Metadata: 
   Identification Information: 
      Dataset Identifier: 
         gov.noaa.class:J2-XGDR
      Citation: 
         Citation Information: 
            Originator: 
               DOC/NOAA/NESDIS/OSDPD > Office of Satellite Data Processing and 
               Distribution, NESDIS, NOAA, U.S. Department of Commerce
            Originator: 
               EUMETSAT > European Meteorological Satellite Organisation
            Originator: 
               FR/CNES > Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales, France
            origin_cntinfo: 
               Contact Information: 
                  Contact Organization Primary: 
                     Contact Organization: 
                        DOC/NOAA/NESDIS/OSDPD > Office of Satellite Data 
                        Processing and Distribution, NESDIS, NOAA, U.S. 
                        Department of Commerce
                  Contact Address: 
                     Address Type: 
                        Mailing and Physical
                     Address: 
                        NOAA NESDIS OSDPD
                        E/SP, RM 1069, FB4
                        5200 Auth Road
                     City: 
                        Suitland
                     State or Province: 
                        MD
                     Postal Code: 
                        20746-4304
                     Country: 
                        USA
                  Contact Voice Telephone: 
                     301-817-4435
                  Contact Facsimile Telephone: 
                     301-457-5184
                  Contact Electronic Mail Address: 
                     nesdis.osdpd.web.admins@noaa.gov
                  Hours of Service: 
                     9-5, EST
                  Contact Instructions: 
                     Phone/E-mail/letter during regular business hours
            origin_cntinfo: 
               Contact Information: 
                  Contact Organization Primary: 
                     Contact Organization: 
                        EUMETSAT > European Meteorological Satellite Organisation
                  Contact Address: 
                     Address Type: 
                        Mailing and Physical
                     Address: 
                        EUMETSAT
                        Eumetsat Allee 1
                     City: 
                        Darmstadt
                     State or Province: 
                        N/A
                     Postal Code: 
                        D-64295
                     Country: 
                        Germany
                  Contact Voice Telephone: 
                     +49(0)6151-807 7
                  Contact Facsimile Telephone: 
                     +49(0)6151-807 555
                  Contact Instructions: 
                     For information, go to: 
                     http://www.eumetsat.int/Home/Main/AboutEUMETSAT/Contact_Us/index.htm?l=en
            origin_cntinfo: 
               Contact Information: 
                  Contact Organization Primary: 
                     Contact Organization: 
                        FR/CNES > Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales, France
                  Contact Address: 
                     Address Type: 
                        Mailing
                     Address: 
                        Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales
                        2 place Maurice Quentin
                     City: 
                        PARIS CEDEX 01
                     State or Province: 
                        N/A
                     Postal Code: 
                        75 039
                     Country: 
                        FRANCE
                  Contact Voice Telephone: 
                     33 (0)1.44.76.75.00
                  Contact Facsimile Telephone: 
                     33 (0)1.44.76.76.76
                  Contact Instructions: 
                     For information, go to: 
                     http://www.cnes.fr/web/CNES-en/475-contact.php
            Publication Date: 
               20081215
            Title: 
               OSTM/Jason-2 Level-2 Geophysical Data Records
            Geospatial Data Presentation Form: 
               data files
            Publication Information: 
               Publication Place: 
                  Silver Spring, MD
               Publisher: 
                  NOAA National Oceanographic Data Center
               publish_cntinfo: 
                  Contact Information: 
                     Contact Organization Primary: 
                        Contact Organization: 
                           DOC/NOAA/NESDIS/NODC > National Oceanographic Data 
                           Center, NESDIS, NOAA, U.S. Department of Commerce;
                        Contact Person: 
                           NODC User Services
                     Contact Address: 
                        Address Type: 
                           Mailing and Physical
                        Address: 
                           NOAA/NESDIS/NODC E/OC1, SSMC3 4th Floor; 1315 
                           East-West Highway
                        City: 
                           Silver Spring
                        State or Province: 
                           MD
                        Postal Code: 
                           20910-3282
                        Country: 
                           USA
                     Contact Voice Telephone: 
                        (301) 713-3277
                     Contact Facsimile Telephone: 
                        (301) 713-3302
                     Contact Electronic Mail Address: 
                        NODC.Services@noaa.gov
                     Hours of Service: 
                        9:00 - 5:00 EST
                     Contact Instructions: 
                        Phone/E-mail/Letter
            Other Citation Details: 
               These data were submitted as part of an international effort for 
               the Jason-2 satellite project. The data are archived at the 
               National Oceanographic Data Center and served through the 
               NOAA/NESDIS Comprehensive Large Array-data Stewardship System 
               (CLASS).
            Online Linkage: 
               www.nodc.noaa.gov
            CI Online Resource: 
               Linkage: 
                  http://www.nodc.noaa.gov/cgi-bin/search/prod/accessionsView.pl/details/43269
               Name: 
                  OSTM/Jason-2 Level-2 Geophysical Data Records at NODC
               Description: 
                  Information about OSTM/Jason-2 Level-2 Geophysical Data Records 
                  at NODC.
               Function: 
                  information
            CI Online Resource: 
               Linkage: 
                  http://www.class.ncdc.noaa.gov/saa/products/search?sub_id=0&datatype_family=J2-XGDR
               Name: 
                  OSTM/Jason-2 Level-2 Geophysical Data Records at CLASS
               Description: 
                  Information about OSTM/Jason-2 Level-2 Geophysical Data Records 
                  at CLASS.
            CI Online Resource: 
               Linkage: 
                  http://www.nodc.noaa.gov/cgi-bin/search/prod/accessionsView.pl/details/43269
               Protocol: 
                  http
               Application Profile: 
                  web browser
               Name: 
                  OSTM/Jason-2 Level-2 Geophysical Data Records at NODC
               Description: 
                  Search OSTM/Jason-2 Level-2 Geophysical Data Records using NODC 
                  interface.
               Function: 
                  search
            CI Online Resource: 
               Linkage: 
                  http://www.nsof.class.noaa.gov/saa/products/search?sub_id=0&datatype_family=J2-XGDR&submit.x=16&submit.y=13
               Name: 
                  OSTM/Jason-2 Level-2 Geophysical Data Records at CLASS
               Description: 
                  Search OSTM/Jason-2 Level-2 Geophysical Data Records from 
                  JASON-2 satellite using CLASS interface.
            Citation Identifier: 
               gov.noaa.class:J2-XGDR
      Description: 
         Abstract: 
            OSTM/JASON-2 is a follow-on mission continuing the TOPEX/Poseidon and 
            Jason-1, and is designed to ensure continuity of high quality 
            measurements for ocean science and to provide operational products 
            for assimilation and forecasting applications. The Jason-2 
            satellite was launched on 20 June 2008 and reached its nominal 
            repetitive orbit on 4 July 2008.
            The level-2 X-GDR are available as 3 datatypes: Operational 
            Geophysical Data Records (OGDR), Interim Geophysical Data Records 
            (IGDR) and final Geophysical Data Records (GDR). The OGDRs are 
            near-real-time records and are generated every 3-5 hours. They are 
            based on orbits from DORIS propagator and forecast meteorological 
            fields for the geophysical corrections. The IGDRs are based on 
            preliminary DORIS ephemeris, analyzed meteorological grids, and 
            preliminary auxiliary data files. The IGDRs have a latency of 1 - 
            2 days. The S-IGDR is a superset of the IGDR, containing the 
            original radar echo "waveform" data. The GDRs are based on final 
            high-precision DORIS (perhaps combined with GPS) ephemeris, final 
            meteorological grids, ancillary and auxiliary data files. The 
            S-GDR is a superset of the GDR, containing the waveform data. The 
            S-GDRs are generated every 10 days. Sea Surface Height Anomaly 
            (SSHA) files are available for IGDR and GDR. All files are 
            available in NetCDF format and the OGDRs are also available in 
            BUFR format. Jason-2 level-2 X-GDR data are distributed through 
            the NOAA/NESDIS Comprehensive Large Array-data Stewardship System 
            (CLASS:http://www.class.noaa.gov).
