Just-in-time altimetry: international collaboration in provision of altimetry datasets

Environmental research requires access to quality controlled, calibrated data. Satellite altimeter data are used in a range of environmental research, including oceanography, ice and land surface studies. Users who are not altimeter specialists may not be aware of, or have access to, the latest updates and most appropriate corrections to use for their application. We propose a GRID based methodology to give all users access to the best possible altimeter data product at the time of the request, tailor made for their specific application. A data portal system would be based on a "Network of Trust" consisting of the data providers and a certificating authority. Data could be served through a fully interactive web 'front-end' or directly from within analysis programmes. This system would build on the experiences gained in combining two existing Altimeter Data services (GAPS and RADS) to produce a coherent data service with alternative web interfaces and configurable users access.