GEDI Spaceborne Lidar Aboveground Biomass Density for Golden Weeks

GEDI L4A data provides predictions of aboveground biomass density (AGBD) in megagrams per hectare for laser footprints sampled from the International Space Station. The dataset focuses on specific 'Golden Weeks' (weeks 19, 32, 34, 38) chosen for instrument calibration and validation, covering latitudes up to 51.6 degrees north and south. It is produced by ORNL_CLOUD for NASA, with biomass estimates derived from parametric models linking lidar waveform metrics to field plot data across multiple plant functional types.

Use Cases

• Estimating carbon storage in forests by analyzing the predicted aboveground biomass density (AGBD) column.
• Validating airborne lidar surveys (e.g., LVIS) by comparing coincident GEDI orbit footprints from the specified Golden Weeks.
• Studying biomass distribution across plant functional types (PFTs) using the model calibration based on deciduous broadleaf, evergreen broadleaf, and other PFT classifications.
• Assessing canopy structure by examining the underlying relative height (RH) metrics from the simulated GEDI Level 2A waveforms used to derive AGBD.
• Mapping global biomass within the ISS observation band using the geolocated footprint data with its ~25m resolution and ~4.2km cross-track width.

Strengths

• Data is calibrated using field plot estimates of AGBD from multiple global regions and plant functional types, grounding the satellite measurements in terrestrial observations.
• Spatial resolution is high, with each laser sampling a ~25 meter footprint and eight beams providing an across-track swath of ~4.2 km.
• The selected 'Golden Weeks' (19, 32, 34, 38) cover a range of instrument operating conditions crucial for calibration and include orbits coincident with LVIS airborne lidar underflights for validation.

Limitations

• Sources conflict on the last update date, with one platform listing 2026-03-13 and another listing 2019-09-05, creating uncertainty about data currency.
• The dataset is limited to specific mission weeks and the ISS latitude band (51.6°N/S), not providing continuous global or temporal coverage.
• No column names or exact row/record counts are provided on any platform, limiting understanding of the data structure and scale.

Provenance

Source

ORNL_CLOUD

Collection Method

Derived from parametric models relating simulated GEDI Level 2A lidar waveform metrics to field plot estimates of aboveground biomass density.

Time Range

Covers mission weeks 19, 32, 34, and 38 (Golden Weeks).

Freshness

2026-03-13 02:36:42.985842

Geography

Global within the International Space Station latitude band, nominally 51.6 degrees North and South.