SCAR EXCOM 2017 Paper 17: Report on SCAGI Activities and Plans Popular

SCAR EXCOM 2017 Paper 17: Report on SCAGI Activities and Plans

Standing Committee on Antarctic Geographic Information 2016-2017 Report

Report Author(s): Adrian Fox, British Antarctic Survey, Jean-Yves Pirlot, National Geographic Institute, Belgium

Summary of activities from 2016-17 and any other important issues or factors:

Almost all work in Antarctica relies on accurate and reliable geographic information. Accurate, comprehensive and reliable geographic information is needed to support science, operations, environmental management and tourism. The main roles of SCAR SCAGI are to:

1. Coordinate maintaining and developing this geospatial framework for Antarctica through national agencies, and
2. Provide an arena for raising awareness of national programme activities though national reports, sharing of experience and best practice, and for highlighting opportunities for collaboration between agencies.

SCAGI continues to deliver a range of geographic information products through its various Products: Antarctic Digital Database (ADD); Air Operations Planning Maps; Composite Gazetteer of Antarctica (CGA) and SCAR MAP Catalogue. Usage statistics show that these SCAR Products are used and valued by the Antarctic Community. SCAGI seeks to continue to develop and improve the existing products and develop appropriate new ones to support evolving activities in Antarctica.