Airborne lidar surface profiles of Alaska glaciers were collected by the University of Alaska Fairbanks Glacier Lidar system. Data acquisition was funded through NASA's Operation IceBridge aircraft survey campaigns. The dataset was last updated in June 2009.
Use Cases
- Model glacier volume change by analyzing time-series surface elevation profiles.
- Map sub-meter resolution glacier topography using geolocated lidar point data.
- Validate satellite-derived elevation models (e.g., from ICESat) with airborne lidar profiles.
- Study surface roughness and crevasse patterns from high-resolution elevation triplets.
Strengths
- Data collected via specialized UAF Glacier Lidar system designed for cryospheric applications.
- Profiles acquired as part of the systematic NASA Operation IceBridge campaign.
Limitations
- Data is from 2009, limiting analysis of recent glacier dynamics.
- Specific spatial coverage, row count, and resolution details are not provided.
- Limited to Alaskan glaciers, not a global survey.
Provenance
- Source
- National Snow and Ice Data Center (NSIDC) via NASA Earthdata.
- Collection Method
- Collected using the airborne University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) Glacier Lidar system during Operation IceBridge flights.
- Time Range
- Collection campaigns prior to June 2009.
- Freshness
- null
- Geography
- Alaska, United States glaciers.