SCAR EXPERT GROUP ON GEOSPATIAL INFORMATION (GIG) REPORT ON ACTIVITIES

Transcription

1 HCA3-7.1A SCAR EXPERT GROUP ON GEOSPATIAL INFORMATION (GIG) REPORT ON ACTIVITIES At the SCAR XXVII meeting in Shanghai, China in July 2002, the re-structuring of SCAR (adopted by Delegates at XXVI SCAR in Tokyo, Japan, July 2000) was put into place. The new SCAR structure meant that the former Working Groups on Geosciences and Geodesy & Geographic Information (WG-GGI) were amalgamated to form the Geoscience Standing Scientific Group (GSSG). The GSSG now consists of: Action Groups (short term groups to address specific scientific topics); Expert Groups (longer term groups [6-8 years] to address specific scientific topics); Scientific Research Programmes (SRP) and Scientific Programme Planning Groups (SPPG). GSSG encompasses activities undertaken in the following disciplines: geology, geodesy, geographic information, neotectonics, permafrost, climate and evolution, geophysics and sub-glacial lake exploration. Further information about each of these groups can be found at the GSSG home page - Of interest to IHO members would be the organisational location of the former Working Group on Geodesy and Geographic Information - the link between SCAR and the IHO. The former WG-GGI has been reclassified and is now the Expert Group on Geospatial Information (GIG). The work structure of "projects" within a Geodesy stream and a Geographic Information stream in the former WG-GGI has been carried through to the new GIG structure. John Manning, Australia, is the current Chairman of GIG. Summary of GIG activities undertaken during Geodetic Infrastructure for Antarctica (GIANT) Program 1. Permanent Geodetic Observatories: the permanent network now comprises 13 GPS sites, 3 DORIS sites, 2 PRARE sites, 2 VLBI sites, 2 GLONASS sites, 12 tide gauges and 8 absolute gravity stations. Nine GPS sites are contributing data daily to the International GPS Service (IGS), an increase of 5 in the past four years. 2. GPS Epoch Campaigns for crustal motion: Continent wide field campaigns were not undertaken in the period as the technology now enables observations to be integrated on a daily basis rather than the need for simultaneous observations as continent wide campaigns. However specific regional high accuracy campaigns are being undertaken in the Trans Antarctic Mountains. Results from all past epoch campaigns were integrated and submitted to the International Earth Rotation Service (IERS) for inclusion in the International Terrestrial Reference Frame (ITRF) Physical Geodesy: primary data sources have been identified and collaborative arrangements have been developed with the International Association of Geodesy (IAG) and the International Geoid Service (IGeS)

2 4. Geodetic Control data Base A considerable step forward was made on this activity with geodetic indexes from a number of countries being posted to the web as clickable locations for meta data 5. Tide gauges A report was presented on progress withe compilation of a history of tide gauges and the general need for a manual of coping with the difficulties of running tide gauges in Antarctica 6. Atmospheric impact on GPS Observations in an Antarctic environment The difficulties in obtaining correlated and reliable meteorological observations with GPS observation was providing some hindrance on the project but results were impressive in working with European colleagues on the issues. 7. Remote Observatory technology The progress made with TAMDEF equipment and on site data acquisition was discussed. It was noted that the new Javad receivers only needs 2.2 watts for operation whilst flash cards of 512mb allowed some 300 days to be captured. 8. Ground truthing for new satellite mission The requirements for calibration of new satellite is being investigated for the Antarctic ice sheet particularly in the opportunity to improve the profiled data for Antarctica from ICeSAT Geographic Information Program 1. Spatial Data Standards: in line with ISO TC211 standards a draft feature-type catalogue was produced as a requirement for the King George Island GIS project. This will form the basis for all on-going GIS activities to meet ISO standards. The feature-type catalogue will be circulated for comment by members. 2. Place Names: the SCAR Composite Gazetteer of Antarctica (CGA) Supplement 2002 was published and tabled. The CGA now contains in excess of names for more than features. The CGA web site < continues to be updated quarterly. An ARC/INFO format file of the database is available from the web and has generated more than 50 requests within the first 6 months of being listed. 3. Topographic Database: SCAR Antarctic Digital Database (ADD) Version 4.0 contains a major revision of the east Antarctic coastline produced by Australia. It will be released online at by the end of Over 1000 users from 41 countries have downloaded ADD data, and derived data has been submitted to the Global Map project. Germany tabled a Digital Elevation Model (produced by Johannes Idhe of BKG) of the continent derived from ERS satellite radar altimetry. 4. King George Island GIS: Project nears completion and comprehensive documentation and website containing data is available at This impressive activity highlighted positional inaccuracies in the place names on the island, which could be easily rectified by the integrated use of satellite imagery and GIS. 5. Bathymetric Database: New Zealand withdrew from this project. Correspondence with IHO concerning a new project on the International Bathymetric Chart of the Southern Ocean is underway