            These data are archived at the National Oceanographic Data Center 
            (NODC) as NODC accession number 0043269 
            (http://www.nodc.noaa.gov/cgi-bin/search/prod/accessionsView.pl/details/43269) 
            and available via FTP at 
            ftp://data.nodc.noaa.gov/pub/data.nodc/jason2, HTTP at 
            http://data.nodc.noaa.gov/jason2 and OPeNDAP at 
            http://data.nodc.noaa.gov/opendap/jason2.
         Purpose: 
            To ensure operational continuity for the collection and distribution 
            of high-resolution data on ocean currents and their variations, as 
            well as sea surface height measurements.
            High-precision ocean altimetry measures the distance between a 
            satellite and the ocean surface to within a few centimeters. 
            Accurate observations of variations in sea surface height (ocean 
            topography) provide scientists with information about the speed 
            and direction of ocean currents and heat stored in the ocean. This 
            information, in turn, reveals global climate variations.
         Documentation: 
            Users Guide: 
               Citation Information: 
                  Originator: 
                     J.P. DUMONT and V. ROSMORDUC, CLS
                  Originator: 
                     N. PICOT, CNES
                  Originator: 
                     S. DESAI, NASA/JPL
                  Originator: 
                     H. BONEKAMP and J. FIGA, EUMETSAT
                  Originator: 
                     J. LILLIBRIDGE, NOAA
                  Originator: 
                     Remko Scharroo, Altimetrics LLC
                  origin_cntinfo: 
                     Contact Information: 
                        Contact Organization Primary: 
                           Contact Organization: 
                              Altimetrics LLC
                           Contact Person: 
                              Remko Scharroo
                        Contact Address: 
                           Address Type: 
                              Mailing and Physical
                           Address: 
                              330a Parsonage Road
                           City: 
                              Cornish
                           State or Province: 
                              NH
                           Postal Code: 
                              03745
                           Country: 
                              U.S.A
                        Contact Voice Telephone: 
                           +1 603 675 2120
                        Contact Electronic Mail Address: 
                           remko@altimetrics.com
                        Hours of Service: 
                           9-5 PM, EST
                        Contact Instructions: 
                           Phone/Letter/E-mail during standard business hours
                  origin_cntinfo: 
                     Contact Information: 
                        Contact Organization Primary: 
                           Contact Organization: 
                              CLS America, Inc.
                        Contact Address: 
                           Address Type: 
                              Mailing and Physical
                           Address: 
                              1441 McCormick Drive, Suite 1050
                           City: 
                              Largo
                           State or Province: 
                              MD
                           Postal Code: 
                              20774
                           Country: 
                              U.S.A
                        Contact Voice Telephone: 
                           +1 301 925 4411
                        Contact Facsimile Telephone: 
                           +1 301 925 8995
                        Contact Electronic Mail Address: 
                           userservices@clsamerica.com
                        Hours of Service: 
                           9-5PM. EST
                        Contact Instructions: 
                           Phone/Letter/E-mail during regular business hours, or 
                           see website at www.clsamerica.com (US) or CLS 
                           headquarters website at http://www.cls.fr/.
                  origin_cntinfo: 
                     Contact Information: 
                        Contact Organization Primary: 
                           Contact Organization: 
                              CNES
                           Contact Person: 
                              Nicolas Picot
                        Contact Position: 
                           OSTM Measurement System Engineer
                        Contact Address: 
                           Address Type: 
                              Mailing
                           Address: 
                              DCT/PO/AL BPI 2002; 18, Av. Edouard Belin
                           City: 
                              Toulouse
                           State or Province: 
                              Cedex 9
                           Postal Code: 
                              31401
                           Country: 
                              FRANCE
                        Contact Voice Telephone: 
                           (011) 33-5-61-28-32-53
                        Contact Facsimile Telephone: 
                           (011) 33-5-61-28-25-95
                        Contact Electronic Mail Address: 
                           nicolas.picot@cnes.fr
                        Hours of Service: 
                           8:30-9:30 to 17:30-19:00
                        Contact Instructions: 
                           Phone/FAX/E-mail/letter
                  origin_cntinfo: 
                     Contact Information: 
                        Contact Organization Primary: 
                           Contact Organization: 
                              NASA/JPL (NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory)
                        Contact Address: 
                           Address Type: 
                              Mailing and Physical
                           Address: 
                              4800 Oak Grove Drive
                           City: 
                              Pasadena
                           State or Province: 
                              CA
                           Postal Code: 
                              91109
                           Country: 
                              U.S.A
                        Contact Voice Telephone: 
                           818-354-4321
                        Hours of Service: 
                           9-5 PM, Pacific Time
                        Contact Instructions: 
                           Phone/Letter/E-mail through website at
                           http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/index.cfm
                  origin_cntinfo: 
                     Contact Information: 
                        Contact Organization Primary: 
                           Contact Organization: 
                              NOAA Laboratory for Satellite Altimetry
                           Contact Person: 
                              John Lillibridge
                        Contact Position: 
                           Altimetry project scientist
                        Contact Address: 
                           Address Type: 
                              Mailing and Physical
                           Address: 
                              NOAA/NESDIS/STAR: E/RA31; SSMC2 4th Floor, 1335 
                              East-West Hwy
                           City: 
                              Silver Spring
                           State or Province: 
                              MD
                           Postal Code: 
                              20910
                           Country: 
                              USA
                        Contact Voice Telephone: 
                           (301) 713-2857 x121
                        Contact Facsimile Telephone: 
                           (301) 713-3136
                        Contact Electronic Mail Address: 
                           john.lillibridge@noaa.gov
                        Hours of Service: 
                           9-5:30 PM, EST
                        Contact Instructions: 
                           Phone/Fax/E-mail/letter
                  origin_cntinfo: 
                     Contact Information: 
                        Contact Organization Primary: 
                           Contact Organization: 
                              EUMETSAT
                        Contact Position: 
                           User Service Helpdesk
                        Contact Address: 
                           Address Type: 
                              physical
                           Address: 
                              Am Kavalleriesand 31, D-64295
                           City: 
                              Darmstadt
                           State or Province: 
                              Hessen
                           Postal Code: 
                              n/a
                           Country: 
                              Germany
                        Contact Voice Telephone: 
                           +49 6151 807 366/377
                        Contact Facsimile Telephone: 
                           +49 6151 807 379
                        Contact Electronic Mail Address: 
                           ops@eumetsat.int
                  Publication Date: 
                     20090120
                  Publication Time: 
                     Unknown
                  Title: 
                     OSTM/Jason-2 Products Handbook
                  Geospatial Data Presentation Form: 
                     Document
                  Series Information: 
                     Series name: 
                        CNES : SALP-MU-M-OP-15815-CN
                        EUMETSAT : EUM/OPS-JAS/MAN/08/0041
                        JPL : OSTM-29-1237
                        NOAA/NESDIS : Polar Series/OSTM J400
                     Issue Identification: 
                        Issue: 1 rev 3
                  Publication Information: 
                     Publication Place: 
                        World Wide Web
                     Publisher: 
                        Comprehensive Large Array-data Stewardship System (CLASS)
                  Other Citation Details: 
                     This data handbook is hosted through the Jason-2 data links 
                     within NOAA CLASS (Comprehensive Large Array-data 
                     Stewardship System) and also archived at the NODC Ocean 
                     Archive System under accession number 0043269 at 
                     http://www.nodc.noaa.gov/search/prod/
                  Online Linkage: 
                     http://www.nsof.class.noaa.gov/release/data_available/jason/userhandbook.pdf
                  CI Online Resource: 
                     Linkage: 
                        http://www.nsof.class.noaa.gov/release/data_available/jason/userhandbook.pdf
                     Protocol: 
                        http
                     Application Profile: 
                        web browser
                     Name: 
                        Comprehensive Large Array-Data Stewardship System 
                        (CLASS): Jason-2
                     Description: 
                        The Comprehensive Large Array-data Stewardship System 
                        (CLASS) is an electronic library of NOAA environmental 
                        data. The web site provides capabilities for finding 
                        and obtaining those data.
