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Satellite data sources
Altimeters
for accurate measurements of significant wave height, sea surface
height, surface wind speeds and a good estimate of zero upcrossing wave
period. For more information on altimetry visit the ESA
Radar Altimetry
Tutorial.
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Satellite (sensor)
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Availability
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Description
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More
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Envisat (RA-2)
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Near real-time (NRT) <3
hours
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Narrow swath, 35-day repeat,
data to 81.5 degrees
latitude
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ESA
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Jason-1
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NRT <3 hours
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Narrow swath, 10-day repeat,
data to 66 degrees
latitude
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NASA
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Jason-2
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TBD
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Narrow swath, 10-day repeat,
data to 66 degrees latitude. Continuation of Jason-1 mission.
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AVISO
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GFO
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24 hour delay
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Narrow swath, 17-day repeat
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NASA
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ERS-2
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NRT <1 hour, N Atlantic
only
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Narrow swath, 35-day repeat,
limited coverage
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ESA
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Scatterometers
for broad swath measurements of surface wind speed and
direction.
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Satellite (sensor)
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Availability
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Description
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More
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Quikscat
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NRT <3 hours
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Broad swath, 25km resolution,
data
to 80 degrees
latitude
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NASA
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Metop (ASCAT)
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NRT <3 hours
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Broad swath, 25km resolution
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ESA
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ERS-2
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NRT <1 hour, N Atlantic
only
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Broad swath, limited
coverage
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ESA
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Synthetic
Aperture Radars (SAR)
for radar imagery that gives surface features including information on
winds, waves, currents, oil slicks and ship detection.
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Satellite (sensor)
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Availability
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Description
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More
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Envisat (ASAR)
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For research and commercially
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C-band, down to 30m
resolution, 100-400km swath
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ESA
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Radarsat
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Commercially
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C-band, multiple beam modes
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RADARSAT
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TerraSAR-X
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Commercially
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X-band, 1-16m resolution
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Infoterra
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Radiometers
for measurements of sea surface temperature.
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Satellite (sensor)
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Availability
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Description
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More
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Envisat (AATSR)
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For research and commercially
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1km resolution, 500km swath
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ESA
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NOAA (AVHRR)
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For research and commercially
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Operational satellite series,
1km resolution,
2900km swath
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ESA
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Spectral
sensors
for measurements of ocean colour giving information on water
quality.
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Satellite (sensor)
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Availability
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Description
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More
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Envisat (MERIS)
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For research and commercially
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1km or 300m resolution, 15
bands
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ESA
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Aqua (MODIS)
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For research and commercially
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1km resolution, 36 bands
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NASA
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Proba (CHRIS)
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For research and commercially
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17m resolution, 18 bands
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ESA
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Quickbird
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Commercially
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High resolution imaging, 2.6m
resolution, 4 bands
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DigitalGlobe
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Calibration and validation
We work to ensure the best possible quality of data
products and have previously carried out calibration and validation of
altimeters for space agencies. For more information including
calibration notes visit the calibration pages from Satellite
Observing
Systems.
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