3 6. Maps and Charts Catalogue: a comprehensive web-based catalogue is available through the Australian Antarctic Division website. Countries are invited to validate their map catalogue collections with an online revision tool. 7. Imagery Catalogue: A selection of US flight line indexes are available online through the US Antarctic Research Centre at USGS usarc.usgs.gov 8. East Antarctic GIS: Russia reported on a major proposal, initially developing a GIS of the Larsemann Hills, before extending it across the East Antarctic. The full cost of the project was estimated to be in excess of US$1 Million and would require a significant injection of funding from SCAR. 9. Cybercartographic Atlas: Prof. Fraser Taylor announced he has submitted a developmental proposal for significant funds to the Canadian government using the Antarctic region as part of a wider research project on cognitive cartography. [P.S. This funding bid has been successful and Prof Taylor is looking to cooperate more closely with the IHO regarding information on Antarctic bathymetry which the Atlas would link to] 10. Online Atlases: A presentation was made on recent developments in the Atlas including the addition of a number of raster image datasets. Meetings and Communication The following GIG meetings were held during the period: Program Coordinators meeting, Italy, and July Thirteen members attended, enabling mid-term review of progress in all WG-GGI projects and the formal adoption of the Cybercartographic Atlas project into the work plan. There was also much discussion on the implications of the SCAR review on where WG-GGI might end up in the new structure. Geographic Information Workshop, Italy, July Ten members attended, with good progress being made on individual project activities. Demonstrations on on-line atlases and place names also occurred. Antarctic Geodesy Symposium (AGS 01), St Petersburg, July Fourteen people from eight countries attended, with twenty four papers presented. The proceedings have been published by SCAR SCAR Report Number 21, January Papers are available from both the SCAR and GSSG web sites. Place Names Workshop, Rome, and November The project examined future strategies for maintaining the database and the project itself as well as making corrections to entries in the database. Special Antarctic Session, European Geophysical Society Scientific Assembly, Nice, April Papers on the status of Antarctic geodesy were presented in a combined ANTEC and GIANT symposium. Special Antarctic Session, European Geophysical Society Scientific Assembly, Nice, April A smaller group met to discuss the status of Antarctic geodesy projects

