Review article

Satellite Altimetry: The Technology and its Application in Geodesy

Marijan Grgić orcid.org/0000-0002-3098-232X ; Faculty of Geodesy, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
Senka Jukić ; Vrgorac, Croatia
Robert Steven Nerem ; Colorado Center for Astrodynamics Research, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, USA
Tomislav Bašić orcid.org/0000-0003-2655-6130 ; Faculty of Geodesy, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia

Abstract

Radar satellite altimetry is a method that enables obtaining the global high-precision sea level data related to desired geocentric reference frame. Satellite altimeter observations enable efficient solving of the main geodetic tasks addressed by the definition of geodesy, which include measuring the Earth's size and shape as well as the determination of the Earth’s gravitational field. The measurements obtained by satellite altimeters are direct indicator of the Earth’s response to climate change and other geophysical phenomena. The obtained data are used for determination of the height systems over the land and the sea, bathymetric map making, estimation of vertical land motion etc. This paper presents the basic concept of satellite altimeter technology along with principal principles of altimeter data processing. A special attention was paid to the review and analysis of the altimeter data corrections due to signal propagation through the atmosphere and the influence of geophysical phenomena on the emitted signal. Further, the study reviews in detail the development of technology through three phases, analyzing the contribution of each and describing the guidelines for future technology development. Finally, the study shows the products derived from satellite altimetry currently available for utilization in geodetic applications such as the models of gravity field, bathymetry, sea level trends, and others.

Keywords

satellite altimetry; sea level change; coastal altimetry; spatial data

Hrčak ID:

197640

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/197640

Publication date:

30.12.2017.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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