Description

This two-part training focused on NASA data providing near global coverage of coastal and near-shore satellite-derived bathymetry (SDB) measurements from the Advanced Topographic Laser Altimeter System (ATLAS) instrument — a space-based lidar instrument flying on the Ice, Cloud, and land Elevation Satellite 2 (ICESat-2) platform. ATLAS’s green wavelength, photon-counting lidar signal can reach depths of up to 40 meters in regions with adequate water clarity to provide shallow, near-shore bathymetric data for a range of applications, including coastal and marine science management, nearshore habitat research, marine navigation, and engineering applications. The ATL24 product provides near global along-track coastal and nearshore SDB, consisting of refraction-corrected seafloor and sea surface heights, as well as associated uncertainties. This Applied Remote Sensing Training Program (ARSET) training improved users' knowledge of ICESat-2, the ATL24 product, and how to access, plot, and analyze ICESat-2 bathymetry data.

Prerequisites

• Fundamentals of Remote Sensing
• Mapping and Monitoring Lakes and Reservoirs with Satellite Observations

Objectives

By the end of this training attendees will be able to:

• Identify NASA bathymetry data used for global coastal and near-shore bathymetry mapping for risk reduction relating to shipping and navigation.
• Identify the applications and limitations of ICESat-2 bathymetry data (ATL24) for coastal and near-shore bathymetry mapping.
• Plot and download ICESat-2 bathymetry data (ATL24) using SlideRule Web Client.
• Analyze ICESat-2 bathymetry data (ATL24) using SlideRule Python Client.

Target Audience

• Remote sensing scientists and geospatial analysts public (local, regional, and federal), private industry, and international institutions who use satellite altimetry for bathymetric applications pertaining to risk reduction in coastal and near-shore waters.
• Academics and researchers interested in satellite-derived bathymetry. 

Course Format

• Two 1.5-hour parts
• Two identical sessions will be hosted at two different times of day:
  • Session A: 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. EST (UTC-5)
  • Session B: 14:00 p.m. to 15:30 p.m. EST (UTC-5)
• Each part will include a 30-minute live Q&A.
• Those who attend all parts and complete the homework by the due date will receive a certificate of attendance.

Sessions

Part 1: NASA ATL24 Bathymetric Data for Coastal and Near-Shore Applications

Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2025

• ICESat-2 mission overview

• ICESat-2 data products

• Operational coastal and nearshore bathymetry product

• National Snow and Ice Data Center (NSIDC) – Resources and data access

• SlideRule Web Service for plotting and downloading ATL24 data

• Summary and Q&A

ARSET Instructor: Sean McCartney

Guest Instructors: Lori Magruder, Diane Fritz, & Joseph-Paul Swinski

Materials

• Part 1 Presentation Slides (PDF, 4.0MB)

Part 2: Techniques for Plotting and Analyzing ATL24 Coastal Bathymetry

Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025

• Review of Part 1

• Demonstration: SlideRule Web Client & QGIS

• Generate SDB from multispectral satellite imagery and ATL24

• Demonstration: SlideRule Python Client

• NOAA’s SatBathy tool and integration of NASA’s ATL24

• Summary and Q&A

ARSET Instructor: Sean McCartney

Guest Instructors: Christopher Parrish, Joseph-Paul Swinski, Gretchen Imahori, & Keana Kief

Materials

• Part 2 Presentation Slides (PDF, 3.1MB)
• Part 2 Demo: Shapefile (ZIP, .01MB)
• Part 2 Demo: Python Script (ZIP, .003MB)

To follow along with the demonstration in Part 2, please:

• Create a free EU Copernicus account (Click ‘Login’ and then ‘Register’)
• Download the free and open source QGIS software
  • For guidance, please see our pre-training tutorial: Install QGIS. If you do not already have an account for the ARSET learning management system, you will be prompted to create a free account before you can view this tutorial.
• Bookmark the following websites:
  • Copernicus browser
  • SlideRule Web Client
  • NOAA WMTS ENC

Homework

• Homework (Due Dec. 31, 2025)