CRISTAL IN-FLIGHT LEVEL-2 PRODUCTS VALIDATION PLAN
The CRISTAL IN-PROVA project aims to provide a roadmap for the calibration and validation of the CRISTAL Level-2 data products, covering cryosphere (sea ice, icebergs, land ice) and inland water domains.
Additionally, the project will provide tools to preliminarily assess the effectiveness of the proposed validation methods and measurements, as well as to evaluate the calibration and validation results by taking into account the mission requirements.
This project directly contributes to the core objectives of the CRISTAL mission, which focuses on monitoring crucial climate signals across the polar regions, making it highly valuable to the scientific community. To ensure the complete fulfillment of the CRISTAL IN-PROVA project objectives, NOVELTIS has established a consortium of leading institutions and companies with demonstrably relevant expertise. The NOVELTIS consortium includes DTU, CLS, NPL, NPI, AWI, IGE, and vortex.io.
The CRISTAL IN-PROVA project is carried out under a programme of, and funded by, the European Space Agency (ESA).
Innovative methods and strategies to enhance satellite data accuracy across missions for superior geophysical insights.
Establish methodologies and protocols for validating CRISTAL Level-2 Hydro-Cryo products under ESA's responsibility, ensuring they meet the established Mission Requirements Document requirements for data quality.
Assess the need for permanent Fiducial Reference Measurements (FRM) sensors or dedicated FRM campaigns to support the validation of CRISTAL data across cryosphere and hydrology domains.
Define methods for cross-validating CRISTAL data with other altimetry missions.
Work on validation approaches that combine observations from multiple Copernicus Expansion Missions for various geophysical variables and assess the benefits in terms of uncertainty budgets.
Innovative methods and strategies to enhance satellite data accuracy across missions for superior geophysical insights.
Methodologies and FRM for validation
This work package focuses on reviewing existing methodologies for validating the ESA CRISTAL Hydro-Cryo Level-2 products across different thematic surfaces: sea ice and icebergs, land ice, and inland waters. Specificities for these surfaces are explored in sub-work packages. The sub-work packages address the following tasks: (i) cross-validation with other altimetry missions (ii) in-situ validation methodologies and equipment, (iii) synergistic validation with other CEMs.
Validation Database and Match up System
This work package is dedicated to designing, implementing, and managing a Validation Database and Match up System.
Validation Performance Simulator
This work package is closely linked to WP2 and deals with the design, implementation, testing, and exploitation of a Validation Performance Simulator. The activities within this work package will consider the specific characteristics of each thematic surface.
Definition of In-flight Level-2 Product Validation Plan
This work package focuses on establishing a comprehensive In-flight Level-2 Product Validation Plan for CRISTAL. The structure of this work package incorporates considerations for the unique properties of each thematic surface.
Critical analysis and outreach
This work package encompasses both critical analysis and future development activities for the project. Additionally, it includes promotion and outreach efforts to raise awareness and recognition of CRISTAL IN-PROVA.
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