High mountain geodata as a crucial criterion of research: case studies from Khumbu Himal (Nepal) and Mount Aconcagua (Argentina)

The present study evaluates the usability of available and low-cost geodata, including topographic maps, remote sensing and geographic information system (GIS) data, for high mountain research activities. The challenges for geospatial technologies in a high mountain environment are discussed. We present two case studies of high mountain environments in Khumbu Himal and Mount Aconcagua (Argentina/Chile), where the applicability and integration of various geodata sets have been applied. Important topics documented and discussed include topographic accuracy, glacier information extraction, multitemporal investigations, digital elevation model (DEM) and image map generation. The study indicates that accuracy analyses of available geodata are mandatory for achieving the requirements of geoscience research.