AltimetryData flow

Data acquisition | Data processing | Data qualification

3.2.2. Data processing

Transforming raw altimetry data into an easily usable form involves a great deal of data processing.

Numerous elements are included in altimetry data. Some come from the altimeter, some from the other onboard instruments, or other instruments; others from models, or a combination of all the former. Classic altimetry data processing (i.e. mostly dedicated to ocean applications), as performed by the ground segments includes:

• Altimeter measurements
• Orbit Determination
• Geophysical corrections
• Instrumental errors
• Reference surfaces
• Flags
• Retracking
• High-level processing

Further information
- Envisat RA-2/MWR Level 2 User Manual (pdf zipped version, 3 MB), Edition 1.2, June 2006
- Aviso and PoDaac User Handbook - IGDR and GDR Jason-1 Products, (pdf version, 1.7 MB), SMM-MU-M5-OP-13184-CN, Edition 3.0, January 2006
- Aviso User Handbook: Merged Topex/Poseidon Products, (pdf version, 900 KB), AVI-NT-02-101-CN, Edition 3.0, July 1996
- NOAA Geophysical Data Record Handbook, (html), Edition June 2002
- RA/ATSR products - User Manual, (pdf, 2.9 MB), C2-MUT-A-01-IF, Edition 2.3, July 2001