Xi'an scientists contribute to remeasurement of Mount Qomolangma

A Chinese survey team reached the summit of Mount Qomolangma on May 28 in a bid to remeasure the height of the world's tallest peak. Scientists from Xi'an, capital of Northwest China's Shaanxi province, participated in the remeasurement task.

The event marked a crucial step in China's mission to survey the mountain, which scientists believe will enhance knowledge of nature and help boost scientific development.

Li Guopeng, director of the 1st Geodetic Surveying Brigade under the Ministry of Natural Resources, a graduate of the College of Geological Engineering and Geomatics, Chang'an University, compiled the design book and implementation plan of the measurement technology.

At the beginning of March, Li led a survey team of 53 members to overcome the difficulties of the environment and bad weather on Mount Qomolangma and the surrounding areas, and successfully carry out survey work in areas such as leveling, gravity, GNSS, and astronomy.

They also organized mountaineering adaptability training and measurement skills training in high altitude areas.

After accepting the task, Liu Zhanke, deputy chief engineer of the 1st Geodetic Surveying Brigade, who is also an alumnus of Chang'an University, started designing the measurement plan, combining traditional measurement methods with modern ones.

Yang Yuanxi, from Chang'an University and an academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, worked with other experts in surveying and mapping technology and management to conduct a rigorous review and check of multiple traditional and modern surveying techniques.

Innovations applied in this survey included use of China's homegrown Beidou Navigation Satellite System, domestic surveying equipment, an airborne gravimeter to measure gravity and 3D interactive virtual reality technology.

It will probably take two to three months for scientists to calculate and release the exact height of Mount Qomolangma, according to the Ministry of Natural Resources.

Mount Qomolangma, also known as Mount Everest, straddles the China-Nepal border, with its northern part located in Shigatse in the Tibet autonomous region.