Palmer Station

EarthScope operates a GPS system at Palmer Station, Antarctica in support of National Science Foundation sponsored research. The base system PAL2 uses the same antenna as the USGS base station PALM and provides centimeter level differential corrections to properly equipped users in the vicinity of Palmer Station, simplifying many GPS survey tasks that would otherwise require time consuming collection and post-processing of data. The equipment may also be used for post-processed static and kinematic surveys. 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 Palmer Station. A computer is also available for data downloading and processing at the IMS (TerraLab) facility.

Centimeter-level accuracy can be realized over 100 kilometers away from the station by collecting and post-processing data. Also, real-time kinematic (RTK) broadcasts provide real-time capability within a five kilometer radius of Palmer Station. The RTK signal is broadcast at 470 MHz, with CMR+ format at 9600 baud. A portable RTK repeater is also provided for areas that are within range for RTK solutions but beyond line of sight from Palmer Station.

Base station data (low-rate) are available online from the NSF GAGE Archive (site PAL2). 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.

The following GPS equipment is available for use at Palmer Station:

Trimble NetR8 Base Station
Geodetic GPS base station for data collection and RTK broadcasting. An equipment inventory is maintained on this page.

Trimble R7 Roving System
Geodetic GPS system that provides centimeter accuracy in real-time (RTK) or through data collection and post-processing. An equipment inventory is maintained on this page.

Data Processing Computer
A shared computer with Trimble Business Center data processing software and other GPS utilities.

Support

Technical support 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. Field Engineer support may also be available for projects with a significant GPS surveying component. Remote (email and telephone) assistance is also available. Upon project completion, GPS data and meta-data archival is available for permanent safeguarding.