Polar Geospatial Center

Ever wondered how places in Antarctica get their names and why it matters?

Join PGC's User Services manager, Cole Kelleher, alongside international experts in the next session of the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR) Connect Online Training Series.

The session dives into:
• history of Antarctic place naming
• why consistent naming is critical for safety and science
• how SCAR helps coordinate and standardize names across the continent

Speakers:
• Christopher Stephens (Ngā Pou Taunaha o Aotearoa New Zealand Geographic BoardGeographic Board)
• Cole Kelleher (Polar Geospatial Center, US rep to SCAGI)
• Elena Field (British Antarctic Survey)

Chaired by Louise Ireland, co-chair of SCAGI

📅 May 14, 2026
⏰ 7:00 PM UTC

🔗https://scar.org/scar-news/scar-connect-scagi

💡🤝 Staying relevant in science support means more than tracking new AI tools, it's about engaging with the people shaping how they're used.

PGC has been busy this week attending University of Minnesota events, connecting at the AI Hub open house and the Research Computing Exhibition today. These conversations help us stay aligned, informed, and ready to support what's next.

🧊 PGC is currently seeking a University of Minnesota (UMN) graduate student in GIS or related field to join our team starting this summer! Support polar science, build geospatial skills, and grow professionally. Position open until filled.

💼 $29.41/hr | 50% AY appt | 100% Summer appt | Tuition benefits

Learn more on our website: https://www.pgc.umn.edu/careers/student-position-available-graduate-research-assistant-summer-2026/

PGC had the honor and pleasure of meeting with upcoming international leaders from Türkiye, Norway, Denmark, and Iceland as part of the U.S. Department of State's International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP). Our exchange explored the intersection of scientific and governmental missions, datasets, and resource development of the Arctic.

Check out the latest at PGC in our April newsletter featuring our Antarctic support survey, global glacial mapping, our graduate student geospatial support assistants, and more! https://mailchi.mp/umn/pgc-updates-insights-april-01-2026

Latest PGC newsletter is available highlighting how to connect with us at , Arctic tasking deadline, newly available , and our student's award-winning map. Check it out here:

PGC Updates & Insights - December 2025 PGC Users planning on attending the upcoming AGU fall meeting and presenting and/or publishing any commercial satellite imagery of the Vantor (formerly Maxar) constellation, WorldView 1/2/3, QuickBird, GeoEye, in a poster or session must receive approval from the National Geospatial-Intelligence Age...

We're hiring!

The Polar Geospatial Center (PGC) at the University of Minnesota is seeking a Geospatial and Remote Sensing Data Specialist to join our team supporting polar research and logistics. 🌍❄️

If you’re passionate about remote sensing data and geospatial innovation and you want to help researchers map and understand the most remote regions on Earth, we want to hear from you!

What you’ll do:
🛰️ Develop and maintain geospatial tools for automated processing of satellite imagery and elevation models
💡 Support and collaborate with scientists using remote sensing data
📊 Create maps, figures, and training materials that make complex data accessible
🌎 Represent PGC at conferences and outreach events

Qualifications:
- Advanced degree and experience in GIS, Remote Sensing, or Earth Sciences
- Proficiency in Python and geospatial software (ArcGIS, QGIS, GDAL)
- Strong communication and problem-solving skills

Hybrid position (based in Minneapolis, MN)
Salary range: $83K–$98K

Learn more: https://www.pgc.umn.edu/careers/position-available-geospatial-and-remote-sensing-data-specialist-2025/

📢 Exciting news from PGC!

We have secured five more years of core funding from NSF-OPP. We will continue providing remote sensing data, mapping, and geospatial support to researchers and logistics teams working in the Arctic and Antarctic.

While we are rebuilding capacity, some services will remain limited or paused, but our mission remains the same -- supporting polar science with excellence.

🎉 Cheers to keeping the poles on the map and in focus!

Learn more on our website: https://www.pgc.umn.edu/news/pgc-secures-5-year-funding/

PGC is seeking a current UMN Graduate Student in GIS or related field! You'll help polar scientists access vital geospatial data, create custom map products, and contribute to cutting-edge research support.

🧊 What You’ll Gain:
Hands-on experience in GIS & remote sensing
Project management & user support skills
Exposure to national research initiatives
A supportive and mission-driven team environment
Opportunities to grow professionally through conferences & training

🌐 Details:
2025-26 Academic Year | 50% appointment | $29.41/hr
Must be a currently enrolled UMN grad student
Strong problem-solving, communication & organization skills preferred
Tuition benefits during academic year

🔗 https://www.pgc.umn.edu/careers/student-position-available-graduate-research-assistant-fall-2025/

We know many rely on PGC's data, tools, field support, etc. and we want to keep you informed. Due to pending funding decisions, our operations remain limited and key services are affected.

Read our latest newsletter highlighting a detailed update on:
🔹 The status of 2025-26 Antarctic field season support
🔹 Imagery tasking plans despite funding pauses
🔹 What services are still available to the community
🔹 How to stay informed and show support

Please take a moment to read the full update here: https://www.pgc.umn.edu/news/pgc-operations-and-service-update/

Your patience and support are deeply valued. We remain here, ready to ramp up as soon as possible.

Effective immediately and until further notice, the Polar Geospatial Center will no longer be accepting new requests for data, products, or services to support NSF awards or contracts. Due to the lack of ongoing NSF renewal funding, the PGC is wrapping up the current in-progress work and requests to accommodate the end of staff positions and available funds. Should funding resume in the future, information will be provided to communicate when and at what level services will be continued. If your work is impacted by this news, please reach out to your NSF program officer.

The PGC has been proud to support the polar research and logistics communities for decades and contribute cutting edge geospatial innovations in support of your critical work. Obviously this news comes at a difficult time for many in the polar community. The PGC staff stands with you in spirit as we all look for additional opportunities to work together.

Sincerely,
The PGC User Services Team