Surface elevation data was collected by the NASA Land, Vegetation, and Ice Sensor (LVIS) lidar altimeter aboard a Global Hawk UAV. Measurements were funded through NASA Operation IceBridge campaigns. The dataset was last updated in November 2013.
Use Cases
- Estimate ice sheet volume change by analyzing time-series of surface elevation measurements.
- Validate satellite-derived elevation products from missions like ICESat-2 using high-resolution lidar data.
- Map surface features like crevasses and melt ponds from the geolocated elevation point cloud.
- Study snow accumulation and firn density by correlating elevation changes with climate data.
Strengths
- Data collected by a dedicated NASA airborne sensor (LVIS) designed for ice and vegetation.
- Acquired during funded Operation IceBridge campaigns, ensuring mission-specific data collection.
- Provides direct geolocated surface elevation, a fundamental measurement for cryospheric studies.
Limitations
- Data recency is limited, with last update in 2013, preceding newer satellite missions.
- Specific spatial coverage, row count, and resolution details are not provided in the input.
- Unknown license terms and specific file formats could complicate access and reuse.
Provenance
- Source
- NASA Land, Vegetation, and Ice Sensor (LVIS) instrument.
- Collection Method
- Airborne lidar scanning laser altimetry from a Global Hawk Unmanned Aerial Vehicle.
- Time Range
- null
- Freshness
- Last updated in 2013; update frequency is null.
- Geography
- Likely Arctic and Antarctic regions covered by NASA Operation IceBridge flights.