Altimetry

Altimetry is a remote sensing technique used to measure the height of the Earth’s surface, including oceans, ice, and land, by timing the return of radar or laser pulses sent from a satellite. In satellite altimetry, the satellite’s precise orbit allows determination of surface height relative to a reference ellipsoid after correcting for atmospheric and instrumental effects. This data is essential for monitoring global sea level changes, mapping the Earth’s gravity field, studying ice sheet dynamics, and observing inland water bodies.