The Ice, Cloud, and land Satellite-2 (ICESat-2) is planned to launch in 2016 carrying the Advanced Topographic Laser Altimeter System (ATLAS). ATLAS will be the first space-based photon-counting laser altimeter to be put into operation, and is tasked with observing the Earth’s ice sheets, sea ice, and vegetation. The environment in which ATLAS will be operating is expected to introduce a significant amount of noise into the received signal; this necessitates that a set of onboard Receiver Algorithms be developed to reduce the data volume and data rate to acceptable levels while still transmitting the relevant ranging data. The algorithms make use of signal processing techniques, along with three databases, the Digital Elevation Model (DEM), the Digital Relief Map (DRM), and the Surface Reference Mask (SRM), to find the signal and determine the appropriate dynamic range of vertical data surrounding the surface for downlink. The focus of this study is the development of the DEM and DRM databases. A number of elevation data sets are examined for use as inputs for the databases. No global data sets of sufficient quality and resolution are available for the development of the project, so best-available regional elevation data sets were selected instead. Software was developed in MATLAB to produce the DEM and DRM data bases from the input data sets. A method for calculating relief from a gridded elevation data set along the flight path of a satellite was developed for the generation of relief maps used to create the DRM. Global DEM and DRM databases were produced by mosaicking individual DEM and DRM tiles from each input data set into global grids. A technique was developed to determine the accuracy of the DRM by using ICESat ground elevations to evaluate the accuracy of an input elevation data set. By comparing values of DRM accuracy to values of DRM relief, estimates of DRM accuracy as a function of relief magnitude were determined and used to define values of DRM padding in the receiver algorithm. / text

This thesis constitutes a general survey and a study of significant extensions to the usual conventional satellite radar altimetry. Historically radar altimeter has been configured to the measurement of mean sea level. It is well known that other statistics such as Significant Wave Height (SWH) and wind speed are in principle recoverable from the radar echo and these are currently of great interest. It has been the aim in this thesis to optimize such measurements, for a general meteorological application, with less interest shown in absolute measurement of sea level. Current technology makes possible a total Earth survey using a constellation of small satellites, covering the entire Earth sea surface with short revisit time. Such solutions necessitate less cost, lower power, and less precise attitude control than the scientific satellites used hitherto. The purpose of this thesis is to present a novel two mode radar altimeter for sea state monitoring. SWH is still measured by conventional high-resolution mode, which is not sensitive to off-nadir pointing. An additional novel low-resolution mode is proposed for wind speed measurement. By using this mode, wind speed measurement is much more robust to pointing error than by using conventional high-resolution mode. An improved wind speed measurement can be achieved by using a cost effective small satellite. Some considerable time was also spent on incorporating SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar) into altimetry techniques to improve the signal to noise ratio. For sea state monitoring the improvements are relatively disappointing, although greater improvement are expected for ice sheet monitoring.

The TOPEX/POSEIDON Project is a joint U.S. and French mission to develop and operate an Earth orbiting satellite capable of making accurate measurements of the mean sea level in a way that allows the study of ocean dynamics. The understanding of ocean dynamics is very important in order to study events such as El Nino. Soon after the launch of the TOPEX satellite, some unusually high, but localized, values of the ocean's radar cross section, sigma-0, were observed by scientists at the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center. These phenomena have been referred to as sigma-0 blooms, and are accompanied by an increase in noise in the significant wave height (SWH) and altitude measurements. Since approximately 5% of all data recorded by the satellite contains sigma-0 blooms, it is important to understand their causes so that corrective measures can be taken by NASA. This thesis investigates two possible origins of the sigma-0 blooms: a surface containing a step discontinuity in sigma-0, and a surface containing slick or calm areas. Models corresponding to the theoretical returns from these two types of surfaces are developed and studied. / Master of Science

