Cooperation on building and utilizing polar spatial information
The National Geographic Information Institute, under the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, and the Korea Polar Research Institute are joining forces to build a precise polar spatial information system and support field research activities.
The National Geographic Information Institute announced Thursday that it signed an MOU with the Korea Polar Research Institute on Wednesday at the institute's Songdo campus in Incheon to promote the "establishment and activation of polar spatial information."
The agreement aims to efficiently carry out national policies related to polar mapping, surveying and place-name designation, while improving the safety of polar research and field operations by combining the expertise of both institutions.
Under the MOU, the two agencies will cooperate on polar map production and surveying, place-name discovery and designation, the establishment and operation of geodetic observation facilities at polar research stations, support for polar infrastructure and field investigations, satellite-based polar imaging and imagery support, spatial data demand assessment and research outcome sharing, and joint participation in domestic and international networks.
The National Geographic Information Institute will contribute its expertise in national spatial data construction, surveying, cartography and place-name management, while the Korea Polar Research Institute will share the field survey and observation know-how it has accumulated through operating scientific stations in both the Antarctic and the Arctic.
The National Geographic Information Institute plans to use Gukto Satellites 1 and 2 to periodically observe key Antarctic research zones and Arctic shipping route development areas, monitoring changes in terrain, ecosystems and glaciers to support field research activities. The two agencies also plan to continuously discover and designate Korean-language place names in Antarctica to strengthen the country's research presence and raise its international standing.
"As polar activities grow more active, the importance of accurate and systematic spatial information is increasing," said Shin Hyung-chul, director of the Korea Polar Research Institute. "I hope this cooperation will enhance the stability of polar research and expand the scope of our activities."
Kim Won-dae, director of the National Geographic Information Institute, said the institute's spatial data construction capabilities and satellite utilization expertise, combined with the Korea Polar Research Institute's field infrastructure, "will generate great synergy." He added that the institute would "continuously build precise polar spatial information to provide solid support for research activities."
Meanwhile, the National Geographic Information Institute is accepting submissions for the 21st National Children's Map Drawing Contest from Aug. 18 through Oct. 6.
hwshin@heraldcorp.com
