Recommendation SCAR XXVIII–1

Concerning Antarctic place-names

Noting that the SCAR Composite Gazetteer of Antarctica (CGA), comprising toponymic data from SCAR member countries, the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) and the International Oceanographic Commission (IOC), contains around 34,165 entries for 17,097 features, with about 10% of features having two or more entirely different names

Noting also the need for greater accuracy of the coordinates and applying the principle of one "name per feature" for both scientific clarity and operational safety

recommends that National Committees, directly or through their national Antarctic naming authority:

1. refer to the CGA in considering all proposals for new place names;
2. avoid adding new place names to features already named;
3. submit all new approved place names and their coordinates to the SCAR Expert Group on Geospatial Information for inclusion in the CGA;
4. ensure that all existing toponymic data are provided to the Expert Group on Geospatial Information for inclusion in the CGA.

Concerning geodetic and geographic information

Noting the Antarctic Treaty Article III (1c) requirements regarding data exchange,

Recognizing that the information products produced by the SCAR Scientific Standing Group on Geosciences are all derived from the work of National Committees and Programmes:

SCAR recommends that National Committees request National Programmes to provide continuing access for all SCAR members to fundamental geodetic and geographic information, including:

• geodetic observations and databases;
• geodetic control point and tide gauge records;
• remotely sensed data (including satellite imagery and aerial photography)
• topographic and bathymetric data;
• and place names data.

Recommendation SCAR XXVIII-6

Concerning rationalization of scientific activities on King George Island

Noting that a Geographic Information System is now available on the Internet

SCAR recommends that National Committees with activities on King George Island, through their National Programmes, should use this integrated system for coordinating science activity, environmental planning and logistic operations;

and that they should continue to provide spatially referenced data to the GIS for the mutual benefit of relevant National Programmes.

Recommendation SCAR XXVIII-7

Noting the Recommendation SCAR XXVIII-I on Antarctic place names and its emphasis on the importance of high quality spatial data to Antarctic science and operations;

SCAR recommends to National Committees and National Programmes that they identify a Geographic Information contact to provide the information required to ensure the greatest possible coordination of geographic information across the Antarctic.

[Source: SCAR Bulletin 157, April 2005]