LINZ maintains important infrastructure in Antarctica

Hydrographic, surveying and positioning experts from Toitū Te Whenua Land Information New Zealand (LINZ) recently returned from Antarctica where they completed work that will contribute to monitoring the impacts of climate change. 

LINZ has an important role in maintaining key datasets down in Antarctica, which requires precise measurements and calibration of technology on an annual basis.

LINZ Principal Geospatial Specialist Dave Collett says experts calibrated tide gauges using Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) equipment at Scott Base and Cape Roberts, after first digging out snow and drilling through the ice to determine the water level.

This calibration ensures tide gauge measurements are accurate and maintain the historical record for continuity of data.

“The Scott Base tide gauge is the world’s southernmost, and sensors at this location have measured Antarctic sea levels since 1957,” says Collett, who was this year’s field leader.

“The data contributes to research into climate change and sea level rise and is an important marker for sea level changes which may impact other parts of the world.” 

During the visit the team also laid the groundwork for the installation of SouthPAN infrastructure near Scott Base next year.

“SouthPAN is a satellite-based augmentation system that improves the accuracy and reliability of positioning systems such as GPS across New Zealand and Australia.

“The Antarctic SouthPAN site will provide crucial updates on the status of satellites used by SouthPAN which allow users to position themselves more accurately.” 

Collett says LINZ has been involved in survey work to support science and operations in Antarctica since the 1950s. 

“Whenever our crew is down on the ice, our surveying experts take precise measurements of historic huts and wind turbines to measure ongoing movement of the structures in the permafrost.  

“Monitoring of heritage huts is essential for their long-term preservation. The surveys help to show whether there is any risk to these historic structures from subsidence or other movements.” 

Our LINZ annual work programme is supported by Antarctica New Zealand.