Mapping and GIS team

The Mapping and Geographic Information Centre (MAGIC) provides geospatial information, expertise and services to BAS and wider UK activity in the polar regions.

We maintain topographic mapping, collect new data and provide access to a wide range of spatial information and expertise to solve science and operational challenges.

Here you can explore our: 

• Mapping and cartography
• Earth observation
• Geomatics and air observation
• Geographical information systems
• MAGIC people
• Projects/services

Mapping and cartography

We produce a wide range of maps for all areas of scientific and operational work in the polar regions. These are used extensively by BAS staff, the public and the media, and anyone with an interest in the Antarctic and Arctic.

If you’d like details of some of our map collections, you can explore the BAS map catalogue.

We’re still populating the catalogue. You can download a list of books and maps we have for sale.

If you wish, you can buy physical copies of our published maps.

Unfortunately, we cannot sell individual maps or small orders. If that’s what you’re looking for, we recommend trying suppliers such as Stanfords, UK Antarctic Heritage Trust (UKAHT), and NHBS. They should be able to help.

Earth observation

Earth observation by satellites provides a vast amount of information for mapping and monitoring the polar regions. In recent years, the number of satellite instruments focused on the poles has grown significantly.

We support the use of these resources across BAS’s science and operations activities. Applications include monitoring wildlife population changes from space, to providing sea ice information to help ships make the best possible navigation decisions.

Geomatics and air survey

Geomatics is responsible for the collection and analysis of new geospatial data within MAGIC. We conduct terrestrial and aerial surveys, along with the downstream post-processing and photogrammetry workflows to extract topographic information.

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From both crewed and uncrewed aircraft, our team provides expertise in:

• global navigation satellite systems (GNSS)
• light detection and ranging (LiDAR)
• terrestrial laser scanning (TLS)
• aerial photography

Geographical information systems

Geographical information systems (GIS) and the broader Spatial Data Infrastructure (SDI) are central to many activities at the British Antarctic Survey. The BAS SDI makes it possible to process, store, and share geospatial data reliably.

GIS allows the creation of detailed maps, supports scientific analysis, and helps with environmental mapping. Ongoing improvements to our GIS capabilities enhance planning and maintenance of station infrastructure, as well as operational air and field seasons.

BAS scientists rely on GIS for spatial analysis, mapping, and online projects. In addition, GIS training is provided for staff, with some materials freely available.

MAGIC people

• Andrew Fleming, head of MAGIC
• Andreas Cziferszky, geospatial systems architect
• Jonathan Dawe, geospatial developer
• Felix Fennell, geospatial developer
• Nathan Fenney, geomatics lead
• Elena Field, GIS mapping specialist
• Peter Fretwell, GIS scientist
• Laura Gerrish, GIS and mapping specialist
• Adrian Hughes, GIS and BIM specialist
• Louise Ireland, GIS lead
• Franco Ling, geomatics surveyor
• Nicole Logan-Park, estates asset engineer
• Aliaksandra Skachkova, EO specialist
• Tom Hughes, GIS and mapping specialist

MAGIC products and services

MAGIC provides the following products and services:

• Assets tracking service
• BAS map catalogue
• BAS spatial data infrastructure
• Field operations GIS and operations data store
• Geospatial training
• International Ice Charting Working Group (IICWG) Ice Logistics Portal
• Lifetime of Halley support
• Map sales
• Operational mapping
• Polar View & SIIS
• Rothera deployed support
• Rothera minimum snow cover
• Rothera ramp survey
• SCAGI UK representation and Co-Chair
• SCAR Air Operations Planning Maps
• SCAR Antarctic Digital Database
• UK Antarctic Place-names Committee Secretariat
• Wildlife from Space

1. Polar View

   Polar View delivers information about sea ice direct to ships operating in the Southern Ocean.

   Read more of: Polar View

   

2. Antarctic Digital Database

   The SCAR ADD is a seamless compilation of topographic data for Antarctica to 60°S. It is the place to go to get data such as Antarctic coastline or contours for working in desktop GIS.

   Read more of: Antarctic Digital Database

   

3. South Georgia GIS

   Visualise and download topographic, management and scientific data for South Georgia.

   Read more of: South Georgia GIS

   

4. Bedmap3

   Bedmap3 is a collaborative community project with the aim to produce a new map and datasets of Antarctic ice thickness and bed topography.

