This year marks 80 years since the formation of the UK Antarctic Place-names Committee (APC). Although naming in the Antarctic regions goes back to 1775 and Cook’s expedition to South Georgia and Smith’s 1819 sighting of land south of 60°S, the Committee was established in 1945 to manage the growing need for official names as post-war surveys revealed hundreds of newly discovered Antarctic features. The Committee’s remit now covers the British Antarctic Territory (BAT) and South Georgia & the South Sandwich Islands (SGSSI).
Comprising experts in Antarctic toponymy, science, geography, navigation, international relations and exploration, the APC meets twice a year to review proposals and provide recommendations to Commissioners of BAT and SGSSI. The Committee also liaise internationally to ensure clarity and consistency across Antarctica. Each name is reviewed against clear guidance to ensure that the names serve a purpose as reference for navigation, publications or to improve safety and environmental protection.
As technology evolves and science continues across the region, place-naming is as important now as ever.
