McMurdo Station

EarthScope operates a GPS survey system at McMurdo Station, Antarctica, in support of National Science Foundation sponsored research. The system provides centimeter level differential corrections to properly equipped users in the vicinity of McMurdo. The equipment may be used for post-processed static and kinematic surveys, as well as real-time (RTK) surveys, simplifying many GPS survey tasks that would otherwise require time consuming collection and post-processing of data. The base station operates continuously, while RTK broadcasts and roving equipment are available during the austral summer season between WINFLY and late February. The system is not compatible with hand-held GPS navigation receivers.

Equipment Available

A geodetic system consisting of dual-frequency base station and roving receivers, capable of centimeter-level accuracy, is available at McMurdo Station. The base station operates year-round, and roving equipment is available during the austral summer season.

Centimeter-level accuracy can be realized over 100 kilometers away from the station by collecting and post-processing data. Software for GPS data processing is available from EarthScope. Also, real-time kinematic (RTK) broadcasts provide real-time capability within a five kilometer line-of-sight radius of McMurdo. The RTK signal is broadcast at 418 MHz, with CMR+ format at 9600 baud.

Base station data (low-rate) are available online from the GAGE archive (site MCMD). During the austral summer season high-rate data files are downloaded and archived, however in general the higher sample rate data are recorded on the receiver only and are not archived. Due to the limited storage space for high-rate data on the receiver, any group requiring high-rate GPS data from this station should make a formal request as soon as possible.

EarthScope also operates several other GPS base stations in the McMurdo region in support of PI projects, and data from these stations available through the NSF GAGE archive.

Equipment Available

Trimble NetR8 Base Station
Geodetic GPS base station for data collection and RTK broadcasting.

Roving Systems
We can provide geodetic GPS survey systems that allow centimeter accuracy in real-time (RTK) or through data collection and post-processing. Roving receivers such as the Trimble R7, as well as all ancillary equipment such as power systems, enclosures, survey controllers, and cabling are available. Roving equipment must be requested in advance of the field season.

Data Processing Software
Trimble Business Center data processing software, along with other GPS utilities, are supported by EarthScope at McMurdo Station.

Support

Technical assistance to GPS system users is provided by EarthScope. Users who intend to use the system for a significant amount of field surveying are strongly encouraged to arrange for training prior to their field season. We maintain a presence at McMurdo Station throughout the summer field season, and limited training is provided on-site for users of the GPS survey system. Field Engineer support may also be available for projects with a significant GPS surveying component. Upon completion of individual projects, GPS data and meta-data archival is also available to Principal Investigators for permanent safeguarding.