The European Space Agency (ESA) has developed a comprehensive suite of innovative Earth system data records as part of the Fundamental Data Records for Altimetry project - FDR4ALT.

These newly generated datasets are now openly available for download to anyone with an ESA EO Sign In account, via the ESA Online dissemination service.

The new records, available in NetCDF format, are derived from the ERS-1, ERS-2 and Envisat Altimeter and Radiometer instruments, spanning the mission archives from 1991 to 2012.

While access to the original individual mission datasets will still be maintained for a few months, users are strongly encouraged to migrate to the new products, which demonstrate notable improvements (see the FDR4ALT Validation Report Document - FDR).

The FDR4ALT initiative has encompassed the creation of Fundamental Data Records (Level 1 Altimeter and Radiometer data) and Thematic Data Records (Level 2 + geophysical products) within ESA's Heritage Space Programme.

The records are aimed at different user communities and include the following datasets:

1. Fundamental Data Records for Altimetry
2. Fundamental Data Records for Radiometry
3. Atmospheric Thematic Data Product
4. Inland Waters Thematic Data Product
5. Land Ice Thematic Data Product
6. Ocean & Coastal Topography Thematic Data Product
7. Ocean Waves Thematic Data Product
8. Sea Ice Thematic Data Product
    

Key highlights of the release:

• Enhanced Calibration and Algorithms:
  Improved calibration and instrumental corrections, along with advanced algorithms, ensure the highest standards of data quality.
• Long-Term Consistency:
  Leveraging on fundamental data records, the datasets guarantee accuracy over extended periods of time, which is crucial for detecting trends and subtle variations in sea levels, ice cover, and atmospheric conditions.
• Thematic Data Products:
  A wide range of Thematic Data Products derived from heritage missions offers valuable insights into various Earth system components: inland waters, ocean and coastal topography, ocean waves, land ice focusing on Greenland and Antarctica, sea ice for Arctic and Antarctic regions, and atmospheric conditions.
• Uncertainty-Quantified Observations:
  Observations come with quantified uncertainties to ensure robust and reliable data for scientific analysis.

Dataset and access information:

For further details on the specific datasets, accessibility, and user registration, please visit the ESA FDR4ALT dataset description pages.

All users are recommended to consult the accompanying documentation and the FDR4ALT Product User Guide before using the data.

Should you need any additional clarification or support, please contact the ESA EO Help Desk or visit the FDR4ALT project website.