4 Cybercartographic Atlas Workshop, Puerto Madryn, Argentina, November Thirteen people attended the workshop enabling further development of this WG-GGI project. Cybercartographic Atlas Workshop, Ottawa, Canada, May Eight participants attended the workshop at which the structure and content of the Atlas was further developed. Preparation for a major funding application to the Canadian government occurred. PLANS FOR GIG continued the structure of two major programs, geodesy and geographic information, each with a number of specific projects. Sixteen geodesy and geographic information projects from the period are continuing, and three new projects have been identified. The goals and major activities planned for the period are summarised below. Program leaders are also identified. A more detailed description of each project, and the collaborating members, are listed on the GSSG web site. Geodesy Program (Geodetic Infrastructure for Antarctica - GIANT) 1. Permanent Geoscientific Observatories - Mr John Manning (Australia) Goal: To develop an infrastructure of permanent geoscientific (ie. seismologic, geomagnetic, geodetic and gravimetric) stations to bring all individual networks to a common datum. Activities: Extend the network of permanent observatories to include seismic and geomagnetic techniques, post details on web site, complete and publish cgps base station specifications, record survey results of accurate local ties between collocated techniques and collaborate with other SCAR scientists to identify requirements for space geodetic sites 2. Epoch Crustal Movement Campaigns - Prof Reinhard Dietrich (Germany) Goals: To densify the geodetic infrastructure established from the permanent observatories; and to develop a deformation model. Activities: Co-ordinate annual continental or regional epoch campaigns, maintain orderly data archive and data access from these campaigns, identify and coordinate integration of regional campaigns (eg. TAMDEF and VLNDEF), facilitate GPS connections to tide gauge bench marks, deliver results to ITRF in conjunction with results from permanent observatories, collaboration with appropriate IAG Antarctic Crustal Deformation Sub-Commission, integration of solutions using ITRF guidelines and provide project results to ANTEC 3. Physical Geodesy - Prof Alessandro Capra (Italy) Goal: to develop a new high resolution Geoid for the Antarctic. Activities: Compilation of geodetic data and a gravimetric database, investigate the ADMAP database and link into the Physical Geodesy database, collaboration with IAG Antarctic Gravity project and SCAR Physical Sciences Standing Scientific Group, analysis and validation of observations and database, develop a simulation model & geoid model on a test area in North Victoria Land, coordinate with Project 8 on new satellite gravity data mission 4. Geodetic Control Database - Mr Glenn Johnstone (Australia) Goal: Maintain the master index for Antarctic positional control, including all levels of accuracy Activities: Maintain database and add in newly acquired data, Italy to provide further details on NVL points, collaboration with Steffen Vogt for KGI geodetic control, Australia to help develop guidelines for photo identification, publish guidelines for geodetic control identification on web site 5. Tide Gauge Data - Dr Kazuo Shibuya (Japan) Goal: To consolidate the collection of and access to Antarctic tide gauge information - 4 -

5 Activities: Revise information on the web to benchmark values and connections to IGS GPS observations sites GPS stations, gather information on history of establishment and operation of Antarctic tide gauges, Research and list all permanent and significant tide gauges, list all known sea level determinations, dates and accuracy estimates for all significant tide gauges, identify benchmark values and connections to GPS observations sites, produce best-practice guidelines on establishment and calibrating on bottom mounted and acoustic type gauges in Antarctic conditions, investigate GLOSS guidelines and compatibility with Antarctic conditions 6. Atmospheric Impact on GPS Observations in Antarctica- Dr Jan Cisak (Poland) Goal: To understand the iononspheric and tropospheric impact of the atmosphere on the quality of GPS observations in Antarctica Activities: Facilitate access to GPS observations from permanent GPS sites and SCAR GPS epoch campaigns, examine the correlation with magnetic storms, research impact of differing levels of solar and meteorological activity, Report on participation in international studies, continue collaboration with Iono_WG of IAG, search for existing research (PhD) that is currently being conducted, develop recommendations for future GPS observations. 7. Remote Observatory Technologies - Mr Larry Hothem (USA) Goal: Identify technology and monitor developments for the deployment of remote geophysical and geodetic measurement sensors and ancillary support equipment. Activities: Monitor and report on developments in the following areas: Power generation, Batteries: Data communications, Engineering factors, Experiences in Arctic polar regions, to produce an Annual status report and disseminate information via the GSSG web site. 8. Ground Truthing for Satellite Missions - Prof Reinhard Dietrich (Germany) Goal: To ensure new satellite missions are integrated with the Antarctic geodetic system Activities: To identify and report on new satellite missions that will provide geodetic data or require geodetic support, coordinate ground truthing campaigns in Antarctica with other known researchers, liaison with satellite mission principal investigators and ANTEC, facilitate the transfer of satellite mission data to the Antarctic community 9. Geodetic Advice on positioning limits of special areas in Antarctica - Tnt Col Rodrigo Barriga (Chile) Goal: To provide advice to SCAR, through the Geoscience Standing Scientific Group on the geodetic aspects of protected area definitions. Activities: Undertake a scoping study, liase with former GOSEAC, CEP and other relevant groups, identify difficulties / problems related to coordinates, identify pilot project areas, develop guidelines for surveying and describing limits Geographic Information Program 1. Place Names (SCAR Composite Gazetteer) - Prof Roberto Cervellati (Italy) Goal: Provide an authoritative database of all Antarctic place names approved by recognised bodies. Activities: Continue to collect descriptions and dates of approval for letters B to Z, address nonresponding countries via letter, for new or modified entries include source of co-ordinates, if countries supply names for submarine features advise GEBCO, investigate links to existing gazetteers for place names above 60 South, publish a "Supplement 2004" including all new information compiled since 1998, prepare position paper on multiple names for SCAR XXVIII, address the resourcing of the SCAR Composite Gazetteer from two years on prior to SCAR XXVIII 2. Antarctic Digital Database (ADD) - Mrs Janet Thomson (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. Activities: Coding check for ice shelves / glacier tongues, add Chinese / Lambert traverses for version 4.0, release ADD 4.0 in August 2002, release ADD 4.1 including bedrock contours from BEDMAP, improved elevation data derived from BKG ERS Altimeter DEM, and improved metadata, get advice from other SCAR groups on northern limits for extension above 60 S, workshop on extension above 60 S: To - 5 -

