Infrastructure
European Polar Board Infrastructure.
Polardex
Polardex is a digital platform launched in April 2022 by the European Polar Board (EPB) and partners to streamline the discovery and planning of polar infrastructure and logistics. Designed for researchers, policymakers, and logistics managers, it offers centralised access to detailed information on Arctic and Antarctic research infrastructures, including field stations, laboratories, vessels, aircraft, and shelters. One of Polardex’s key strengths is its integration of logistical data—users can view upcoming scientific campaigns and planned routes by land, sea, and air, making it easier to coordinate activities and avoid duplication of effort. This functionality supports environmental sustainability, cost savings, and international collaboration. The “Planned Routes” section, which incorporates SOOS’ DueSouth database, presents scheduled scientific and tourist voyages, enabling scientists to find potential opportunities for equipment deployment or data collection. Polardex includes a map-based viewer with multiple data layers and a subscription system for updates on logistics plans. Built by Blue Lobster IT Ltd and maintained by the EPB’s Action Group on Infrastructure, Polardex is a collaborative effort involving numerous partners across the polar research community. Ongoing development ensures continuous updates and expansion, enhancing its value as a hub for polar science logistics and planning.
European Polar Infrastructure Database
The European Polar Infrastructure Database (EPID) is a foundational dataset that underpins Polardex, serving as a comprehensive record of polar research facilities supported by European countries. Developed by the European Polar Board (EPB) and EU-PolarNet, EPID contains information on 64 infrastructure sites, evenly split between the Arctic and Antarctic, and includes research stations, field camps, laboratories, and shelters. The database highlights key logistical and scientific capabilities of each site, allowing researchers to better plan collaborative and efficient polar research missions. These facilities are operated by a diverse group of European nations, including the UK, France, Germany, Norway, and several others. EPID also documents the availability of 16 research vessels from 12 countries that operate in both polar regions, as well as aircraft used by key organisations like the Alfred Wegener Institute (AWI) and the British Antarctic Survey (BAS). Data collection for the database was supported by COMNAP, INTERACT, FARO, EUROFLEETS2, and individual infrastructure managers. The EPID helps researchers understand where and how science is being supported across polar regions and lays the groundwork for planning logistics, enhancing access, and identifying collaboration opportunities across Europe. It serves as an essential tool for infrastructure mapping and scientific coordination.
European Polar Infrastructure Catalogue
The European Polar Infrastructure Catalogue is a published resource that presents an accessible, detailed summary of 64 polar research facilities supported by European nations. It provides a practical breakdown of infrastructure across both the Arctic and Antarctic—16 in the Antarctic Peninsula and sub-Antarctic Islands, 16 in continental Antarctica, and 32 in the Arctic. These include a variety of year-round and seasonal stations, camps, shelters, and laboratories. The catalogue also features 16 research vessels from 12 countries and briefly describes the aircraft fleets used by institutions such as AWI and BAS. Produced as part of EU-PolarNet Task 3.1, the catalogue was compiled by Joseph Nolan (EPB), coordinated by Yves Frenot and Gonçalo Vieira, and supported by contributors from the Institute of Geography and Spatial Planning (IGOT) and graphic designers at Blue Lobster. Data for the catalogue was gathered through collaboration with organisations like COMNAP, INTERACT, and EUROFLEETS2, as well as individual infrastructure managers. The catalogue is an essential reference for scientists, policymakers, and logistics planners, offering clear and structured insights into the distribution, availability, and capabilities of European-funded polar infrastructure. It complements and feeds into broader databases like Polardex, supporting more efficient and strategic polar science efforts.
Due South - Southern Ocean
DueSouth is a collaborative logistics planning tool initially developed by the Southern Ocean Observing System (SOOS) in 2017 and now integrated into the Polardex platform. Its primary function is to help researchers identify upcoming expeditions and voyages in the Southern Ocean, with the goal of fostering international cooperation, reducing duplicated effort, and maximising research efficiency. Researchers can use DueSouth to see who is going to specific areas, when, and for what purpose—helping to coordinate sampling, equipment deployment, or data collection. It includes entries from the Council of Managers of National Antarctic Programs (COMNAP), OceanOPS (formerly JCOMMOPS), IAATO, CCAMLR, and direct contributions from the research community. Hosting was transferred to the European Polar Board in 2021 to support tighter integration with other polar logistics data systems. Users can submit their own planned expeditions and projects, including associated station activities, making it a two-way tool for both discovery and coordination. DueSouth is being enhanced through automatic data feeds and ongoing efforts to standardise logistics and infrastructure metadata. Its incorporation into Polardex’s “Planned Routes” feature broadens its accessibility and utility, making it a central hub for voyage coordination in the Southern Ocean.