                     Function: 
                        download
            Users Guide: 
               Citation Information: 
                  Originator: 
                     ESA (European Space Agency)
                  Originator: 
                     CNES (Centre National dEtudes Spatiales)
                  origin_cntinfo: 
                     Contact Information: 
                        Contact Organization Primary: 
                           Contact Organization: 
                              ESA > European Space Agency
                        Contact Address: 
                           Address Type: 
                              Mailing and Physical
                           Address: 
                              8-10 rue Mario Nikis
                           City: 
                              Paris
                           State or Province: 
                              Cedex 15
                           Postal Code: 
                              75738
                           Country: 
                              France
                        Contact Voice Telephone: 
                           33 1 5369 7654
                        Contact Facsimile Telephone: 
                           33 1 5369 7560
                  origin_cntinfo: 
                     Contact Information: 
                        Contact Organization Primary: 
                           Contact Organization: 
                              CNES
                           Contact Person: 
                              Nicolas Picot
                        Contact Position: 
                           OSTM Measurement System Engineer
                        Contact Address: 
                           Address Type: 
                              Mailing
                           Address: 
                              DCT/PO/AL BPI 2002; 18, Av. Edouard Belin
                           City: 
                              Toulouse
                           State or Province: 
                              Cedex 9
                           Postal Code: 
                              31401
                           Country: 
                              FRANCE
                        Contact Voice Telephone: 
                           (011) 33-5-61-28-32-53
                        Contact Facsimile Telephone: 
                           (011) 33-5-61-28-25-95
                        Contact Electronic Mail Address: 
                           nicolas.picot@cnes.fr
                        Hours of Service: 
                           8:30-9:30 to 17:30-19:00
                        Contact Instructions: 
                           Phone/FAX/E-mail/letter
                  Publication Date: 
                     2009
                  Publication Time: 
                     Unknown
                  Title: 
                     Radar Altimetry Tutorial
                  Edition: 
                     2009
                  Geospatial Data Presentation Form: 
                     Document
                  Publication Information: 
                     Publication Place: 
                        World Wide Web
                     Publisher: 
                        ESA (European Space Agency) and CNES; produced by CLS.
                  Other Citation Details: 
                     Rosmorduc, V., J. Benveniste, O. Lauret, C. Maheu, M. 
                     Milagro, N. Picot, Radar Altimetry Tutorial, J. 
                     Benveniste and N. Picot Ed., http://www.altimetry.info, 
                     2009.
                     
                     This Radar Altimetry Tutorial describes applications, 
                     examples (data use cases) and techniques, including 
                     standard data processing, as well as the various 
                     satellite missions that have carried, are carrying or 
                     will carry a radar altimeter onboard, plus a range of 
                     altimetry products (data, software and documentation).
                     
                     A Basic Radar Altimetry Toolbox is also available. This is a 
                     collection of tools and documents designed to facilitate 
                     the use of radar altimetry data. It can read most 
                     distributed radar altimetry data, from ERS-1 & 2, 
                     Topex/Poseidon, Geosat Follow-on, Jason-1 and 2, Envisat 
                     to the Cryosat mission, and can perform processing and 
                     data editing, extraction of statistics, and visualisation 
                     of results.
                  Online Linkage: 
                     http://earth.esa.int/brat/index.html
                  CI Online Resource: 
                     Linkage: 
                        http://earth.esa.int/brat/index.html
                     Protocol: 
                        http
                     Application Profile: 
                        web browser
                     Name: 
                        European Space Agency: ESA Earthnet Online
                     Description: 
                        Earthnet Online is the entry point for 
                        scientific-technical information on Earth Observation 
                        activities by the European Space Agency (ESA). The web 
                        portal provides a vast amount of content, grown and 
                        collected over more than a decade: Detailed technical 
                        information on Earth Observation (EO) missions, 
                        satellites and sensors, EO data products & services, 
                        online resources such as catalogues and library, a 
                        section dedicated to applications of satellite data, 
                        and access to promotional satellite imagery. Aimed at 
                        Earth Observation Data Users, but addressing 
                        organisations and individuals with a specific interest 
                        in EO as well, Earthnet Online also provides latest 
                        technical news on ESA and Third Party EO satellite 
                        missions, workshops and integrates micro sites 
                        dedicated to Envisat and ERS satellites.
                     Function: 
                        download
            Users Guide: 
               Citation Information: 
                  Originator: 
                     CENTRE NATIONAL D'ETUDES SPATIALES (CNES)
                  origin_cntinfo: 
                     Contact Information: 
                        Contact Organization Primary: 
                           Contact Organization: 
                              FR/CNES > Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales, France
                        Contact Address: 
                           Address Type: 
                              Mailing
                           Address: 
                              Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales
                              2 place Maurice Quentin
                           City: 
                              PARIS CEDEX 01
                           State or Province: 
                              N/A
                           Postal Code: 
                              75 039
                           Country: 
                              FRANCE
                        Contact Voice Telephone: 
                           33 (0)1.44.76.75.00
                        Contact Facsimile Telephone: 
                           33 (0)1.44.76.76.76
                        Contact Instructions: 
                           For information, go to: 
                           http://www.cnes.fr/web/CNES-en/475-contact.php
                  Publication Date: 
                     20081127
                  Publication Time: 
                     Unknown
                  Title: 
                     SALP Products Specification - Volume 1: Jason-2 User Products
                  Edition: 
                     SALP-ST-M-EA-15704-CN Version 2.3
                  Geospatial Data Presentation Form: 
                     Document
                  Series Information: 
                     Series name: 
                        SALP -ST-M-EA-00000-CN
                     Issue Identification: 
                        15704
                  Publication Information: 
                     Publication Place: 
                        World Wide Web
                     Publisher: 
                        CNES
                  Other Citation Details: 
                     Jason data attribute (data) variables are detailed (both 
                     short and long names). It is applicable to
                     the development of the processing module (SPA, TM_NRT) and 
                     of the other tools developed by 4 partners
                     (BUFR convertor, NRTAVS, etc.) but is not to be delivered to 
                     external users. The document RD 1 (OSTM/Jason-2 Products 
                     Handbook ) gives required information to users.
                  Online Linkage: 
                     http://www.osdpd.noaa.gov/ml/ocean/SALP-ST-M-EA-15704-CN_0203.pdf
                  CI Online Resource: 
                     Linkage: 
                        http://www.osdpd.noaa.gov/ml/ocean/SALP-ST-M-EA-15704-CN_0203.pdf
                     Protocol: 
                        http
                     Application Profile: 
                        web browser
                     Name: 
                        NOAA/NESDIS Office of Satellite Data Processing and 
                        Distribution (OSDPD): Ocean Products
                     Description: 
                        NOAA OSDPD site providing information and access to 
                        operational remote sensing ocean products including 
                        coral bleaching, chlorophyll, ocean color, sea ice, 
                        winds, and SST.
                     Function: 
                        download
         Supplemental Information: 
            Satellite altimetry data applications include validation and 
            assimilation into global wave models, high seas hazards 
            monitoring, sea surface height and ocean currents (hurricane 
            intensity forecasts and assimilation into operational ocean 
            models, multi-mission altimetry, fisheries, and marine transport.
      Time Period of Content: 
         Time Period Information: 
            Range of Dates/Times: 
               Beginning Date: 
                  200807
               Ending Date: 
                  Present
         Currentness Reference: 
            ground condition
      Status: 
         Progress: 
            In work
         Maintenance and Update Frequency: 
            Every 3 hours, daily and every 10 days.
      Spatial Domain: 
         Bounding Coordinates: 
            West Bounding Coordinate: 
               -180
            East Bounding Coordinate: 
               180
            North Bounding Coordinate: 
               66
            South Bounding Coordinate: 
               -66
      Processing Level: 
         Processing Level Identifier: 
            NOAA Level 2
         Processing Level Authority: 
            Citation Information: 
               Originator: 
                  Standards Working Group, Federal Geographic Data Committee
               Publication Date: 
                  20021009
               Title: 
                  Content Standard for Digital Geospatial Metadata: Extensions 
                  for Remote Sensing Metadata - Appendix B, NOAA Data Product 
                  Levels
               Edition: 
                  FGDC-STD-012-2002
               Publication Information: 
                  Publication Place: 
                     590 National Center, Reston, VA 20192
                  Publisher: 
                     Federal Geographic Data Committee Secretariatc/o U.S. 