   Read more of: Bedmap3

   

5. Wildlife from Space

   Many populations of wildlife are remote, inaccessible or difficult to monitor. The advent of sub-metre, Very-High-Resolution (VHR) satellite imagery has enabled us study these animals in a much more efficient way.

   Read more of: Wildlife from Space

   

6. Albatrosses from Space

   Albatrosses face multiple threats to their long-term survival. Using very high-resolution satellites, we are able to estimate the number of breeding pairs in remote locations.

   Read more of: Albatrosses from Space

   

7. Higher Predators – Long-Term Science

   Higher Predators carries out long-term science to measure changes in Antarctic ecosystems. The aim is to understand the processes that drive these changes.

   Read more of: Higher Predators – Long-Term Science

   

8. Assets Tracking Service

   The Assets Tracking Service shows where British Antarctic Survey ships, aircraft and vehicles are at any given time.

   Read more of: Assets Tracking Service

   

9. Embedded Maps Service

   Embeddable maps for visualising simple features on a suitable basemap.

   Read more of: Embedded Maps Service

   

10. Polar Thematic Exploitation Platform

    Polar TEP provides polar researchers with access to computing resources, earth observation and other data, and software tools in the cloud.

    Read more of: Polar Thematic Exploitation Platform

    

11. Improving shipping safety in the Arctic

    Optimising situational awareness in the Arctic through integrated space technologies

    Read more of: Improving shipping safety in the Arctic

    

12. EC Copernicus Marine Environment Monitoring Service

    The Copernicus marine environment monitoring service provides regular and systematic reference information on the state of the physical oceans and regional seas.

    Read more of: EC Copernicus Marine Environment Monitoring Service

    

13. Bedmap

    Bedmap is a collaborative community that has produced maps and datasets of Antarctic ice thickness and bed topography

    Read more of: Bedmap

    

14. Bedmap2

    Bedmap2 is a suite of gridded products describing surface elevation, ice-thickness and the sea floor and subglacial bed elevation of the Antarctic.

    Read more of: Bedmap2

    

15. Hyperspectral imaging for Antarctic mapping

    The project has focused on exploiting information present in hyperspectral images, with a view to developing mapping tools to aid in the geological investigations.

    Read more of: Hyperspectral imaging for Antarctic mapping

    

1. Accidental discovery reveals grim future for emperor penguins

   Scientists studying satellite images of Antarctica have stumbled upon a discovery that sheds new light on emperor penguins – and reveals a troubling threat to their survival.

   Read more of: Accidental discovery reveals grim future for emperor penguins

   

2. New map of South Orkney Islands published for the first time in 40 years

   A new map of the South Orkney Islands has been released by British Antarctic Survey (BAS) – the first UK published, topographic map of the region in almost 40 years. The map offers a detailed topographic view of the entire South Orkney archipelago on one side, with a focused, high-resolution map of Signy Island on the reverse.

   Read more of: New map of South Orkney Islands published for the first time in 40 years

   

3. Drones and images from space count elephant seals

   A team of researchers are using drones and satellite images from space to count southern elephant seals on the sub-Antarctic Island of South Georgia.

   Read more of: Drones and images from space count elephant seals

   

4. Satellite observations show accelerating greening of Antarctic Peninsula

   New research released today in Nature Geoscience reveals that vegetation cover on the Antarctic Peninsula has increased more than tenfold in the past four decades.

   Read more of: Satellite observations show accelerating greening of Antarctic Peninsula

   

5. First Antarctic-wide survey of plant life to aid conservation efforts

   The first continent-wide mapping study of plant life across Antarctica reveals growth in previously uncharted areas, and is set to inform conservation measures across the region.

   Read more of: First Antarctic-wide survey of plant life to aid conservation efforts

   

6. Drones validate walrus counts in satellite images from space

   In the first successful attempt to calibrate walrus counts from satellite imagery, scientists used drones to validate animal counts in Svalbard, Norway.

   Read more of: Drones validate walrus counts in satellite images from space

   

7. New interactive map of Antarctica available to all

   Comprehensive digital maps of Antarctica are now available to all, following the latest update of the Antarctic Digital Database.

   Read more of: New interactive map of Antarctica available to all

   

8. ‘Penguin detectives’ required for new counting app

   British Antarctic Survey (BAS) is inviting the public to become ‘penguin detectives’ and spend five minutes counting emperor penguins to help with vital research into these iconic animals.

