Data + Services
Geospatial Support
The PGC is funded to provide geospatial support and data products to the polar science community. We offer services to United States federally-funded polar researchers at U.S. institutions and contract staff including commercial satellite imagery delivery, custom mapping, and project support.
PGC’s funding allows us to serve researchers with active awards National Science Foundation Office of Polar Programs and NASA Cryospheric Sciences from U.S. institutions and U.S. contractors and agencies in support of those missions.
Data Access
PGC has an archive of many open data products such as digital elevation models, historic and contemporary polar maps, and historic aerial photography.
Open data is available at no cost.
Licensed data, namely commercial satellite imagery, is available to PGC core users only. See “Common Questions” below for more information on eligibility.
If you are looking to make a data request through the PGC, please take a moment to learn about our Data + Services:
Open Data
For use by anyone. Explore, view, and download a variety of polar geospatial datasets.
By using or downloading data from the PGC, you adhere to our Data Acknowledgement Policy
Licensed Data
High resolution satellite imagery from Maxar available to PGC users at no additional cost to their award.
Common Questions
What is PGC User Services?
User Services is the staff at PGC that provides direct support to our core users. User Services is trained in geospatial fields to provide expertise and assistance in working with our data.
PGC core users are assigned a single point of contact (POC) who will work with you to answer questions and fulfill requests. Not sure who your POC is? Send us a message.
RELATED GUIDES
Where can I download geospatial data?
PGC’s open data can be directly downloaded from our website. See the “Open Data” section above to guide you to the correct portal.
Licensed data (including commercial satellite imagery) is only available to PGC core users and must be requested through us directly.
RELATED GUIDES
Am I allowed to receive licensed data?
To receive PGC support or licensed data, all users must be either:
- On an active research award through NSF Office of Polar Programs or NASA Cryospheric Sciences Program at a U.S. institution
- Working to support a federal mission or initiative in the polar regions in affiliation with NSF Office of Polar Programs or NASA Cryospheric Sciences
Related Guides
How do I “prove” my funding or association?
PGC maintains a list of users and awards to determine the proper support. You can update and add awards through your PGC account.
The User Services team reviews all submissions and may contact you with further questions.
After your awards are “approved,” PGC will designate a point of contact for you
Related Guides
I’m eligible, how do I make a request?
If you have worked with PGC before, contact your PGC point of contact.
If not, we suggest the following Guides to get yourself acquainted with the support workflow with PGC.
Related Guides
What are the usage restrictions on licensed data?
Commercial satellite imagery, for example, can only be used for the duration of your award and only for that project’s purpose.
All imagery provided by PGC is subject to copyright by Maxar and the NGA NextView license.