                     Geological Survey
               Online Linkage: 
                  http://www.fgdc.gov/standards/projects/FGDC-standards-projects/csdgm_rs_ex/MetadataRemoteSensingExtens.pdf
               CI Online Resource: 
                  Linkage: 
                     http://www.fgdc.gov/standards/projects/FGDC-standards-projects/csdgm_rs_ex/MetadataRemoteSensingExtens.pdf
                  Protocol: 
                     http
                  Application Profile: 
                     PDF
                  Name: 
                     Content Standard for Digital Geospatial Metadata: Extensions 
                     for Remote Sensing Metadata, FGDC-STD-012-2002
                  Description: 
                     The purpose of this standard is to provide extensions to the 
                     Federal Geographic Data Committee (FGDC) Content Standard 
                     for Digital Geospatial Metadata for describing geospatial 
                     data obtained from remote sensing.
                  Function: 
                     information
      Keywords: 
         Theme: 
            Theme Keyword Thesaurus: 
               ISO 19115 Topic Category
            Theme Keyword: 
               climatologyMeteorologyAtmosphere
            Theme Keyword: 
               oceans
            Theme Keyword: 
               elevation
         Theme: 
            Theme Keyword Thesaurus: 
               NASA/GCMD Earth Science Keywords
            Theme Keyword: 
               Earth Science > Oceans > Coastal Processes > Sea Surface Height
            Theme Keyword: 
               Earth Science > Oceans > Sea Surface Topography > Sea Surface Height
            Theme Keyword: 
               Earth Science > Oceans > Ocean Waves > Significant Wave Height
            Theme Keyword: 
               Earth Science > Oceans > Ocean Winds > Surface Winds
            Theme Keyword: 
               Earth Science > Oceans > Bathymetry/Seafloor Topography > Bathymetry
         Theme: 
            Theme Keyword Thesaurus: 
               None
            Theme Keyword: 
               altimetry
            Theme Keyword: 
               sea surface height anomaly
            Theme Keyword: 
               OSTM > Ocean Surface Topography Mission
            Theme Keyword: 
               climate change
            Theme Keyword: 
               sea level
         Place: 
            Place Keyword Thesaurus: 
               NASA/GCMD Location Keywords
            Place Keyword: 
               Geographic Region > Global Ocean
            Place Keyword: 
               Vertical Location > Sea Surface
      Platform and Instrument Identification: 
         Mission Name: 
            OSTM > Ocean Surface Topography Mission
         Platform Full Name: 
            JASON-2
         Instrument Full Name: 
            Poseidon-3
      Platform and Instrument Identification: 
         Mission Name: 
            OSTM > Ocean Surface Topography Mission
         Platform Full Name: 
            JASON-2
         Instrument Full Name: 
            Advanced Microwave Radiometer
         Instrument Short Name: 
            AMR
      Platform and Instrument Identification: 
         Mission Name: 
            OSTM > Ocean Surface Topography Mission
         Platform Full Name: 
            JASON-2
         Instrument Full Name: 
            Doppler Orbitography and Radiopositioning Integrated by Satellite
         Instrument Short Name: 
            DORIS
      Platform and Instrument Identification: 
         Mission Name: 
            OSTM > Ocean Surface Topography Mission
         Platform Full Name: 
            JASON-2
         Instrument Full Name: 
            Global Positioning System Payload
         Instrument Short Name: 
            GPSP
      Platform and Instrument Identification: 
         Mission Name: 
            OSTM > Ocean Surface Topography Mission
         Platform Full Name: 
            JASON-2
         Instrument Full Name: 
            Laser Retroreflector Array
         Instrument Short Name: 
            LRA
      Access Constraints: 
         None
      Use Constraints: 
         None
      Point of Contact: 
         Contact Information: 
            Contact Organization Primary: 
               Contact Organization: 
                  DOC/NOAA/NESDIS/NODC (National Oceanographic Data Center)
               Contact Person: 
                  Dr. Yongsheng Zhang
            Contact Position: 
               Altimetry Support Expert
            Contact Address: 
               Address Type: 
                  Mailing and Physical
               Address: 
                  NOAA/NESDIS/NODC E/OC1, SSMC3 4th Floor; 1315 East-West Highway.
               City: 
                  Silver Spring
               State or Province: 
                  MD
               Postal Code: 
                  20910
               Country: 
                  USA
            Contact Voice Telephone: 
               (301) 713-3272 x126
            Contact Facsimile Telephone: 
               (301) 713-3302
            Contact Electronic Mail Address: 
               Yongsheng.Zhang@noaa.gov
            Hours of Service: 
               9:00-5:00 EST
            Contact Instructions: 
               Phone/FAX/E-mail/letter during regular business hours
      Data Set Credit: 
         OSTM/Jason-2 is a collaboration between NASA; the National Oceanic and 
         Atmospheric Administration (NOAA); CNES; and the European 
         Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites 
         (EUMETSAT).
      Security Information: 
         Security Classification System: 
            none
         Security Classification: 
            Unclassified
         Security Handling Description: 
            not applicable
      Native Data Set Environment: 
         .All files are available in NetCDF format and the OGDRs (Operational 
         Geophysical Data Records) are also available in BUFR ((Binary 
         Universal Form of Representation of meteorological data) format.
   Data Quality Information: 
      Attribute Accuracy: 
         Attribute Accuracy Report: 
            The sea surface height shall be provided with a global and ultimate 
            rms accuracy of 3.4 cm (1 sigma) over 1 second averages along 
            JASON-1 ground-tracks for typical sea-state conditions of 2 m SWH 
            and 11 dB sigma-naught. The accuracy on wind speed in IGDR 
            products shall be 1.6 m/s.
            Near Real Time Altimeter Validation System Reports (NRTAVS) are daily 
            and cover the previous 10-day period; distributed through the 
            CLASS system at http://www.nsof.class.noaa.gov/saa/products/
      Logical Consistency Report: 
         Instrument calibrations and product quality shall be monitored at least 
         weekly throughout the life of the mission. For each file sent, the 
         Archive performs file validation of the following: file name, file 
         size, and file checksum. CLASS currently performs file name validation.
         CLASS performs checksum algorithm and routines for additional validation 
         in accordance with the NOAA Environmental Satellite Processing Center 
         (ESPC) to the CLASS Interface Control Document (ICD).
         OSTM/Jason-2: NRTAVS QA Reports - Quality Reports from the Near 
         Real-Time Altimetry Validation System (NRTAVS). Reports are daily and 
         cover the previous 10-day period; distributed through CLASS at 
         http://www.nsof.class.noaa.gov/saa/products/
      Completeness Report: 
         Validation failure will result in placing the file in a hold state. The 
         Access Contact for the Producer will be contacted by CLASS Operations 
         personnel. Information about updates and edits to Jason-2 data is 
         available through CLASS at 
         http://www.class.ncdc.noaa.gov/notification/news.htm#5
         Jason-2 IGDR Replaced Data.
      Positional Accuracy: 
         Horizontal Positional Accuracy: 
            Horizontal Positional Accuracy Report: 
               The orbit maintenance requirements for altimetry missions are 
               usually that the deviation of the actual ground track from the 
               nominal one is kept below 1 km and that the mean local nodal 
               crossing time matches the nominal one to better than to within 
               five minutes. The orbit maintenance strategy aims for minimum 
               disturbance of the payload operation. In-plane manoeuvres are 
               used for altitude adjustment to compensate for the effects of 
               air-drag. This altitude decay controls affects the ground-track 
               repeatability, mainly in the equatorial regions. The frequency 
               of these manoeuvres is determined by the rate of orbital decay, 
               which in turn is determined by the air density, and this is a 
               function of solar activity. The nominal rate for these in-plane 
               manoeuvres is nominally twice a month. They do not interrupt 
               the operations of most sensors. Out-of-plane corrections are 
               used to correct rectify the steady drift of inclination mainly 
               caused by solar and lunar gravity perturbations. The solar wind 
               also influences inclination, but its contribution is typically 
               an order of magnitude smaller than the one given made by solar 
               and lunar gravity.
               Inclination drift degrades ground-track maintenance at high 
               latitudes. The drift rate does not depend on air density and 
               corrections are required every few months. As they are 
               out-of-plane they require a 90-degree rotation of the 
               spacecraft, to align the thrusters with the required thrust 
               direction, so these manoeuvres will are performed in during 
               eclipse to avoid the risk of optical sensors viewing the sun.
