Did you know that you can compare your GLOBE tree height data to that of the ICESat-2 satellite? You can compare any GLOBE tree height data to ICESat-2 tree height data using the Open Altimetry online tool at http://openaltimetry.org. This online tool is set up to be very user-friendly, but does require a bit of exploration to use it properly.
Below are two tutorials to help you understand how the Open Altimetry tool works and to help you get more comfortable looking at your data and comparing it to the ICESat-2 data for tree height.
NSIDC Open Altimetry Tutorial for Trees Around the GLOBE Student Research Campaign
with Amy FitzGerrell from the National Snow and Ice Data Center (NSIDC)
One of the major ways students can perform student research is to compare GLOBE student and citizen science tree height data to height data from the NASA Ice, Cloud, and land Elevation Satellite-2 (ICESat-2). By comparing this data, students can see just how close the satellite tracks over their locations and if certain GLOBE-measured trees have been measured by ICESat-2. Amy FitzGerrell, from the National Snow and Ice Data Center (NSIDC) in Colorado, guided us with an interactive tutorial of the Open Altimetry online tool.
NASA GO Trees Tool and ICESat 2 Data on Open Altimetry Tutorial
with Brian Campbell from the NASA Wallops Flight Facility (NASA WFF)
This video shows how students, teachers, and citizen scientists can take existing GLOBE Observer data for tree height and compare it to the tree canopy height data from the NASA Ice, Cloud, and land Elevation Satellite- or ICESat-2 Mission. The online Open Altimetry Tool allows you to look and see when ICESat-2 flew over or near the location of the tree you have the GLOBE data for already. It is a fun and simple thing to do and helps you become a part of a larger NASA mission.
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out the Campaign Lead, Brian Campbell, by CLICKING HERE!
