An improved topographic database for King George Island - Compilation, Application and Outlook

Braun M, Simoes JC, Vogt S, Bremer UF, Blindow N, Pfender M, Saurer H, Aquino FE, Ferron FA (2001)


Publication Type: Book chapter / Article in edited volumes

Publication year: 2001

Journal

Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)

Edited Volumes: Antarctic Science 13

City/Town: .

Book Volume: 1

Pages Range: 41-52

DOI: 10.1017/S0954102001000074

Abstract

A new topographic database for King George Island, one of the most visited areas in Antarctica, is presented. Data from differential GPS surveys, gained during the summers 1997/98 and 1999/2000, were combined with up to date coastlines from a SPOT satellite image mosaic, and topographic information from maps as well as from the Antarctic Digital Database. A digital terrain model (DTM) was generated using ARC/ INFO GIS. From contour lines derived from the DTM and the satellite image mosaic a satellite image map was assembled. Extensive information on data accuracy, the database as well as on the criteria applied to select place names is given in the multilingual map. A lack of accurate topographic information in the eastern part of the island was identified. It was concluded that additional topographic surveying or radar interferometry should be conducted to improve the data quality in this area. In three case studies, the potential applications of the improved topographic database are demonstrated. The first two examples comprise the verification of glacier velocities and the study of glacier retreat from the various input data-sets as well as the use of the DTM for climatological modelling. The last case study focuses on the use of the new digital database as a basic GIS (Geographic Information System) layer for environmental monitoring and management on King George Island.

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How to cite

APA:

Braun, M., Simoes, J.C., Vogt, S., Bremer, U.F., Blindow, N., Pfender, M.,... Ferron, F.A. (2001). An improved topographic database for King George Island - Compilation, Application and Outlook. In Antarctic Science 13. (pp. 41-52). .: Cambridge University Press (CUP).

MLA:

Braun, Matthias, et al. "An improved topographic database for King George Island - Compilation, Application and Outlook." Antarctic Science 13. .: Cambridge University Press (CUP), 2001. 41-52.

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