               The satellites Topex/Poseidon, Jason-1, and Jason-2 (OSTM) carry 
               three tracking systems (DORIS, GPS, and laser telemetry) that 
               enable their position in space (ephemeris) to be determined 
               with an accuracy of +/- 1 cm.
               The DoRIS system is based on the principle of the Doppler effect. 
               DORIS uses the Doppler shift on the beacon signals to 
               accurately determine the velocity of the satellite on its 
               orbit, and dynamic orbitography models
         Vertical Positional Accuracy: 
            Vertical Positional Accuracy Report: 
               Please see the horizontal positional report. Specific to 
               OSTM/Jason-2: Orbital information is distributed through CLASS 
               at http://www.nsof.class.noaa.gov/saa/products/. The satellites 
               Topex/Poseidon, Jason-1, and Jason-2 (OSTM) carry three 
               tracking systems (DORIS, GPS, and laser telemetry) that enable 
               their position in space (ephemeris) to be determined with an 
               accuracy of +/- 1 cm. The accuracy on Sea Wave Height in OGDR 
               products shall be respectively 10% or 0.5 m (whichever is 
               greater).
      Lineage: 
         Source Information: 
            Source Citation: 
               Citation Information: 
                  Originator: 
                     DOC/NOAA/NESDIS/OSDPD/ESPC > Environmental Satellite 
                     Processing Center, Office of Satellite Data Processing 
                     and Distribution, NESDIS, NOAA, U.S. Department of Commerce
                  Originator: 
                     EUMETSAT > European Meteorological Satellite Organisation
                  Publication Date: 
                     20081215
                  Title: 
                     Jason-2 data records
                  Geospatial Data Presentation Form: 
                     data files
                  Publication Information: 
                     Publication Place: 
                        Silver Spring, MD
                     Publisher: 
                        NOAA National Oceanographic Data Center
                  Other Citation Details: 
                     Raw telemetry (level-0) downlinked to the ground stations is 
                     forwarded to the quality control and processing centres. 
                     Telemetry is then processed to obtain level 1 data, i.e., 
                     data that are timed and located, expressed in the 
                     appropriate units, and checked for quality.
                     
                     (Jason-2's ground segment is a distributed system between 
                     NASA, CNES, Eumetsat and NOAA. On the terms and 
                     conditions specified with the quadripartite agreement for 
                     the Jason-2 project:
                     
                     Raw data of the Poseidon3 altimeter, DORIS and the 
                     radiometer are processed by the NOAA and Eumetsat centres 
                     to product near-real time altimetry data (OGDR);
                     Raw data of the Poseidon-3 altimeter and the radiometer are 
                     only processed by the mission centre at CNES to product 
                     delayed time altimetry data (IGDR; S-IGDR, GDR and S-GDR)).
                     
                     Level 0 and Level 1 satellite altimetry data are of limited 
                     usefulness as they have not been processed for precise 
                     quality control, and are not typically distributed.
                     
                     Additional Jason-2 data archived at the NODC includes 
                     orbital files, level-2 geophysical data (GDR) files, 
                     auxiliary files, and documentation. Some of these data 
                     may have use restrictions, please contact the NODC or 
                     CLASS for more information or check online at the listed 
                     URL.
                  Online Linkage: 
                     http://www.nodc.noaa.gov/archive/arc0023/0043269/
                  CI Online Resource: 
                     Linkage: 
                        http://www.nodc.noaa.gov/search/prod/
                     Protocol: 
                        http
                     Application Profile: 
                        data download
                     Name: 
                        NODC (NOAA National Oceanographic Data Center) Ocean 
                        Archive System
                     Description: 
                        The NODC Ocean Archive System is used to search and 
                        retrieve originator datasets and metadata from the 
                        NODC archives. Note: The Ocean Archive System searches 
                        original datasets as they were submitted to the NODC, 
                        not individual points or profiles. Users who wish to 
                        search and retrieve ocean profiles or objectively 
                        analyzed fields may search through NODC's WODselect 
                        (World Ocean Database Select and Search system). Users 
                        having trouble finding a particular data set may 
                        e-mail the NODC at NODC.Services@noaa.gov, or call at 
                        301-713-3277.
                     Function: 
                        download
            Type of Source Media: 
               Distributed satellite data files
            Source Time Period of Content: 
               Time Period Information: 
                  Range of Dates/Times: 
                     Beginning Date: 
                        200807
                     Ending Date: 
                        Present
               Source Currentness Reference: 
                  ground condition
            Source Citation Abbreviation: 
               J2_Level1b
            Source Contribution: 
               Level-2 GDRs are processed from two levels of data:1) Telemetry 
               data (raw data or level-0) and 2) Sensor Data Records 
               (engineering units or level-1)
         Process Step: 
            Process Description: 
               OSTM/Jason-2 is a collaboration between NASA; the National Oceanic 
               and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA); CNES; and the European 
               Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites 
               (EUMETSAT). CNES is providing the spacecraft, NASA and CNES are 
               jointly providing the payload instruments and NASA's Launch 
               Services Program at the Kennedy Space Center is responsible for 
               Delta II launch management and countdown operations. After 
               completing the on-orbit commissioning of the spacecraft, CNES 
               will hand over its operation and control to NOAA. NOAA and 
               EUMETSAT will generate the near-real-time products and 
               distribute them to users. NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, 
               Pasadena, Calif., manages the mission for NASA's Science 
               Mission Directorate in Washington.
               
               There are three levels of processed data:
               - Telemetry data (raw data or level 0)
               - Sensor Data Records (engineering units or level 1)
               - Geophysical Data Records (geophysical units or level 2)
               Level 1 data and level 2 geophysical data:
               Level 1 data are corrected for instrument errors, errors due to 
               atmospheric signal propagation and perturbations caused by 
               surface reflection. Geophysical corrections are then applied 
               (solid earth, ocean and pole tides, etc.). Moreover, precise 
               orbit determination (POD) can be performed to provide the 
               highest accuracy.
               The level 2 geophysical data records derived from instruments 
               aboard the JASON-2 satellite and are available as 3 datatypes: 
               Operational Geophysical Data Records (OGDR), Interim 
               Geophysical Data Records (IGDR) and final Geophysical Data 
               Records (GDR). The OGDRs are near-real-time records and are 
               generated every 3-5 hours. They are based on orbits from DORIS 
               propagator and forecast meteorological fields for the 
               geophysical corrections. The IGDRs are based on preliminary 
               DORIS ephemeris, analyzed meteorological grids, and preliminary 
               auxiliary data files. They have a data latency of 1 - 2 days. 
               The S-IGDR is a superset of the IGDR, containing the original 
               radar echo "waveform" data. The GDRs are based on final 
               high-precision DORIS (perhaps combined with GPS) ephemeris, 
               final meteorological grids, ancillary and auxiliary data files. 
               S-GDR is a superset of the GDR, containing the waveform data. 
               They are generated every 10 days. Sea Surface Height Anomaly 
               (SSHA) files are available for IGDR and GDR. All files are 
               available in NetCDF format and the OGDR is also available in 
               BUFR format.
            Source Used Citation Abbreviation: 
               Jason-2 GDR
            Process Date: 
               20081215
            Source Produced Citation Abbreviation: 
               gov.noaa.class:J2_XGDR
            Process Contact: 
               Contact Information: 
                  Contact Organization Primary: 
                     Contact Organization: 
                        CNES
                     Contact Person: 
                        Nicolas Picot
                  Contact Position: 
                     OSTM Measurement System Engineer
                  Contact Address: 
                     Address Type: 
                        Mailing
                     Address: 
                        DCT/PO/AL BPI 2002; 18, Av. Edouard Belin
                     City: 
                        Toulouse
                     State or Province: 
                        Cedex 9
                     Postal Code: 
                        31401
                     Country: 
                        FRANCE
                  Contact Voice Telephone: 
                     (011) 33-5-61-28-32-53
                  Contact Facsimile Telephone: 
                     (011) 33-5-61-28-25-95
                  Contact Electronic Mail Address: 
                     nicolas.picot@cnes.fr
                  Hours of Service: 
                     8:30-9:30 to 17:30-19:00
                  Contact Instructions: 
                     Phone/FAX/E-mail/letter
         Process Step: 
            Process Description: 
               Quality Reports from the Near Real-Time Altimetry Validation 
               System (NRTAVS). Reports are daily and cover the previous 
               10-day period.