Depuis plus de vingt ans, les altimètres classiques comme Topex, Poseidon-2 ou Poséidon-3, ont fourni des formes d'onde qui sont utilisées pour estimer de nombreux paramètres tels que la distance entre le satellite et la scène observée, la hauteur des vagues et la vitesse du vent. L'amélioration de la qualité des paramètres altimétriques a nécessité le développement de plusieurs modèles d'échos et d'algorithmes d'estimation paramétrique. Par ailleurs, un grand effort est récemment dédié au traitement des échos côtiers afin d'analyser les mesures altimétriques le plus près possible des côtes. Cette thèse s'intéresse à la résolution de ces deux problèmes, à savoir, le traitement des formes d'onde côtières et l'amélioration de la qualité des paramètres océaniques estimés. La première partie de l'étude traite le problème des formes d'onde côtières en proposant un nouveau modèle altimétrique tenant compte de la présence éventuelle d'un pic sur l'écho altimétrique. Dans la seconde partie de notre travail, nous nous sommes intéressés à l'étude de l'altimétrie SAR/Doppler. Cette nouvelle technologie vise à réduire le bruit de mesure et à augmenter la résolution le long de la trace par rapport à l'altimétrie conventionnelle. Deux modèles altimétriques ont été développés afin d'estimer les paramètres associés aux échos SAR/Doppler. Ces modèles montrent une nette amélioration de la qualité des paramètres estimés par rapport à l'altimétrie conventionnelle. / For more than twenty years, conventional altimeters like Topex, Poseidon-2 or Poseidon-3, have been delivering waveforms that are used to estimate many parameters such as the range between the satellite and the observed scene, the wave height and the wind speed. Several waveform models and estimation processing have been developed for the oceanic data in order to improve the quality of the estimated altimetric parameters. Moreover, a great effort has been devoted to process coastal echoes in order to move the altimetric measurements closer to the coast. In this thesis, we are interested in resolving these two problems, i.e., processing coastal waveforms and improving the quality of the estimated oceanic parameters. The first part of the study considers the problem of coastal waveforms and proposes a new altimetric model taking into account the possible presence of peaks affecting altimetric echoes. In a second part of our work, we have been interested in the delay/Doppler altimetry. This new technology aims at reducing the measurement noise and increasing the alongtrack resolution when compared to conventional altimetry. Two altimetric models have been developed in order to estimate the resulting delay/Doppler echoes. These models allow a clear improvement in parameter estimation when compared to conventional altimetry.

No description available.

