dissemination activities will continue in the US Antarctic Resource Center for geospatial information. Field surveys will be conducted both in support of specific research projects and as part of a continuing program to collect ground control data required to transform existing geodetic data to an earth-centered system suitable for future satellite mapping programs. LandSat data will be collected as part of satellite image mapping activities and publication of additional 1:50,000 scale topographic maps in the Dry Valleys region will continue. The topographic maps provide a base map on which to portray scientific information, such as geological, glaciological, and biological information in a spatially accurate manner for analysis. The maps and satellite image maps will also be used by scientists to plan and execute future research work. Spatially references digital cartographic data will be produced in tandem with the published maps.
