Abstract
This paper presents a technical analysis of the processes used to validate and produce satellite-derived bathymetry, with primary focus on NASA's ICESat-2 ATLAS instrument and the Experimental Advanced Airborne Research Lidar-B (EAARL-B). Drawing on peer-reviewed validation studies, official USGS technical reports, algorithmic reviews, and national bathymetric archives, three clear correlations are demonstrated. First, the foundational scientific validation of ICESat-2 bathymetry was performed against high-resolution airborne lidar data collected from a conventional aircraft. Second, raw bathymetric observations from airborne lidar and multi-beam sonar systems frequently appear near-planar over regional baselines before post-processing. Third, geoid undulation modeling systematically introduces curvature into these surfaces. Quantitative accuracy metrics, system specifications, and processing workflows are presented to establish these correlations with concrete evidence.
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References
The paper’s bibliography appears in the complete PDF. Its original publication page is maintained in Scott’s Academia.edu archive.