Altimetry Explorer
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Satellite altimetry measures the time taken by a radar pulse to travel from the satellite antenna to the surface and back to the satellite receiver. Combined with precise satellite location data, altimetry measurements yield sea-surface heights. Figure 1 illustrates how water level can be retrieved from the satellite. Basically, the signal emitted is timed on how long it takes to return to the satellite (called the Range). The range is then subtracted from the orbit height and corrected for atmospheric effects to obtain water level with respect to an reference surface (or ellipsoid).
Satellite altimetry requires a lot of information to be taken into account before being able to use the data. Data processing is a major component, where specific parameters are needed to be extracted and combined to provide precise information on water level. Also, many factors need to be considered when determining which data points to use for calculating water levels.
This web application aims to provide simplified access in a quick and efficient manner for users to access water level information over inland water bodies. Users need to select specific
There are many satellite altimetry sensors that have acquired data throughout the years. AltEx currently hosts some of of the datasets in a harmonized manner. These sensors include: Jason2, Jason3, and Saral. It is expected to include more sensors with time.