6 investigate northern limits and to involve relevant national data providers in the project, migrate the ADD to object oriented data model and create the Antarctic Map Server 3. Map Catalogue - Mr Henk Brolsma (Australia) Goals: To maintain a public-access catalogue of all Antarctic mapping products Activities: Ask relevant countries to check existing entries and to add new or missing ones, evaluate which countries will provide translation of catalogue interface into Spanish, French, and Russian, Provide a SCAR Map Catalogue start page, implement a geographical mask search tool, evaluate inclusion of SCAR geological map catalogue, link US and BAS thumbnails into the map catalogue Notes: Search for maps in the catalogue and Log in page for Custodians to update their entries 4. King George Island GIS (KGIS) - Mr Steffen Vogt (Germany) Goal: To produce an integrated geographic database for use by all countries, for use in multidisciplinary applications. Activities: Continue obtaining and integrating data: high resolution topography for Eastern part of the island, thematic data, evaluate available nearshore bathymetry data, publish meta data on the Antarctic Master Directory, maintain database, website and user's manual, organise KGIS workshop in March/April 2003 in Freiburg, continue contributing to the development for the SCAR spatial data standards, Link data into Cybercartographic Atlas (provided funding is available), enquire possibilities to establish mapserver 5. Spatial Data Standards - Mr Henk Brolsma (Australia) Goal: To provide a SCAR standard spatial data model for use in SCAR and national GIS databases. Activities: Continue developing the SCAR Feature Catalogue and the SCAR Spatial Data Model, provide SCAR Feature Type Catalogue online, creation and incorporation of symbology, ensure compliance to ISO TC211 and OGC standards, presentation on SCAR FC to TC211 meeting (Switzerland, May 2003) 6. National On-line Atlases - Mr Jerry Mullins (USA) Goal: To develop a distributed network of national Antarctic online atlas nodes linked to the Cybercartographic Atlas hub. Activities: Version 2 of US Antarctic Atlas (incorporating ADD V3.0) be made available online, keep group members informed on available aerial photography collections including scanned flight line indexes on web site 7. Cybercartographic Atlas - Prof D.R. Fraser Taylor (Canada) Goal: To provide an online Antarctic Cybercartographic Atlas Activities: Prepare a detailed technical framework for the atlas, hold a workshop of key stakeholders, continue development of the content of the Atlas, contact key groups in the scientific standing groups and standing committees of SCAR to incorporate case studies for the atlas, consolidate linkages with the key online nodes for the atlas and add new nodes as appropriate, develop contacts with key information providers/users, complete a working version of the atlas for demonstration at the XXVIII SCAR meeting, Bremen, Germany, July GIS Collaboration in East Antarctica - Dr Alexander Yuskevitch (Russia) Goal: To develop and finalise a proposal for GIS collaboration at a key site in East Antarctica. Activities: Australia to revise the Russian proposal and to take forward a regional GIS of Larseman Hills in cooperation with China and Russia, circulate draft proposal for comment, propose common coordinates per SCAR Gazetteer feature using Larseman Hills GIS 9. IHO Bathymetry Proposal - Mr John Manning (Australia) Goal: Support the proposal for the production of a new International Bathymetric Chart of the Southern Ocean. Activities: John Manning to contact Hans-Werner Schenke regarding Ron Macnab and his involvement in the International Bathymetric Chart of the Southern Ocean. [P.S. It should be noted here about the work being undertaken by Hans Werner Schenke and Martin Klenke at AWI in relation to Antarctic bathymetry. This work has come to the attention of GIG since - 6 -