            Source Used Citation Abbreviation: 
               Jason-2 QA
            Process Date: 
               20081215
            Source Produced Citation Abbreviation: 
               gov.noaa.class:J2_QA
            Process Contact: 
               Contact Information: 
                  Contact Organization Primary: 
                     Contact Organization: 
                        NOAA Laboratory for Satellite Altimetry
                     Contact Person: 
                        John Lillibridge
                  Contact Position: 
                     Altimetry project scientist
                  Contact Address: 
                     Address Type: 
                        Mailing and Physical
                     Address: 
                        NOAA/NESDIS/STAR: E/RA31; SSMC2 4th Floor, 1335 East-West 
                        Hwy
                     City: 
                        Silver Spring
                     State or Province: 
                        MD
                     Postal Code: 
                        20910
                     Country: 
                        USA
                  Contact Voice Telephone: 
                     (301) 713-2857 x121
                  Contact Facsimile Telephone: 
                     (301) 713-3136
                  Contact Electronic Mail Address: 
                     john.lillibridge@noaa.gov
                  Hours of Service: 
                     9-5:30 PM, EST
                  Contact Instructions: 
                     Phone/Fax/E-mail/letter
      Cloud Cover: 
         Unknown
   Spatial Data Organization Information: 
      Indirect Spatial Reference: 
         Jason-2's orbit is identical to that of Jason-1 (and that of 
         Topex/Poseidon previously). It is optimized to study large-scale 
         ocean variability and to provide coverage of 90% of the world's 
         oceans over a ten-day cycle. Jason-2's high altitude (1,336 
         kilometres) reduces interactions with the Earth's atmosphere and 
         gravity field to a minimum, thus making orbit determination easier 
         and more precise. The orbit inclination of 66 degrees North and South 
         enables the satellite to cover most of the globe's unfrozen oceans. 
         The orbit's repeat cycle is just under 10 days (9.9156 days to be 
         precise, i.e., 10 days minus two hours) - in other words, the 
         satellite passes over the same point on the Earth's surface (to 
         within one kilometre) every ten days. This cycle is a trade-off 
         between spatial and temporal resolution designed for the study of 
         large-scale ocean variability. The fact that the orbit is prograde 
         and not sun-synchronous also avoids aliasing of different tidal 
         components at the same frequency. The orbit is also designed to pass 
         over two dedicated ground calibration sites: Cap Senetosa in Corsica 
         and the Harvest oil rig platform in California, USA.
      Direct Spatial Reference Method: 
         Point
      Point and Vector Object Information: 
         SDTS Terms Description: 
            SDTS Point and Vector Object Type: 
               Point
   Entity and Attribute Information: 
      Overview Description: 
         Entity and Attribute Overview: 
            List of Datatypes:
            1. Longitude (lon)
            2. Latitude (lat)
            3. Sea Surface Height anomaly (ssha)
            4. Mean sea surface height (mss)
            5. Ku band corrected significant wave height(swh_ku)
            6. C band corrected significant wave height (swh_c)
            7. Ku band corrected backscatter coefficient (sig0_ku)
            8. C band corrected backscatter coefficient (sig0_c)
            9. Geoid Height (Geoid); Ocean depth/land elevation (bathymetry)
            10. Ku band corrected AGC (agc_ku)
            11. C band corrected AGC (agc_c)
            12. 18.7 GHz main beam brightness temperature (tb_187)
            13. 23.8 GHz main beam brightness temperature (tb_238)
            14. 34 GHz main beam brightness temperature (tb_340)
            15. Altimeter wind speed (wind_speed_alt)
            16. Radiometer wind speed (wind_speed_rad)
            17. Radiometer water vapor content (rad_water_vapor)
            18. Radiometer liquid water(rad_liquid_water)
            19. Altimeter ionospheric correction on Ku band (iono_corr_alt_Ku)
            20. Sea state bias correction in Ku band (sea_state_bias_Ku)
            21. Mean dynamic topography (mean_topography).
         Entity and Attribute Detail Citation: 
            OSTM/Jason-2 Products Handbook, J.P. DUMONT, CLS; V. ROSMORDUC, CLS; 
            N. PICOT, CNES; S. DESAI, NASA/JPL; H. BONEKAMP, EUMETSAT; J. 
            FIGA, EUMETSAT; J. LILLIBRIDGE, NOAA; R. SCHARROO, ALTIMETRICS, 
            August 3, 2009, Issue 1 rev4, 
            http://www.class.ncdc.noaa.gov/release/data_available/jason/userhandbook.pdf
   Distribution Information: 
      Distributor: 
         Contact Information: 
            Contact Organization Primary: 
               Contact Organization: 
                  DOC/NOAA/CLASS > Comprehensive Large Array-data Stewardship 
                  System, NOAA, U.S. Department of Commerce
               Contact Person: 
                  CLASS Help Desk
            Contact Address: 
               Address Type: 
                  Mailing
               Address: 
                  CLASS Help Desk, 151 Patton Avenue
               City: 
                  Asheville
               State or Province: 
                  NC
               Postal Code: 
                  28801-5001
               Country: 
                  USA
            Contact Voice Telephone: 
               (828) 271-4850 x3183
            Contact Facsimile Telephone: 
               (828) 271-4328
            Contact Electronic Mail Address: 
               Class.Help@noaa.gov
            Hours of Service: 
               9:00 - 5:00 EST
            Contact Instructions: 
               Phone/E-mail/Letter
      Resource Description: 
         OSTM/Jason-2 Level-2 XGDRs are distributed via Comprehensive Large 
         Array-data Stewardship System (CLASS): 
         http://www.nsof.class.noaa.gov/saa/products/welcome. NOAA's National 
         Data Centers and their world-wide clientele of customers look to 
         CLASS as the sole NOAA IT infrastructure project in which all current 
         and future large array environmental data sets will reside. CLASS 
         provides permanent, secure storage and safe, efficient access between 
         the Data Centers and the customers.CLASS Information website: 
         http://www.osd.noaa.gov/class/
      Distribution Liability: 
         While NESDIS makes every effort to ensure that its databases are 
         error-free, errors do occur. We ask that you notify us immediately of 
         any errors that you discover in our data. We will make every effort 
         to correct them. With respect to documents available from this 
         server, neither the United States Government nor any of its 
         employees, makes any warranty, express or implied, including the 
         warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose; 
         nor assumes any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, 
         completeness, or usefulness of any information, apparatus, product, 
         or process disclosed; nor represents that its use would not infringe 
         privately owned rights.
      Standard Order Process: 
         Resource Description: 
            Level-2 Geophysical Data Records (X-GDR) from the Ocean Surface 
            Topography Mission (OSTM)/Jason-2 (J2-XGDR)
         Digital Form: 
            Digital Transfer Information: 
               Format Name: 
                  NetCDF
               Format Version Date: 
                  20091001
               Format Specification: 
                  network Common Data Form
               Format Information Content: 
                  All files are available in NetCDF format and the OGDR is also 
                  available in BUFR format. Off-line datatypes (GDR, S-GDR, 
                  GDR-SSHA, IGDR, S-IGDR, IGDR-SSHA) are pass-based, 
                  containing 1 full pass per file.
               File Decompression Technique: 
                  no compression applied
               Transfer Size: 
                  15.0
            Digital Transfer Option: 
               Online Option: 
                  Computer Contact Information: 
                     Network Address: 
                        Network Resource Name: 
                           CLASS, OSTM/Jason-2 Level-2 Geophysical Data Records
                        CI Online Resource: 
                           Linkage: 
                              http://www.class.noaa.gov/nsaa/products/search?sub_id=0&datatype_family=J2-XGDR
                           Protocol: 
                              http
                           Application Profile: 
                              web browser
                           Name: 
                              OSTM/Jason-2: Level-2 Geophysical Data Records
                           Description: 
                              Download options for OSTM/Jason-2: Level-2 
                              Geophysical Data Records archived and 
                              distributed at CLASS.
