On May 28, 2019, NASA released ICESat-2 data through the National Snow and Ice Data Center (NSIDC). This height data shows the elevation of ice sheets, sea ice, bodies of water, trees and forests, and much more. What we want for this campaign is to be able to compare student and citizen science tree height data to the ICESat-2 mission tree height data. Although the data is now public, it may not be in a form that is easily used for our comparisons, yet. We will be working with ICESat-2 scientists to determine the best way for us to use the data. Check out some of the tree height and canopy height data at NSIDC.
You can explore the ICESat-2 tree height and canopy data through the Open Altimetry site. I have created a short introductory video that shows you how to access the tree height data on GLOBE and the height data from ICESat-2.
*NOTE - a few caveats...1. The ICESat-2 data available right now is slightly delayed. This is called data latency. Once all the data processing catches up, the normal latency for ICESat-2 data from measurement to public release is 45 days. Right now, it is a bit longer, since the satellite is relatively new...2. Since the satellite is relatively new, we do not have ground tracks that cover everything. There will areas that only receive a nearby ICESat-2 track every so often. All I want to say is to have fun and explore the data.
Beginning this Fall, the second year of the Trees Around the GLOBE Student Research Campaign will commence. At this time, we will work with the students and teachers to help them compare their data to that of ICESat-2.
ICESat-2 Data Paths on Open Altimetry
