A father of two young boys, one of whom is just three months old, Xue works for the First Land Measurement Team under the Ministry of Natural Resources, which is organizing the ascent and survey along with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the General Administration of Sport and the government of Tibet Autonomous Region.

 

Though the official announcement of the survey was made on Thursday, preparations have been going on for some time. Since March 2, 53 members of the team, including Xue, have conducted preliminary leveling, gravity, global navigation satellite system, and astronomical surveys at the mountain and its peripheral areas.

 

The final ascent to the peak is planned in May when the weather allows, said Li Guopeng, team chief.

 

Xue's job is to manage an observation point at the western Rongpo glacier, about 5,600 meters above sea level. It is one of the six points to conduct intersection surveys using trigonometry, the traditional method of height measuring.

 

Since the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949, Chinese surveyors have conducted six rounds of scaled measurement and scientific research on Mount Qomolangma and released the height of the peak twice in 1975 and 2005, which was 8,848.13 meters and 8,844.43 meters, respectively.

 

This time, the team is using both traditional and modern surveying and mapping technologies such as GNSS satellite survey, precision leveling, geodimeter, snow depth radar survey, gravity survey, astronomical survey and satellite remote sensing, said Li. China's BeiDou Navigation Satellite System and homegrown surveying equipment are applied to the measurement.

 

Li said results from the survey will also facilitate studies in glacier change, earthquakes and earth movements.

 

Xue joined the team in 2002, a veteran institution that sent members to measure the world's tallest mountain in 2005.

 

"I applied for the 2005 survey, but I was not chosen. I'm lucky to have been selected this time. I'm not afraid of any hardships. I'm going all out," he said.

 

Starting from April 20, Xue has been performing simulation surveys outdoors. "Time is limited, and we are seizing every moment," he said.

 

Xue's job requires him to spend most of the time working outdoors and he is no stranger to the harsh environment. However, measuring the world's tallest mountain comes as a fresh challenge.

 

Starting from the beginning of April, Xue and his colleagues have tried to select a proper point to place their observation equipment but had to put off plans due to snowstorms. "At first, we were only 300 meters from our destination, but the wind and snow were getting rough, so we had to turn back," he said.

 

The surveyors were able to make a second attempt on April 16. Each of them needed to carry a 15-kg pack including instruments and supplies.

 

To reach the western Rongpo point, Xue's team had to mount a 300-meter-tall slope, a potentially deadly proposition. "As I climbed, I was gasping, and my chest hurt. When I finally made it over the slope, my gloves were worn, and I almost collapsed," Xue said.

 

"We are not professional climbers. I feel that it's not only physical strength that we depend on but also a strong determination to complete the job," he said.

 

Xue's colleagues include those who have had experience measuring the mountain, and also young university graduates. "We all feel it is an incredible honor. We love our job and have a lot of faith in it," he said.

 

China's re-measurement of the mountain comes at a year that marks the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Nepal. It also marks the 60th anniversary of human beings reaching the summit of Mount Qomolangma via the north ridge, as well as the 45th anniversary of China accurately measuring and announcing the height of the peak for the first time.