The second objective is to generate digital elevation models from the gridding of CryoSat swath elevations. This task has not been performed in previous projects and requires new algorithm developments, testing and validation. The spatial resolution and extent has been selected based on these initial tests and may vary on a region per region basis as swath data quality, density and swath width is highly variable and a function of surface slope and surface conditions (i.e. scattering mechanisms).
The current gridded products cover GrIS, AIS, Austfonna Ice Cap (Svalbard) and Vatnajökull Ice Cap (Iceland). For optimal temporal and spatial resolution monthly gridded products of each region is generated at 2km spatial resolution using swath elevations taken within a 3 month time window.