The compilation of a dtm and a new satellite image map for king george island, antarctica

Abstract

An improved topographic database for King George Island, one of the most frequently visited regions in Antarctica, is presented. A first step consisted in combining data from differential GPS surveys gained during the austral summers 1997–1998 and 1999–2000, with the current coastline from a SPOT satellite image mosaic, topographic information from existing maps and from the Antarctic Digital Database. From this data sets, a digital terrain model (DTM) was generated using Arc/Info GIS. In a second step, a satellite image map at the scale 1:100 000 was assembled from contour lines derived from the DTM and the satellite mosaic. A lack of accurate topographic information in the eastern part of the island was identified. Additional topographic surveying or SAR interferometry should be used to improve the data quality in that area. The GIS integrated database will be indispensable for glaciological and climatological studies and administrative and scientific purposes. In future, the application of GIS techniques will be mandatory for environmental impact studies and environmental monitoring as well as for management plans on King George Island. © 2001 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.