                           Function: 
                              download
                  Access Instructions: 
                     A tutorial for downloading data from CLASS is available at: 
                     http://www.class.ncdc.noaa.gov/release/data_available/jason/jason2tutorial.html
                  Online Computer and Operating System: 
                     PC, Mac, Linux, UNIX, Standard Internet browser
         Digital Form: 
            Digital Transfer Information: 
               Format Name: 
                  BUFR (Binary Universal Form)
               Format Version Date: 
                  20091001
               Format Specification: 
                  Binary Universal Form for the Representation of meteorological 
                  data.
               Format Information Content: 
                  Operational Geophysical Data Records (OGDR) records only. (BUFR 
                  is a World Meteorological Organization (WMO) standard binary 
                  code for the exchange and storage of data. The format is 
                  documented in The WMO Manual on Codes; WMO Publication No. 
                  306; Volume I, Part B; 1995 Edition, plus Supplement 1.)
               File Decompression Technique: 
                  No compression applied
               Transfer Size: 
                  15.0
            Digital Transfer Option: 
               Online Option: 
                  Computer Contact Information: 
                     Network Address: 
                        Network Resource Name: 
                           CLASS, OSTM/Jason-2 Level-2 Geophysical Data Records
                        CI Online Resource: 
                           Linkage: 
                              http://www.class.noaa.gov/nsaa/products/search?sub_id=0&datatype_family=J2-XGDR
                           Protocol: 
                              http
                           Application Profile: 
                              web browser
                           Name: 
                              OSTM/Jason-2: Level-2 Geophysical Data Records
                           Description: 
                              Download options for OSTM/Jason-2: Level-2 
                              Geophysical Data Records archived and 
                              distributed at CLASS.
                           Function: 
                              download
                  Access Instructions: 
                     A tutorial for downloading data from CLASS is available at: 
                     http://www.class.ncdc.noaa.gov/release/data_available/jason/jason2tutorial.html
                  Online Computer and Operating System: 
                     PC, Mac, Linux, UNIX, Standard Internet browser
         Fees: 
            Electronic download (FTP) of the data is free. There is a fee for 
            copies of data on physical media. Optical disks are $25.00 per 
            unit and magnetic tape is $100 per unit. Price does not include 
            additional service and handling costs.
         Ordering Instructions: 
            CLASS requires user registration. Some data may be restricted or 
            partially restricted. The option to order data for shipping will 
            occur at the order checkout stage, from which you will then 
            proceed to another NOAA site to provide shipping and billing 
            addresses and credit card information. Contact the CLASS Help Desk 
            (info@class.noaa.gov) for instructions for payment by other means.
         Turnaround: 
            Delivery of physical media occurs within 1 to 2 weeks, but may take 
            longer for large orders.
      Custom Order Process: 
         A tutorial on ordering data from CLASS is illustrated at 
         http://www.class.ncdc.noaa.gov/release/data_available/jason/jason2tutorial.html; 
         users may also contact the NODC directly for assistance at the 
         contact listed in the DISTRIBUTION section of this metadata record.
      Technical Prerequisites: 
         PC, Mac, UNIX or other, standard Internet browser, ability to work 
         with/utilize satellite altimetry data files strongly recommended.
      Available Time Period: 
         Time Period Information: 
            Range of Dates/Times: 
               Beginning Date: 
                  200807
               Ending Date: 
                  Present
   Distribution Information: 
      Distributor: 
         Contact Information: 
            Contact Organization Primary: 
               Contact Organization: 
                  DOC/NOAA/NESDIS/NODC > National Oceanographic Data Center, 
                  NESDIS, NOAA, U.S. Department of Commerce;
               Contact Person: 
                  NODC User Services
            Contact Address: 
               Address Type: 
                  Mailing and Physical
               Address: 
                  NOAA/NESDIS/NODC E/OC1, SSMC3 4th Floor; 1315 East-West Highway
               City: 
                  Silver Spring
               State or Province: 
                  MD
               Postal Code: 
                  20910-3282
               Country: 
                  USA
            Contact Voice Telephone: 
               (301) 713-3277
            Contact Facsimile Telephone: 
               (301) 713-3302
            Contact Electronic Mail Address: 
               NODC.Services@noaa.gov
            Hours of Service: 
               9:00 - 5:00 EST
            Contact Instructions: 
               Phone/E-mail/Letter
      Resource Description: 
         OSTM/Jason-2 Level-2 XGDRs are archived under NODC Accession 0043269.
         NODC provides ftp, http and OPeNDAP downloading methods for public users.
      Distribution Liability: 
         While NODC makes every effort to ensure that its databases are 
         error-free, errors do occur. We ask that you notify us immediately of 
         any errors that you discover in our data. We will make every effort 
         to correct them. With respect to documents available from this 
         server, neither the United States Government nor any of its 
         employees, makes any warranty, express or implied, including the 
         warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose; 
         nor assumes any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, 
         completeness, or usefulness of any information, apparatus, product, 
         or process disclosed; nor represents that its use would not infringe 
         privately owned rights.
      Standard Order Process: 
         Digital Form: 
            Digital Transfer Information: 
               Format Name: 
                  netCDF
               Format Version Date: 
                  20091001
               Format Specification: 
                  network Common Data Form
               Format Information Content: 
                  All files are available in NetCDF format and the OGDR is also 
                  available in BUFR format. Off-line datatypes (GDR, S-GDR, 
                  GDR-SSHA, IGDR, S-IGDR, IGDR-SSHA) are pass-based, 
                  containing 1 full pass per file.
               File Decompression Technique: 
                  No compression applied
               Transfer Size: 
                  15.0
            Digital Transfer Option: 
               Online Option: 
                  Computer Contact Information: 
                     Network Address: 
                        Network Resource Name: 
                           OSTM/Jason-2 Level-2 Geophysical Data Records, ftp 
                           access at NODC.
                        CI Online Resource: 
                           Linkage: 
                              ftp://data.nodc.noaa.gov/pub/data.nodc/jason2
                           Name: 
                              download data via ftp
                           Function: 
                              download
                  Access Instructions: 
                     1) Connect to ftp.nodc.noaa.gov, 2) login as anonymous, 3) 
                     Enter your email address as your password, and 4) enter 
                     directory: cd pub/data.nodc/jason2
                  Online Computer and Operating System: 
                     PC, Mac, Unix, Linux, standard Internet browser, FTP 
                     capability.
               Online Option: 
                  Computer Contact Information: 
                     Network Address: 
                        Network Resource Name: 
                           OSTM/Jason-2 Level-2 Geophysical Data Records, http 
                           access at NODC.
                        CI Online Resource: 
                           Linkage: 
                              http://data.nodc.noaa.gov/jason2
                           Name: 
                              download data via http
                           Function: 
                              download
                  Online Computer and Operating System: 
                     PC, Mac, Unix, Linux, standard Internet browser.
               Online Option: 
                  Computer Contact Information: 
                     Network Address: 
                        Network Resource Name: 
                           OSTM/Jason-2 Level-2 Geophysical Data Records, OPeNDAP 
                           access at NODC.
                        CI Online Resource: 
                           Linkage: 
                              http://data.nodc.noaa.gov/opendap/jason2
                           Name: 
                              download data via OPeNDAP
                           Function: 
                              download
                  Access Instructions: 
                     OPeNDAP: Open-source Project for a Network Data Access 
                     Protocol (http://opendap.org/)
                  Online Computer and Operating System: 
                     PC, Mac, Unix, Linux, standard Internet browser.
         Digital Form: 
            Digital Transfer Information: 
               Format Name: 
                  BUFR (Binary Universal Form)
               Format Version Date: 
                  20091001
               Format Specification: 
                  Binary Universal Form for the Representation of meteorological 
                  data.
               Format Information Content: 
                  Operational Geophysical Data Records (OGDR) records only. (BUFR 
                  is a World Meteorological Organization (WMO) standard binary 
                  code for the exchange and storage of data. The format is 
                  documented in The WMO Manual on Codes; WMO Publication No. 
                  306; Volume I, Part B; 1995 Edition, plus Supplement 1.)
               File Decompression Technique: 
                  No compression applied
               Transfer Size: 
                  15.0
            Digital Transfer Option: 
               Online Option: 
                  Computer Contact Information: 
                     Network Address: 
                        Network Resource Name: 
                           OSTM/Jason-2 Level-2 Geophysical Data Records, ftp 
                           access at NODC.