   Read more of: ‘Penguin detectives’ required for new counting app

   

9. Emperor penguin colonies in Antarctica suffer as sea-ice diminishes

   Record low levels of Antarctic sea-ice in late 2023 resulted in breeding failures in a fifth of the continent’s emperor penguin colonies, according to a new study from British Antarctic Survey (BAS).  

   Read more of: Emperor penguin colonies in Antarctica suffer as sea-ice diminishes

   

10. Four new emperor penguin colonies found by satellite

    Scientists from British Antarctic Survey have discovered four previously unknown emperor penguin breeding sites.

    Read more of: Four new emperor penguin colonies found by satellite

    

11. New animation shows track of giant A23a iceberg

    Scientists at British Antarctic Survey are using satellite images to track the colossal iceberg A23a.

    Read more of: New animation shows track of giant A23a iceberg

    

12. Using AI to track icebergs

    Researchers are using a new AI tool to detect icebergs in the Southern Ocean – the first step towards tracking the complete lifecycle of Antarctic icebergs from satellite data.

    Read more of: Using AI to track icebergs

    

13. Loss of sea ice causes catastrophic breeding failure for emperor penguins

    Emperor penguin colonies experienced unprecedented breeding failure in a region of Antarctica where there was total sea ice loss in 2022.

    Read more of: Loss of sea ice causes catastrophic breeding failure for emperor penguins

    

14. New map reflects ice loss and name changes

    Dramatic changes in the Polar Regions are reflected in a new edition map of Antarctica and the Arctic produced by cartographers at the British Antarctic Survey (BAS). The flagship printed […]

    Read more of: New map reflects ice loss and name changes

    

15. ‘Walrus detectives’ sought for conservation science

    This week (17 January) British Antarctic Survey and WWF are inviting the public to become ‘walrus detectives’ and get involved in the Walrus from Space project to help with vital […]

    Read more of: ‘Walrus detectives’ sought for conservation science

    

16. Calling for ‘Walrus Detectives’ on World Walrus Day

    Today, 24 November 2022, marks World Walrus Day, and British Antarctic Survey (BAS) and WWF are inviting the British public to become ‘walrus detectives’ and get involved in their Walrus […]

    Read more of: Calling for ‘Walrus Detectives’ on World Walrus Day

    

17. Drones survey wildlife populations in remote Sub-Antarctic island

    Next generation fixed-wing drones, capable of operating autonomously beyond the standard visual line of sight, are creating datasets of major wildlife populations around South Georgia for long-term monitoring to aid […]

    Read more of: Drones survey wildlife populations in remote Sub-Antarctic island

    

18. Albatrosses from space: wildlife detectives needed!

    British Antarctic Survey (BAS) and RSPB are recruiting albatross detectives to help to search for wandering albatrosses in satellite images taken from space. This is to help us learn more […]

    Read more of: Albatrosses from space: wildlife detectives needed!

    

19. BAS mapping data in global collection 

    The latest British Antarctic Survey (BAS) Antarctic Digital Database (ADD) data will be included in a world leading collection of geographic information. 

    Read more of: BAS mapping data in global collection 

    

20. ‘Mega iceberg’ releases billions of tonnes of fresh water into ocean

    Scientists monitoring the giant A68a iceberg from space reveal that a huge amount of fresh water was released as it melted around the sub-Antarctic island of South Georgia.   An […]

    Read more of: ‘Mega iceberg’ releases billions of tonnes of fresh water into ocean

    

21. Space technology and artificial intelligence to monitor whale mass stranding events

    An international team of scientists led by British Antarctic Survey have published research today on using new technology to study mass stranding of whales from space and how the technology […]

    Read more of: Space technology and artificial intelligence to monitor whale mass stranding events

    

22. WALRUS FROM SPACE: Animal spotters wanted to join mass survey!

    British Antarctic Survey (BAS) and WWF are seeking the public’s help to search for walrus in thousands of satellite images taken from space, with the aim of learning more about […]

    Read more of: WALRUS FROM SPACE: Animal spotters wanted to join mass survey!

