Global Relief Model with 15 Arc-Second Resolution

ETOPO 2022 is a global relief model integrating topographic and bathymetric data at a 15 arc-second resolution. It is produced by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration using validated data sources like NASA's ICESat-2 and is available in 'Ice Surface' and 'Bedrock' versions.

Use Cases

• Generate high-resolution digital elevation models using the integrated bathymetry and topography data for geospatial analysis.
• Validate other topographic datasets against the independently vetted 'Bedrock' and 'Ice Surface' model versions.
• Analyze coastal processes and seafloor topography using the seamless global relief data for environmental modeling.
• Incorporate the 15 arc-second resolution gridded elevations into global or regional climate and hydrological simulations.

Strengths

• Features a high 15 arc-second spatial resolution for detailed global relief representation.
• Integrates multiple validated data sources, including NASA's ICESat-2, for model accuracy.
• Provides two distinct versions ('Ice Surface' and 'Bedrock') for specialized analysis of ice sheets.

Limitations

• The specific data volume, row count, and file sizes are not provided, complicating storage and processing planning.
• As a static 2022 model, it may not reflect recent changes in topography or bathymetry.
• Lacks detailed columnar metadata, which limits understanding of the internal data structure for programmatic use.

Provenance

Source

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Department of Commerce

Collection Method

Combines airborne lidar, satellite-derived topography, and shipborne bathymetry datasets, validated with independent sources like NASA's ICESat-2.

Time Range

Model version is 2022; specific temporal coverage of source data is not detailed.

Freshness

The dataset metadata was last updated in October 2024, though the model itself is from 2022.

Geography

Global coverage, including land surface and global ocean.