Jason-3 GPS Orbit and Sea Surface Height Anomaly Data

Jason-3 GPS based orbit and SSHA OGDR is a near real-time dataset providing GPS-derived orbits and Sea Surface Height Anomalies (SSHA). The data is produced by POCLOUD with a 5-hour latency and transitioned to processing baseline 'G' in January 2025. It offers an alternative to the standard NOAA OGDR, including GPS orbit and SSHA as two additional variables.

Use Cases

• Calculate near real-time sea level anomalies using the SSHA variable for ocean monitoring.
• Compare the accuracy of GPS-based orbits against DORIS orbits for satellite positioning.
• Assimilate SSHA data into numerical weather and ocean forecasting models.
• Validate the operational transition from processing baseline 'F' to 'G' by analyzing data filenames (e.g., JA3_GPSOPR_2PgS*).

Strengths

• GPS orbits provide more accurate near real-time positioning than DORIS orbits.
• Data is available with a 5-hour latency for near real-time applications.
• Includes two specific additional variables (GPS orbit and SSHA) compared to the standard NOAA OGDR.

Limitations

• Specific row count, geographic coverage, and temporal range are not provided.
• The 5-hour time lag may not be suitable for applications requiring instantaneous data.

Provenance

Source

POCLOUD, derived from Jason-3 satellite data.

Collection Method

Calculated from GPS measurements and satellite altimetry.

Freshness

Near real-time with a 5-hour lag. Processing baseline updated in January 2025.

Geography

Global ocean coverage from Jason-3 satellite tracks.