Antarctica: A robot plane will map the effects of climate change Scientists and engineers have touched down in Antarctica to test a drone that will aid in the prediction of climate change effects by experts. Areas of the continent that have been off-limits to scholars will be mapped by the autonomous aircraft. It has been tested in severe weather conditions near the highest peaks in Wales. In order to estimate how quickly the ice could melt and contribute to an increase in sea level worldwide, its first experiment will map the mountains beneath an ice sheet. Scientists' ability to learn more about Antarctica is hampered by current technological capabilities.