GEDI L4A: Global Aboveground Biomass Density from Spaceborne Lidar, 2019-2020

Global Ecosystem Dynamics Investigation (GEDI) Level 4A predictions of aboveground biomass density within a ~25 m footprint, sampled globally between latitudes 51.6° N and S. The data, produced by NASA, covers the period from April 18, 2019, to September 2, 2020, derived from parametric models using simulated waveform metrics and field plot estimates across multiple plant functional types.

Use Cases

• Modeling global carbon stocks based on aboveground biomass density predictions.
• Analyzing vegetation structure and canopy characteristics based on laser footprint sampling.
• Monitoring changes in forest biomass across different plant functional types (e.g., deciduous broadleaf, evergreen needleleaf).
• Calibrating and validating terrestrial ecosystem models using spatially explicit biomass estimates.

Strengths

• Data is derived from the GEDI instrument on the International Space Station, providing a spaceborne source.
• Covers a specific global latitude band (51.6° N and S) with a defined temporal range (2019-04 18 to 2020-09-02).
• Models are calibrated using field plot estimates from multiple world regions and plant functional types.

Limitations

• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
• Row count is unknown, which may limit suitability assessment.
• Spatial coverage is limited to the orbital track of the ISS, not a complete global grid.

Provenance

Source

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Collection Method

Predictions derived from parametric models relating simulated GEDI L2A waveform metrics to field plot AGBD estimates.

Time Range

2019-04-18 to 2020-09-02

Freshness

Last updated 2026-03-13 02:21:42.205692; freshness should be verified.

Geography

Global latitude band observed by the ISS, nominally 51.6 degrees North and South.