10 Christmas gifts for (Antarctic) map lovers
20/11/2024
From map-themed neck warmers to a map of Shackleton’s South Georgia Crossing, check out UKAHT’s cartography Christmas gifts.
Where possible, we’ve linked to items we sell in our online shop. When you shop with UKAHT you support our conservation work in Antarctica, help us share the continent’s ever-evolving stories and inspire others to experience this precious place through innovative technology, art and culture. Plus, our merchandise is now 99% free from plastic.
As ever, thank you for all the support and have a wonderful festive season!
1. Antarctica Arctic Map
Scale: 1:10,000,000
The perfect overview map to familiarise yourself with the polar regions. This double-sided folded topographical map shows the Arctic and Antarctica at the same scale and geographical extent. Published in 2023 by the British Antarctic Survey, the map also includes graphics demonstrating the extent of sea ice in the polar regions as well as the rock surface beneath the sea ice.
2. South Georgia & Shackleton Crossing Map
Scale: 1:200,000 / 1:40,000
On 20th May 1916, Ernest Shackleton and two others struggled into a whaling station on South Georgia Island. They had just completed the first crossing of South Georgia Island. Shackleton and his team’s classic story of survival has come to symbolise the period of heroic Antarctic exploration. You can trace their route on side B of this map while side A showcases South Georgia’s remarkable topography as well as scientific stations and the now-disused whaling stations.
3. Peninsula Map
Scale: 1:4,000,000 / 1:1,000,000
If you want to get to know exactly where all six of our bases are on the Antarctic Peninsula, then this is the map for you. The folded double-sided map shows Graham Land and the South Shetland Islands on one side with the Scotia Sea on the reverse and shows the location of scores of scientific stations and Historic Sites and Monuments. For those embarking on a voyage of the Antarctic Peninsula, this map makes the ideal companion as it covers the journey from Ushuaia through the Drake Passage and as far south as Marguerite Bay.
4. The Mapping of Antarctica
Paperback
This marvellous book is an illustrated history of the Heroic Age of South Polar Exploration, describing all the expeditions to the Antarctic from 1770 to 1930. Written by Philip Curtis of The Map House, London's oldest specialist antiquarian map seller, the book features over 100 of the most significant and rare polar maps and is illustrated with the ‘lost’ photographs of Robert Falcon Scott.
The Mapping of Antarctica (The Map House)
5. Port Lockroy Co-ordinates Crystal Paperweight
Crafted in Scotland by a family-owned business, our stunning crystal paperweight proudly showcases the mapping co-ordinates of Port Lockroy. This elegant addition brings a distinctive style to any desk or shelf. Its design beautifully emulates the icebergs of Antarctica; a special memento of your journey. We also have crystal tumblers and a hip flask featuring the Port Lockroy co-ordinates.
6. Map & Gentoo Neck Warmer
Our unique neck warmers are practical and versatile winter accessories which can be worn as a neck warmer, headband, balaclava, scrunchie or scarf. We have two reversible designs to choose from. One comes with a map of the Antarctic peninsula on one side and an iconic gentoo penguin on the other.
7. Map & Tartan Neck Warmer
For something a little more refined, this neck warmer features a map of the Antarctic peninsula on one side and our iconic Antarctic tartan design on the other. Handmade exclusively for UKAHT, each thread of our Antarctic Tartan reflects a different aspect of the continent.
White represents the Antarctic ice flows; grey the outcropping rocks, seals and birds; orange and yellow the lichen, bright penguin plumage and the summer midnight sun; black and white the penguins and whales; pale blue the crevasses and shallow icy waters; and deep midnight blue the Antarctic Ocean and dark Antarctic winter.
8. Brabant Island to Adelaide Islands Map
Scale: 1:250,000
This folded map covers the west coast of the Antarctic Peninsula between Brabant Island and the Adelaide Islands, including Gerlache Strait, Lemaire Channel, Palmer Station, Vernadsky Station, Grandidier Channel and Crystal Sound. It also covers several UKAHT sites including Port Lockroy, Damoy Hut at Dorian Bay and Wordie House on Winter Island along with several other Historic Sites and Monuments.
9. Adelaide and Arrowsmith Map
Scale: 1:250,000
Moving south along the Peninsula, this map covers the region from Adelaide Island to the adjacent Arrowsmith Peninsula of Graham Land. As well as the Rothera Research Station, San Martin Station and Reniente Luis Carvajal Station, this map covers our three other sites at Detaille Island, Horseshoe Island and Stonnington Island.
10. Vintage globe
This vintage globe is a superb decorative accessory and reference point, but it’s also a terrific conversation starter. Expect guests to comment on a surprising realisation, whether it’s the fact that the Pacific takes up nearly half the Earth, or that there’s only one country between Finland and North Korea. If you’re not travelling, the next best thing is dreaming about it.
We recommend buying a vintage globe from London travel and map specialist, Stanfords, which provided charts and maps for the likes of Sir Ernest Shackleton and Captain Scott.
A vintage globe makes for a classic gift (Credit: Replogle)
Search #UnchartedAntarctica on social media.
Support our work Protect Antarctica's heritage
Every membership and donation we receive helps our expert teams deliver vital conservation work across the heritage sites that we preserve. Without your support, sites of great importance in Antarctica's history could quickly deteriorate, taking with them historic artefacts, tales of scientific advancement and human endeavour that inform how we, as a global community, view and value Antarctica today. With your help, we can continue to conserve this special continent to ensure its protection for years to come.
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Follow a unique colony at the end of the world
The gentoos of Port Lockroy are perhaps some of the most famous penguins in the world! The colony made their home with us on Goudier Island over 30 years ago and we have been studying and contributing to their protection ever since. Inquisitive, fluffy and funny, we love sharing their activity with everyone around the world.
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