Important map notes

  • Six maps were adopted with the Management Plan in 2017, replacing the original four.
  • There have been significant operational changes since the original plan was adopted in 2007 - e.g. the skiway has been moved, and some adjustments were made to the Zones and Sectors in 2017.
  • The new maps completed in 2017 reflect these changes. The maps provided here are the same as those adopted in the Management Plan.
  • Because ice and facilities at the South Pole are moving, a Local Grid is used to define ASMA Zone and Sector boundaries. Local Grid bearings remain consistent relative to facilities at the Pole and the Zone and Sector boundaries move with the Local Grid. Local Grid North aligns with the Greenwich meridian (0ยบ). Thus, the offset of the Local Grid from the true geographical grid changes over time.

Summary of Maps

Since adoption of the original ASMA Management Plan in 2007 some significant operational changes have occurred at the South Pole. For example, the former geodesic dome at the station has been demolished and removed, and the new Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station has been completed. The ski-way has been shifted further from the Clean Air Sector, and there have been revisions to local arrangements for non-governmental expeditions. Moreover, as the ice sheet is shifting at a rate of ~10 m per year, the position of everything relative to the Geographical South Pole has also changed. Updates were made and two new maps were added to capture these changes in 2017.

These new maps were adopted with the Management Plan in 2017 are also attached to the plan available from the Antarctic Treaty Secretariat.