The Antarctic Geospatial Information Center: Collecting, Creating, Delivering and Archiving for the Community

University Of Minnesota-Twin Cities, Minneapolis MN

Investigators

Abstract

This award established the Antarctic Geospatial Information Center (AGIC), a central hub for geospatial information for Antarctica. The center acquires, develops, and serves information that ranges from satellite images to air photos to digital elevation models to innovative mapping products that combine these resources. AGIC also produces custom maps on request to meet the needs of researchers, planners, and educators. The center will also serve as a long-term archive. In terms of broader impacts, this award supports new infrastructure whose goal is to foster collaboration and reduce the barrier to entry to the use of advanced geospatial images and data. The center will also be a useful resource for education and outreach. Undergraduate students will be employed by the center to gain experience in GIS and other techniques. This project has relevance to NSF's priority of support for the International Polar Year (2007-2009) by developing a legacy archive of geospatial information about Antarctica.