ACE2: Global Digital Elevation Model from Satellite Altimetry
by Berry, P. A. M., R. Smith, and J. Benveniste / ESDIS·Updated 1mo ago
Available on 2 platforms
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Description
The Altimeter Corrected Elevations, Version 2 (ACE2) dataset is a global digital elevation model created by synergistically merging Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) data with multi-mission satellite radar altimetry. It provides elevation data at multiple resolutions, including 3, 9, and 30 arc-seconds, and 5 arc-minutes, covering the region between 60°N and 60°S, supplemented by other sources like GLOBE and ERS-1 outside that range. The data is distributed in 15-degree by 15-degree tiles for use in environmental and geophysical research.
Use Cases
Flood risk assessment based on corrected terrain elevation data.
Landslide and land deformation modeling using high-resolution topographic information.
Urban planning and infrastructure development informed by accurate elevation models.
Sea level rise impact studies leveraging the global, satellite-derived coverage.
Climate research analyzing topography's role in environmental processes.
Strengths
Provides a global, synergistic product merging SRTM with multi-mission satellite radar altimetry.
Offers data at four specific resolutions: 3, 9, 30 arc-seconds, and 5 arc-minutes.
Cross-platform presence on Dataverse and NASA EarthData signals established use and importance.
Limitations
Metadata completeness is low; specific column names, row counts, file sizes, and license information are not provided.
Conflicting 'last updated' dates exist between sources (2026-05-27 on Dataverse vs. 2005-12-31 on NASA EarthData).
Documentation gaps exist regarding the specific 'other satellites' and data processing methodologies mentioned.
Provenance
Source
Berry, P. A. M., R. Smith, and J. Benveniste; organization referenced as ESDIS.
Collection Method
Created by merging SRTM data with satellite radar altimetry and supplementing with other sources including GLOBE, ACE DEM, and reprocessed ERS-1 Geodetic Mission data.
Freshness
2026-05-27 (from Dataverse, but conflicts with NASA EarthData date)
Geography
Global, with primary synergistic coverage between 60°N and 60°S.
Data is distributed in little-endian format as 15-degree tiles; file names refer to the southwestern edge of the southwesternmost pixel. License information is not specified in the provided metadata.