CYGNSS Satellite Full Delay Doppler Maps Version 3.0

Version 3.0 Full Delay Doppler Maps (DDMs) contain two-dimensional maps of scattered GPS signals from Earth's surface, processed with lossless bit resolution. The data is collected by the Delay-Doppler Mapping Instrument aboard the CYGNSS satellite constellation and is managed by POCLOUD. This version supersedes Version 1.0 for data retrieved from August 2018 onward, linking the full DDMs to the updated CYGNSS v3.0 Level 1 calibration files.

Use Cases

• Calibrate and validate ocean wind speed retrieval algorithms using the full-resolution signal strength across delay and Doppler bins.
• Analyze land surface properties by examining the scattering characteristics of GPS signals over a wide range of delay and Doppler values.
• Study ionospheric effects on signal propagation by comparing zenith navigation antenna data with nadir science antenna data within the DDM records.
• Develop target-specific geophysical models by utilizing the 10-15 minute duration records initiated for specific areas of interest.

Strengths

• Full DDMs retain lossless bit resolution, unlike the truncated resolution in standard DDM products.
• Data records are linked to the updated CYGNSS v3.0 Level 1 calibration framework for consistency.
• Maps are sampled over a wider range of delay and Doppler values than standard restricted DDMs.

Limitations

• Dataset size, row count, and specific temporal coverage are not provided in the description.
• Full DDM records are not continuous, being 10-15 minutes in duration and initiated only for target areas.
• For data retrieved prior to August 2018, users must use the superseded Version 1.0, creating a version split.

Provenance

Source

NASA CYGNSS satellite constellation, Delay-Doppler Mapping Instrument (DDMI).

Collection Method

Satellite instrument measures incoming radio frequency streams from three antenna channels and processes them in real-time into two-dimensional delay-Doppler maps.

Time Range

Covers data retrieved during or after August 2018; specific start and end dates unknown.

Geography

Global coverage determined by CYGNSS satellite orbits and ground-commanded target areas of interest.