Project Title

The Polar Geospatial Information Center: Joint Support

Summary

Event Number:
T-434-M
NSF / OPP Award 2434541

Program Director:
Dr. Colleen Strawhacker

ASC POC/Implementer:
Ryan Steiner / Randolph Jones

Principal Investigator(s)

Dr. Jay Dickson
jdickson@umn.edu
University of Minnesota
Polar Geospatial Center (PGC)
Saint Paul, Minnesota

Project Web Site:
https://www.pgc.umn.edu/

Location

Supporting Stations: McMurdo Station
Research Locations: Crary Lab

Description

The Polar Geospatial Center (PGC; fka Antarctic Geospatial Information Center [AGIC]) covers both polar regions. PGC provides geospatial support in the form of mapping, data delivery, and geographic information systems (GIS) analysis to science and logistics communities of the National Science Foundation’s Arctic and Antarctic research programs. PGC provides satellite imagery of aircraft landing sites, satellite radar, elevation models, real-time surface imagery, and historical time-lapse sequences of changing ice conditions.

Field Season Overview

Two PGC participants will deploy on a staggered timeline from mid-October through mid-December 2026. PGC will provide cartographic support, remote sensing products, and geospatial analysis assistance to science event grantees and other United States Antarctic Program contractor and logistics entities. These data products rely on satellite and aerial imagery from a variety of national and international sources and include both commercial and governmental satellite constellations. The scope of PGC’s work varies each season based on the requirements of science groups and Antarctic Support Contract operations.

Deploying Team Members