    

23. Climate change risk to emperor penguins

    British Antarctic Survey scientists have contributed to a new study published today (3 August)  which provides valuable new data highlighting how emperor penguins extinction risk is increased due to rapid […]

    Read more of: Climate change risk to emperor penguins

    

24. Using AI to track whales from space

    British Antarctic Survey (BAS) scientists will work with an Artificial Intelligence company after being awarded a contract from the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) to support the protection of an endangered […]

    Read more of: Using AI to track whales from space

    

25. Giant iceberg mission begins

    A research mission to determine the impact of the giant A-68a iceberg on one of the world’s most important ecosystems departs from Stanley in the Falkland Islands today (2 February […]

    Read more of: Giant iceberg mission begins

    

26. Polar scientists and staff awarded place names in Antarctica

    The Government of the British Antarctic Territory today (Thursday 3 December) announces 28 new place names in the Territory

    Read more of: Polar scientists and staff awarded place names in Antarctica

    

27. A68 iceberg heads towards South Georgia

    An iceberg is heading towards the sub-Antarctic island of South Georgia. A68a – the size of the UK county of Somerset – broke off from the Larsen C ice shelf […]

    Read more of: A68 iceberg heads towards South Georgia

    

28. Scientists discover new penguin colonies from space

    A new study using satellite mapping technology reveals there are nearly 20% more emperor penguin colonies in Antarctica than was previously thought. The results provide an important benchmark for monitoring […]

    Read more of: Scientists discover new penguin colonies from space

    

29. Updated Mapping Datasets for Antarctica

    A newly updated Antarctic Digital Database is released today (12 May 2020). Aimed at the science and logistics communities, the maps include updates to the ice shelf front around Thwaites […]

    Read more of: Updated Mapping Datasets for Antarctica

    

30. New high-precision map of Antarctica’s bed topography

    A team of glaciologists has unveiled the most accurate portrait yet of the contours of the land beneath Antarctica’s ice sheet – and, by doing so, has helped identify which […]

    Read more of: New high-precision map of Antarctica’s bed topography

    

31. Stranded whales detected from space

    A new technique for analysing satellite images may help scientists detect and count stranded whales from space. Researchers tested a new detection method using Very High Resolution (VHR) satellite images […]

    Read more of: Stranded whales detected from space

    

32. New map of Greenland reveals fast-changing environment

    Cartographers at British Antarctic Survey (BAS) has produced the most detailed and up-to-date published map of Greenland available.

    Read more of: New map of Greenland reveals fast-changing environment

    

33. “Catastrophic” breeding failure at one of world’s largest emperor penguin colonies

    Researchers at British Antarctic Survey have discovered “catastrophic” breeding failure at one of world’s largest emperor penguin colonies.

    Read more of: “Catastrophic” breeding failure at one of world’s largest emperor penguin colonies

    

34. Watching whales from space

    Scientists have used detailed high-resolution satellite images provided by Maxar Technologies’ DigitalGlobe, to detect, count and describe four different species of whales. Reported this week in the journal Marine Mammal […]

    Read more of: Watching whales from space

    

35. New map of South Georgia wins award

    British Antarctic Survey’s detailed map of the sub-Antarctic island of South Georgia featuring the epic “Shackleton Crossing” has won an award at the 2018 British Cartography Society Awards. The map, […]

    Read more of: New map of South Georgia wins award

    

36. New satellite imagery reveals new highest Antarctic Peninsula Mountain

    Cartographers surveying Antarctica have discovered Mt Hope is the tallest mountain in the British Antarctic Territory (BAT) at 3,239 m (10,654 ft) above sea level. Until now, maps showed Mt […]

    Read more of: New satellite imagery reveals new highest Antarctic Peninsula Mountain

    

37. New map of South Georgia unveiled

    A team of cartographers at British Antarctic Survey (BAS) has re-produced a high-resolution updated map of the sub-antarctic island of South Georgia. The island, situated at 37°W 54°10’S is a […]

    Read more of: New map of South Georgia unveiled

    

38. Penguin colony repeatedly decimated by volcanic eruptions

    One of Antarctica’s biggest gentoo penguin colonies was repeatedly decimated by eruptions of the Deception Island volcano in recent millennia.

    Read more of: Penguin colony repeatedly decimated by volcanic eruptions

    

39. Giant iceberg set to calve from Larsen C Ice Shelf

    A huge iceberg, roughly the size of Norfolk, looks set to break away from the Larsen C ice shelf on the Antarctic Peninsula.  Larsen C is more than twice the size […]

    Read more of: Giant iceberg set to calve from Larsen C Ice Shelf

    

40. Penguin colonies at risk from erupting volcano

    A volcano erupting on a small island in the Sub Antarctic is depositing ash over one of the world’s largest penguin colonies.