As utilizações de dados altimétricos, nesse estudo analisados a partir de modelos digitais de terreno (MDT), são as mais variadas assim como as técnicas de obtenção desse tipo de dado. Pode-se obter MDT por radar de abertura sintética que é utilizado para o levantamento de grandes áreas e de difícil acesso. Também pode-se gerar esse tipo de dado por Fotogrametria, por Topografia utilizando estação total com apoio GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System). Uma tecnologia mais atual para a obtenção de dados altimétricos é a utilização de tecnologia Lidar (light detection and ranging) que consiste na medição de distância e coordenadas através de um pulso eletromagnético que interage com os alvos. O produto básico dos sistemas que utilizam a tecnologia Lidar, seja em plataformas aéreas ou terrestres, é denominado de nuvem de pontos. Essas nuvens de pontos possuem coordenadas tridimensionais (X, Y e Z) referenciadas ao centro de fase do sensor. Nesse estudo foram realizados experimentos com dois sistemas de varredura a laser terrestre. O primeiro é um sistema de varredura modelo Optech Ilris 3D e outro Faro Focus 3D, nesse estudo denominados de SVLT Optech e SVLT Faro. Assim, o objetivo desse trabalho é estimar a qualidade posicional dos dados altimétricos gerados por dois SVLT. Os estudos foram executados em dois experimentos. No primeiro experimento foram realizados escaneamentos num campo de calibração. Nessa etapa foi gerada uma nuvem de pontos de cada sistema de varredura, e esses dados foram georreferenciados e a partir de pontos de checagem medidos no mesmo e assim foi estimada o controle de qualidade posicional. No segundo experimento, os dois SVLT foram utilizados para efetuar um levantamento topográfico planialtimétrico em um percurso de aproximadamente um quilômetro. Os dados gerados pelos SVLT passaram por um processo de registro, que consiste na junção de pares de nuvens de pontos, e foram georreferenciados a partir de pontos de controle medidos no terreno. Nesse percurso foram realizados circuitos de nivelamento cujos vértices foram utilizados para se estimar o controle de qualidade posicional, planimétrico e altimétrico, das nuvens de pontos oriundas dos dois sistemas de varredura. Assim, após a realização de testes estatísticos, no primeiro experimento, obteve-se valores de acurácia altimétrica de 1,5 cm para o SVLT Faro e de 1,3cm para o SVLT Optech e no segundo experimento acurácia altimétrica de 1,9 cm para o SVLT Faro e de 5,9 cm para o SVLT Optech. / The uses of altimetric data, in this study approached from digital terrain models (TDM) are the most varied as well as the techniques for getting this type of data. It can be get DTM by synthetic aperture radar that is used for surveying wide areas and with difficult access. As well it can be this type of data by Photogrammetry, by conventional Topography using total station with GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) support. A more actual technology for obtaining altimetric data is the use of light detection and ranging technology, which consists of measuring distance and coordinates through an electromagnetic pulse that interacts with the targets. The basic product of the systems that use the technology lidar, be it in aerial or terrestrial platforms, is denominated a point cloud. These point clouds have three-dimensional coordinates (X, Y, and Z) referenced to phase center of the sensor. In this study, will be performed experiments with two systems of terrestrial laser scanning (STLS). One STLS of the brand Optech Ilris 3D and another of the brand Faro Focus 3D, in this study called of STLS Faro and STLS Optech. Therefore, the aim of this work is to estimate the positional quality of digital terrain models generated by these two STLS. The studies were executed in two experiments. In the first experiment, scans has been made on a calibration wall. The generated point clouds were georeferenced and from the checkpoints measured in this calibration wall, the positional quality of these data was estimated. In the second experiment, the two STLS were has been made a planialtimetric topographic survey of a course of approximately one kilometer. In this course a leveling network was created and the vertices of this network were used to estimate the positional quality control of the points clouds from the two STLS. Therefore, after realization statistical tests, in the first experiment, it was obtained altimetric accuracy values of 1.5 cm for the STLS Faro and 1.3 cm for the STLS Optech were obtained and in the second experiment, the altimeter accuracy of 1.9 cm for the STLS Faro and 5.9 cm for the Optech STLS.

<p>The present thesis deals with the ocean circulation from two viewpoints: <i>Pro primo</i>, the dependence of the global thermohaline ocean circulation (THC) on the parameterization of the small-scale vertical mixing processes in the interior of the ocean, and, <i>pro secundo</i>, the dynamics of the circulation in the Nordic Seas. The THC is found be crucially dependent on the parameterization of the small-scale vertical mixing, two types of which have been compared: The commonly used constant diffusivity and a, physically more plausible, stability-dependent parameterization. For constant diffusivity the circulation weakens when the equator-to-pole surface density difference is decreased, consonant with commonly held prejudices. However, for stability-dependent diffusivity the circulation is enhanced. This conclusion has been reached using two investigative techniques, viz. a scale analysis as well as a numerical zonally-averaged and equatorially symmetric THC model. However, if asymmetric flows are considered, the dynamics become more complex to interpret. It has, nevertheless, been concluded that when the degree of asymmetry of the surface-density distribution is taken to be fixed, the response of the circulation to changes of the surface-density distribution corresponds to that from the symmetric investigation.</p><p>The studies of the Nordic Seas are mainly based on satellite-altimetric data providing Sea-Level Anomalies (SLAs). These are utilized to estimate the seasonal cycle as well as the inter-annual variability of the depth-integrated flows. The seasonal cycle is examined using the winter-to-summer difference of the barotropic flow, with focus on the entire region as well as on two sections extending from a common point in the central Norwegian Sea to Svinøy on the Norwegian coast and to the Faroe Islands, respectively. The total barotropic transport is estimated to be around 10 Sv larger during winter than in summer, of which 8 Sv are associated with the barotropic re-circulation gyre in the interior of the Norwegian Sea, the remainder being linked to the Atlantic inflow across the Iceland-Scotland Ridge. The inter-annual variability of the circulation in the Nordic Seas is investigated on the basis of a theoretical analysis permitting independent calculation of the barotropic flow along closed isobaths using SLA data as well as wind data. The barotropic flow based on SLA data is found to co-vary with the flow estimated using wind data.</p>