7 the formulation of the work program and GIG Chairman John Manning would like to see AWI's work endorsed as a SCAR GIG project for the work program. There will also be close collaboration between AWI's work and the Cybercartographic Atlas project of GIG.] 10. Grove Mountains ortho-rectified satellite image map Prof E Dongchen and Mr Henk Brolsma (China and Australia) Goal: To prepare a 1: scale ortho-rectified satellite image map of the Grove Mountains. Activities: Identify other information sources, digitise existing topographic maps and develop a digital elevation model, determine medium and high-resolution satellite imagery to purchase, georeference and orthorectify the imagery using existing mapping and ground control, design and produce satellite image maps (dual language, Chinese/English), start on a compilation of a GIS for the Grove Mountains Other related news Australian Antarctic Division (AAD) AAD have two relevant initiatives underway. They have coordinated, through Geoscience Australia, the amalgamation of all known bathymetric data for the area 50 o S to the Antarctic continent and 45 o E to 150 o E. This is a 3-5 year project but we would assume that the eastern part (Macquarie Island region) should hopefully be complete within the next 6 months. Also, discussions are well underway to bring the National Tidal Facility (NTF) into the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) and to be renamed as the National Tidal Centre. AAD see this as a highly positive move as the synergies between NTF and BOM should enable a very effective network particularly in Antarctica. There are still some issues on funding (ie. who pays for what) that require finalisation. AAD have a 5 year plan for the Australian Hydrographic Office (HODSU) for near shore bathymetry, with the emphasis at the moment on the area around Mawson base station. Further details about any of this work can be requested from the AAD Mapping Officer, Mr Henk Brolsma. New Zealand Fred Davey reports that he is just finishing off compiling a bathymetry of Ross Sea from 69 o - 79 o S and 160 o o E, corrected (Carter and XBT) metres, 50 m contours on shelf, 100 m contours slope and rise (apart from where too steep to depict). The work includes available multibeam data and has been compiled at about 1: scale. The current plan is to produce a limited number of hardcopies and to have a digital version available. This digital version will probably be in Arc- Info arcs format, however, this has yet to be finalised. An interim edition of the data will be displayed in poster format at 9th ISAES symposium in Potsdam, Germany, 8-13 September Cybercartographic Atlas As mentioned above the Cybercartographic Atlas of Antarctica project is interested in linking in with IHO bathymetry mapping for Antarctica. Prof Taylor's group have already had considerable correspondence and involvement from Dr. Ron Macnab, on behalf of IHO, who raised this issue with him. Prof Taylor also mentioned it again to the IHO representative, Mr. Michel Huet, at the - 7 -

8 recent meeting of the International Cartographic Association in Durban, South Africa. Prof Taylor understands that as a result of Dr Macnab's efforts IHO is aware of this interest. Prof Taylor's group are also aware of the work proposed by Han Werner Schenke and Martin Klenke for developing a new International Bathymetric Chart of the Southern Ocean. It appears from a presentation that Martin Klenke made at the 2 nd International Antarctic GIS workshop, in Freiburg, Germany (April 2003) that AWI are connected to the IHO. This report was prepared by: Glenn Johnstone Chairman, Communication & Outreach SCAR Geoscience Standing Scientific Group With assistance from: the Australian Antarctic Division, Dr Fred Davey, Prof Fraser Taylor, Mr Peter Pulisfer and Mr John Manning 2 September