At the XXIX SCAR meeting in Hobart 2006, the Expert Group on Geographic Information (EGGI) was repositioned from within the Standing Scientific Group for the Geosciences to become the Standing Committee on Antarctic Geographic Information (SC-AGI). SC-AGI is the direct descendant of the SCAR Working Group on Cartography, formed near SCAR’s beginnings, in 1958.

All work in Antarctica relies on a consistent geographic framework, and the main function of the new SC-AGI is to manage and improve the geographic framework not only for Antarctic scientific research but also for other activities including operations, environmental management and tourism.

Building on the work done by its predecessor EGGI, SC-AGI continues to deliver a range of up to date Geographic Information products through its various projects. These products include the SCAR Composite Gazetteer of Antarctica, the Antarctic Digital Database, the SCAR King George Island GIS Database, and the SCAR Map Catalogue.

SC-AGI integrates and coordinates national Antarctic mapping and GIS programs of the SCAR member countries.

SC-AGI promotes an open standards approach to support free and unrestricted data access and develops the respective specifications including the SCAR Feature Catalogue and Symbology.

SC-AGI has liaisons with relevant bodies outside of the Antarctic community.

Nominated representatives from each SCAR member country have the authority to act for their member country on issues relating to geographic information, e.g. on place name issues or in the field of standardization. SC-AGI members should have a a working knowledge of geographic information systems, expertise in geographical nomenclature or a working knowledge of surveying and mapping.