The present thesis deals with the ocean circulation from two viewpoints: Pro primo, the dependence of the global thermohaline ocean circulation (THC) on the parameterization of the small-scale vertical mixing processes in the interior of the ocean, and, pro secundo, the dynamics of the circulation in the Nordic Seas. The THC is found be crucially dependent on the parameterization of the small-scale vertical mixing, two types of which have been compared: The commonly used constant diffusivity and a, physically more plausible, stability-dependent parameterization. For constant diffusivity the circulation weakens when the equator-to-pole surface density difference is decreased, consonant with commonly held prejudices. However, for stability-dependent diffusivity the circulation is enhanced. This conclusion has been reached using two investigative techniques, viz. a scale analysis as well as a numerical zonally-averaged and equatorially symmetric THC model. However, if asymmetric flows are considered, the dynamics become more complex to interpret. It has, nevertheless, been concluded that when the degree of asymmetry of the surface-density distribution is taken to be fixed, the response of the circulation to changes of the surface-density distribution corresponds to that from the symmetric investigation. The studies of the Nordic Seas are mainly based on satellite-altimetric data providing Sea-Level Anomalies (SLAs). These are utilized to estimate the seasonal cycle as well as the inter-annual variability of the depth-integrated flows. The seasonal cycle is examined using the winter-to-summer difference of the barotropic flow, with focus on the entire region as well as on two sections extending from a common point in the central Norwegian Sea to Svinøy on the Norwegian coast and to the Faroe Islands, respectively. The total barotropic transport is estimated to be around 10 Sv larger during winter than in summer, of which 8 Sv are associated with the barotropic re-circulation gyre in the interior of the Norwegian Sea, the remainder being linked to the Atlantic inflow across the Iceland-Scotland Ridge. The inter-annual variability of the circulation in the Nordic Seas is investigated on the basis of a theoretical analysis permitting independent calculation of the barotropic flow along closed isobaths using SLA data as well as wind data. The barotropic flow based on SLA data is found to co-vary with the flow estimated using wind data.

Internal waves include soliton of period 10-20 minutes and tidal frequency waves. Large internal solitons with amplitude over 100 m were observed frequently in the South China Sea (SCS). There were convergence zones of 500-1000 m wide in the wave front of solitons which can be detected by satellite from the space. The hypothesis of this study is the internal wave signal can be extracted from the sea surface anomalies of satellite altimetry. Data analyzed include TOPEX/Poseidon altimeter from August 2002 to October 2005 in the northern SCS and Kuroshio regions. Methods applied include (1) standard deviation analysis, (2) harmonic analysis and (3) wavenumber spectrum analysis. The results show that¡]1¡^there is an annual variation in the sea surface height, which is explained due to water temperature changes in different seasons. (2) The results of harmonic analysis show that the amplitude of M2 aliasing is only a few centimeters on the sea surface. The different is small between internal active region and that of without. (3) The absolute values of slope, of internal wave energy and wavenumber spectrum, are 2-3 in the wave active region. This suggests that there are wave motions of scale 100 km or larger, which matches with the length scale of internal waves in the northern SCS.

