ISNET’s Distance Training course on “Developing and Exploiting Radar Altimetry to Measure Water Level Variability from Space”; 25-27 Aug 2024

In situ measurements have traditionally faced a sampling limitation. Today satellites allow us to observe large areas from deep ocean to coast and over land. However, it is important to understand what can be measured from space and how after a careful processing the extracted information can be used in scientific investigations and applications.

Satellite radar altimetry enables us to monitor water level variability that plays a key role in the ocean. Although the remote sensing technique was originally designed for open ocean, improved processing and advances in technology are now permitting the retrieval of more and better data near coasts and inland waters, where hazards are actually adding pressure to the local communities.

Foregoing in view, training course on “Developing and Exploiting Radar Altimetry to Measure Water Level Variability from Space” was held from 25-27 Aug 2024. Trainer of the course was Dr. Stefano Vignudelli c/o Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche  (CNR-IBF).

Objectives of this course were to develop the capacities of ISNET participants about processing and exploiting the modern satellite radar altimetry and contributing to the development of a satellite radar altimetry community in ISNET countries. Following contents were discussed during the course; satellite radar altimetry foundations, satellite missions (past, present, future), processing in different targeted domains (coastal zone, inland waters), available data sets and examples of applications, with special focus how the technique can contribute to coastal hazards (e.g., storm surges and climate change).

The course received overwhelming response and over 30 participants attended all the three days of the course.