Global Ecosystem Lidar Waveform Data from the International Space Station

Laser ranging observations from 2019 to 2024, with a hiatus from March 2023 to April 2024, characterize 3D ecosystem structure. The Global Ecosystem Dynamics Investigation instrument on the ISS provides geolocated waveform data for eight beams across latitudes between 51.6° N and 51.6° S. Data products are created and distributed by the LPCLOUD organization.

Use Cases

• Estimate canopy height and vertical structure from geolocated corrected and smoothed waveform layers.
• Model above-ground biomass and carbon storage using geophysical correction parameters for each laser shot.
• Analyze spatial patterns of ecosystem dynamics across the global footprint using the 25-meter resolution geolocation data.
• Track temporal changes in vegetation structure by combining waveform data with the timestamped orbital granules.

Strengths

• 85 data layers provided for each of the eight instrument beams.
• Highest resolution and densest sampling of any orbital lidar instrument.
• Spatial resolution of 25 meters per average footprint.
• Global coverage between 51.6° N and 51.6° S latitudes.

Limitations

• Data acquisition has known gaps, including a suspension from December 2019 to January 2020.
• Some filenames contain incorrect Reference Ground Track numbers for specific orbits in 2020 and 2021.
• Instrument was in hibernation for over a year, creating a temporal gap from March 2023 to April 2024.

Provenance

Source

NASA's Global Ecosystem Dynamics Investigation (GEDI) instrument on the International Space Station.

Collection Method

High-resolution laser ranging (lidar) observations processed into geolocated waveforms.

Time Range

2019 to 2024, with operational interruptions.

Freshness

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Geography

Global between 51.6° N and 51.6° S latitudes.