As utilizações de dados altimétricos, nesse estudo analisados a partir de modelos digitais de terreno (MDT), são as mais variadas assim como as técnicas de obtenção desse tipo de dado. Pode-se obter MDT por radar de abertura sintética que é utilizado para o levantamento de grandes áreas e de difícil acesso. Também pode-se gerar esse tipo de dado por Fotogrametria, por Topografia utilizando estação total com apoio GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System). Uma tecnologia mais atual para a obtenção de dados altimétricos é a utilização de tecnologia Lidar (light detection and ranging) que consiste na medição de distância e coordenadas através de um pulso eletromagnético que interage com os alvos. O produto básico dos sistemas que utilizam a tecnologia Lidar, seja em plataformas aéreas ou terrestres, é denominado de nuvem de pontos. Essas nuvens de pontos possuem coordenadas tridimensionais (X, Y e Z) referenciadas ao centro de fase do sensor. Nesse estudo foram realizados experimentos com dois sistemas de varredura a laser terrestre. O primeiro é um sistema de varredura modelo Optech Ilris 3D e outro Faro Focus 3D, nesse estudo denominados de SVLT Optech e SVLT Faro. Assim, o objetivo desse trabalho é estimar a qualidade posicional dos dados altimétricos gerados por dois SVLT. Os estudos foram executados em dois experimentos. No primeiro experimento foram realizados escaneamentos num campo de calibração. Nessa etapa foi gerada uma nuvem de pontos de cada sistema de varredura, e esses dados foram georreferenciados e a partir de pontos de checagem medidos no mesmo e assim foi estimada o controle de qualidade posicional. No segundo experimento, os dois SVLT foram utilizados para efetuar um levantamento topográfico planialtimétrico em um percurso de aproximadamente um quilômetro. Os dados gerados pelos SVLT passaram por um processo de registro, que consiste na junção de pares de nuvens de pontos, e foram georreferenciados a partir de pontos de controle medidos no terreno. Nesse percurso foram realizados circuitos de nivelamento cujos vértices foram utilizados para se estimar o controle de qualidade posicional, planimétrico e altimétrico, das nuvens de pontos oriundas dos dois sistemas de varredura. Assim, após a realização de testes estatísticos, no primeiro experimento, obteve-se valores de acurácia altimétrica de 1,5 cm para o SVLT Faro e de 1,3cm para o SVLT Optech e no segundo experimento acurácia altimétrica de 1,9 cm para o SVLT Faro e de 5,9 cm para o SVLT Optech. / The uses of altimetric data, in this study approached from digital terrain models (TDM) are the most varied as well as the techniques for getting this type of data. It can be get DTM by synthetic aperture radar that is used for surveying wide areas and with difficult access. As well it can be this type of data by Photogrammetry, by conventional Topography using total station with GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) support. A more actual technology for obtaining altimetric data is the use of light detection and ranging technology, which consists of measuring distance and coordinates through an electromagnetic pulse that interacts with the targets. The basic product of the systems that use the technology lidar, be it in aerial or terrestrial platforms, is denominated a point cloud. These point clouds have three-dimensional coordinates (X, Y, and Z) referenced to phase center of the sensor. In this study, will be performed experiments with two systems of terrestrial laser scanning (STLS). One STLS of the brand Optech Ilris 3D and another of the brand Faro Focus 3D, in this study called of STLS Faro and STLS Optech. Therefore, the aim of this work is to estimate the positional quality of digital terrain models generated by these two STLS. The studies were executed in two experiments. In the first experiment, scans has been made on a calibration wall. The generated point clouds were georeferenced and from the checkpoints measured in this calibration wall, the positional quality of these data was estimated. In the second experiment, the two STLS were has been made a planialtimetric topographic survey of a course of approximately one kilometer. In this course a leveling network was created and the vertices of this network were used to estimate the positional quality control of the points clouds from the two STLS. Therefore, after realization statistical tests, in the first experiment, it was obtained altimetric accuracy values of 1.5 cm for the STLS Faro and 1.3 cm for the STLS Optech were obtained and in the second experiment, the altimeter accuracy of 1.9 cm for the STLS Faro and 5.9 cm for the Optech STLS.