For the first time ever, a 3D map has been created to show what lies beneath the ice in Antarctica. The map, which covers three levels, depicts the geographical structures of the continent up to a height difference of 12,000 meters. Although Antarctica is still covered by a thick layer of ice, it is melting at an alarming rate each year. Scientists from the TU Dresden and the Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research have collaborated to develop a 3D map of the Antarctic continent and the surrounding Southern Ocean. This new map has caused a stir at the 27th International Cartography Conference in Rio de Janeiro, as it is the first 3D map to depict three geographical levels at once, with an object depth of 12,000 meters.
The Lenticular print used in the map is a milestone in cartography. The researchers have depicted the up to 4,800-meter-thick Antarctic ice as a turquoise, honeycomb-like grid structure. This allows the viewer to look directly through the grid and see the large mountains beneath the ice sheet. The map reveals that the Antarctic continent is not a continuous landmass, but rather a rugged continent with many islands and mountains. The new map also shows the full extent of the depth, which was previously only depicted in depth ranges or in the case of world maps, without depth extension.
The 3D visualization of Antarctica and the surrounding Southern Ocean is mainly the result of the studies and diploma thesis of Lars Radig, a student at the Institute of Cartography. Radig was able to use data from experts in the measurement of the seabed, the Bathymetrists of the Alfred Wegener Institute in Bremerhaven, to create the new map of Antarctica. The full-size map of Antarctica is available here. This new 3D map is a significant breakthrough in cartography and provides a unique insight into the geological structures of Antarctica.
