New map shows Antarctica as you have never seen before

US scientists have published what they say is the most accurate high resolution map of Antarctica ever created.

The new map, called the Antarctic Reference Elevation Model (REMA), was created by scientists from Ohio State University in collaboration with the Polar Geospatial Center of the University of Minnesota and University of Illinois.

It has a resolution of two to eight meters, while typical maps have a resolution of 1,000 meters, according to Ohio State University. A larger version of the image can be seen here.

"This is the highest resolution topographic map of all continents," said Ian Howat, professor of earth sciences and director of the University's Byrd Polar and Climate Research Center.

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"Until now, we had a better map of Mars than that of Antarctica.Now, it is the best mapped continent."

The map and related data will change science in Antarctica, especially as it is updated, said Howat.

"At this resolution, you can see almost anything – we can actually see some snow variations in some places – we will be able to measure changes in the surface of the continent over time.

"We will see changes in the snow cover, changes in the movement of the ice, we will be able to monitor the flow of the river, the floods and the volcanoes, we will be able to see the glacial glare."

With a total file size of more than 150 terabytes, the map will help scientists plan trips to dangerous lands on the continent.

"It changes the threshold of what you can do in the comfort of your office compared to what you have to do in the field," said Howat.

The map was created with the help of photographs taken from a group of satellites in polar orbit.

Software developed by Howat and MJ Noh of the Byrd Center was used to process data on "supercomputers" and assemble overlapping images.

The project was supported by the US Geospatial Intelligence Agency and the National Science Foundation.

LIZ CARLSON

Before REMA, we had better maps of Mars than Antarctica, said Ian Howat, a professor at Ohio State University.

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