What is this data?

ICESat (Ice, Cloud,and land Elevation Satellite) was a satellite mission acquiring laser altimetry and atmospheric LIDAR data, for studying ice sheet mass balance, cloud and aerosol heights, as well as for deriving land topography and vegetation characteristics. It operated from 2003 to 2010. ICESat-2 is scheduled for lunch in 2016.

Where is it available?

ICESat data can be obtained free of charge here

References:

•  http://icesat.gsfc.nasa.gov/icesat/

Users:

• Finnur Pálsson
• Sverrir Guðmundsson