    Read more of: Penguin colonies at risk from erupting volcano

    

41. On the ice opportunity for PhD students and Early Career Researchers

    16 PhD students and Early Career Researchers have a unique opportunity to gain practical skills for working safely and effectively in the polar regions.

    Read more of: On the ice opportunity for PhD students and Early Career Researchers

    

42. NEWS STORY: New maps show unseen world

    New maps of the polar regions reveal unseen world beneath the ice and highlight dramatic decline in Arctic sea ice cover New maps of the sub-ice features in Antarctica and […]

    Read more of: NEWS STORY: New maps show unseen world

    

43. NEWS STORY: Emperor Penguins’ adaptation skills

    New research using satellite images reveals that emperor penguins are more willing to relocate than previously thought A new study led by the University of Minnesota offers new insights on […]

    Read more of: NEWS STORY: Emperor Penguins’ adaptation skills

    

44. NEWS STORY: Award for innovative map

    Map makers rewarded for stunning recreation of Antarctic without ice A colourful British Antarctic Survey map has won a coveted award. The map, created by the institution’s MAGIC (Mapping and […]

    Read more of: NEWS STORY: Award for innovative map

    

45. NEWS STORY: Bedmap opens up Antarctica

    Bedmap2 gives scientists a more detailed view of Antarctica”s landmass Scientists at the British Antarctic Survey have been working with a host of international collaborators to present the most detailed […]

    Read more of: NEWS STORY: Bedmap opens up Antarctica

    

46. NEWS STORY: Queen Elizabeth land

    UK names part of Antarctica in honour of the Queen The Foreign Secretary, William Hague, has announced that the southern part of British Antarctic Territory has been named Queen Elizabeth […]

    Read more of: NEWS STORY: Queen Elizabeth land

    

47. International ice experts caution that ‘Open’ Arctic shipping routes does not mean ice-free waters

    Ice experts from agencies from nine countries this week issued a statement urging marine and shipping companies operating in the region of the Northwest Passage and the Northern Sea Route […]

    Read more of: International ice experts caution that ‘Open’ Arctic shipping routes does not mean ice-free waters

    

48. Polar View in the Antarctic

    As the Antarctic field season continues with the usual mix of exciting research programmes new enhancements to the online satellite image system that improves ship safety and efficiency are launched. […]

    Read more of: Polar View in the Antarctic

    

49. PRESS RELEASE: Interactive map highlights diversity

    New visualisation of South Georgia A new visualisation tool for exploring the subantarctic islands of South Georgia is unveiled today (22 October 2008). The South Georgia Geographic Information System (SGGIS) […]

    Read more of: PRESS RELEASE: Interactive map highlights diversity

    

50. Giant iceberg breaks off from Antarctic glacier

    Giant iceberg breaks off from Antarctic glacier  British Antarctic Survey (BAS) scientists have spotted a huge iceberg, which has broken off from Pine Island Glacier in West Antarctica. The iceberg, […]

    Read more of: Giant iceberg breaks off from Antarctic glacier

    

1. Antarctic Digital Database – December 2024 update

   Continuous mapping of Antarctica reveals new topographic features In November, we released version 7.10 of the SCAR ADD which included updated coastlines for the Alexander Island region, and new lakes, […]

   Read more of: Antarctic Digital Database – December 2024 update

   

2. How many penguins are in Antarctica?

   No, it’s not a Penguin joke! This World Penguin Day (25 April 2023) we spoke to some of our resident experts, Mike Dunn and Peter Fretwell, to find out more […]

   Read more of: How many penguins are in Antarctica?

   

3. Last Post from the burning decks of a melting iceberg

   Composer Ewan Campbell has written a piece of music for trumpet inspired by the 21-year journey of the A22a iceberg. The new composition was also illustrated onto a British Antarctic […]

   Read more of: Last Post from the burning decks of a melting iceberg

   

4. Antarctic Digital Database – May 2021 update

   Welcome to the new Antarctic Digital Database (ADD) blog series, updating our users about each update of the datasets in the ADD and about other pieces of work happening in […]

   Read more of: Antarctic Digital Database – May 2021 update

   

5. PODCAST – Iceworld, Episode 5 – Seals from Space

   Episode 5: Seals from Space In Episode 5 of Iceworld, Rob Taylor is joined by Prem Gill who has just completed two weeks of fieldwork as part of his PhD […]

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6. PODCAST – Iceworld, Episode 1 – Maps

   Mapping in Antarctica – podcast

   Read more of: PODCAST – Iceworld, Episode 1 – Maps