                        CI Online Resource: 
                           Linkage: 
                              ftp://data.nodc.noaa.gov/pub/data.nodc/jason2
                           Name: 
                              download data via ftp
                           Function: 
                              download
                  Access Instructions: 
                     1) Connect to ftp.nodc.noaa.gov, 2) login as anonymous, 3) 
                     Enter your email address as your password, and 4) enter 
                     directory: cd pub/data.nodc/jason2
                  Online Computer and Operating System: 
                     PC, Unix, Max, Linux; standard Internet browser, FTP 
                     capability
               Online Option: 
                  Computer Contact Information: 
                     Network Address: 
                        Network Resource Name: 
                           OSTM/Jason-2 Level-2 Geophysical Data Records, http 
                           access at NODC.
                        CI Online Resource: 
                           Linkage: 
                              http://data.nodc.noaa.gov/jason2
                           Name: 
                              download data via http
                           Function: 
                              download
                  Online Computer and Operating System: 
                     PC, Mac, Unix, Linux, standard Internet browser.
               Online Option: 
                  Computer Contact Information: 
                     Network Address: 
                        Network Resource Name: 
                           OSTM/Jason-2 Level-2 Geophysical Data Records, OPeNDAP 
                           access at NODC.
                        CI Online Resource: 
                           Linkage: 
                              http://data.nodc.noaa.gov/opendap/jason2
                           Name: 
                              download data via OPeNDAP
                           Function: 
                              download
                  Access Instructions: 
                     OPeNDAP: Open-source Project for a Network Data Access 
                     Protocol (http://opendap.org/)
                  Online Computer and Operating System: 
                     PC, Mac, Unix, Linux, standard Internet browser.
         Fees: 
            All GDR data are free for public users.
         Turnaround: 
            Usually within 24 hours for direct downloads
      Custom Order Process: 
         Please contact the NODC (NODC.Services@noaa.gov) for more information.
      Technical Prerequisites: 
         PC, Mac, Unix, Linux, standard Internet browser, FTP capability. 
         Knowledge of and ability to work with satellite altimetry data 
         strongly suggested.
      Available Time Period: 
         Time Period Information: 
            Range of Dates/Times: 
               Beginning Date: 
                  20081215
               Ending Date: 
                  Present
   Metadata Reference Information: 
      Metadata Date: 
         20091211
      Metadata Review Date: 
         20091102
      Metadata Future Review Date: 
         20101231
      Metadata Contact: 
         Contact Information: 
            Contact Organization Primary: 
               Contact Organization: 
                  NOAA National Oceanographic Data Center
               Contact Person: 
                  Yongsheng Zhang and Sheri Phillips
            Contact Address: 
               Address Type: 
                  Mailing and Physical
               Address: 
                  NOAA National Oceanographic Data Center E/OC1
                  SSMC3, 4th floor, Room 4701
                  1315 East-West Highway
               City: 
                  Silver Spring
               State or Province: 
                  MD
               Postal Code: 
                  20910
               Country: 
                  USA
            Contact Voice Telephone: 
               301-713-3272 x126
            Contact Facsimile Telephone: 
               301-713-3302
            Contact Electronic Mail Address: 
               yongsheng.zhang@noaa.gov
            Hours of Service: 
               8:00-5:00 PM, EST
            Contact Instructions: 
               Phone, FAX, E-mail, Letter
      Metadata Standard Name: 
         Content Standard for Digital Geospatial Metadata: Extensions for Remote 
         Sensing Metadata
      Metadata Standard Version: 
         FGDC-STD-012-2002
      Metadata Time Convention: 
         local time
      Metadata Access Constraints: 
         none
      Metadata Use Constraints: 
         none
      Metadata Security Information: 
         Metadata Security Classification System: 
            not applied
         Metadata Security Classification: 
            Unclassified
         Metadata Security Handling Description: 
            not applicable
      Metadata Extensions: 
         Online Linkage: 
            http://www.ngdc.noaa.gov/metadata/extensions/local_extensions.html
         Profile Name: 
            NGDC Extensions to FGDC Metadata
   Platform and Mission Information: 
      Mission Information: 
         Mission Name: 
            OSTM > Ocean Surface Topography Mission
         Mission Description: 
            OSTM is a cooperation between the space agencies CNES and NASA and 
            the operational agencies EUMETSAT and NOAA. The OSTM organisation 
            focuses on the transition towards operational applications. 
            Therefore, the four partners of the OSTM have agreed on a natural 
            cooperation and division of responsibilities. Project management 
            is still in the hands of NASA and CNES, but now with the support 
            of NOAA and EUMETSAT. CNES provides the PROTEUS bus of Jason-2, 
            including the altimeter and the DORIS receiver, while NASA 
            delivers the radiometer, the GPS Receiver, and the Laser 
            Retroreflector Array. NASA procures the launcher and launch 
            services and CNES will be in charge of the overall system 
            integration. EUMETSAT and NOAA provide earth terminals and part of 
            the ground network. In addition, they are responsible for 
            near-real-time product processing, archiving, product 
            dissemination and user support.
      Platform Information: 
         Platform Full Name: 
            JASON-2
         Platform Start Date: 
            Single Date/Time: 
               Calendar Date: 
                  20080704
         Platform Sponsor: 
            EUMETSAT > European Meteorological Satellite Organisation
         Platform Sponsor: 
            DOC/NOAA > National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration
         Platform Sponsor: 
            FR/CNES > Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales, France
         Platform Sponsor: 
            NASA > National Aeronautics and Space Administration
         Platform Description: 
            JASON-2
            * Instruments: Poseidon-3 Altimeter, Advanced Microwave Radiometer 
            (AMR), Doppler orbitography and radiopositioning integrated from 
            space (DORIS), and Global Positioning System Space Receiver (GPSP).
            * Launched date: June 20, 2008.
            * Orbit: Altitude: 1336 km, Circular, non-sun-synchronous, 66 degrees 
            inclination, Global data coverage between 66 degrees N and 66 
            degrees S latitude, 10-day repeat of ground track (+/- 1 km 
            accuracy), and coverage of 95% of ice-free oceans every 10 days.
            *Jason 2 additional orbit parameters: Semi-major axis - 7,714.4278 
            km, Eccentricity - 0.000095, Reference altitude (equatorial) - 
            1336 km, Nodal period - 6 745.72 seconds (112'42" or 1h52'). 
            Repeat cycle - 9.9151 days, Number of passes per cycle - 254, 
            Ground track separation at Equator - 315 km, Acute angle at 
            Equator crossings - 39.5 degrees, Longitude at Equator of pass 1 - 
            99.9242 degrees, Orbital velocity - 7.2 km/s, Ground scanning 
            velocity - 5.8 km/s. A satellite's orbit parameters tend to change 
            over time as a result of atmospheric drag. In the long term, more 
            or less periodic variations also occur due to instabilities in the 
            Earth's gravity field, solar radiation pressure and other forces 
            of smaller magnitude. Orbit manoeuvres are performed every 40 to 
            200 days. Intervals between manoeuvres depend chiefly on solar 
            flux and each manoeuvre lasts from 20 to 60 minutes. Wherever 
            possible, they are performed at the end of the orbit cycle, and 
            above solid earth, so that lost data acquisition time is reduced 
            to a minimum.
            * Mission Duration: Jason-2 has a designed lifetime of about 5 years.
            * Jason-2's orbit is identical to that of Jason-1 (and that of 
            Topex/Poseidon previously). It is optimized to study large-scale 
            ocean variability and to provide coverage of 90% of the world's 
            oceans over a ten-day cycle. Jason-2's high altitude (1,336 
            kilometres) reduces interactions with the Earth's atmosphere and 
            gravity field to a minimum, thus making orbit determination easier 
            and more precise. The orbit inclination of 66 degrees North and 
            South enables the satellite to cover most of the globe's unfrozen 
            oceans. The orbit's repeat cycle is just under 10 days (9.9156 
            days to be precise, i.e., 10 days minus two hours) - in other 
            words, the satellite passes over the same point on the Earth's 
            surface (to within one kilometre) every ten days. This cycle is a 
            trade-off between spatial and temporal resolution designed for the 
            study of large-scale ocean variability. The fact that the orbit is 
            prograde and not sun-synchronous also avoids aliasing of different 
            tidal components at the same frequency. The orbit is also designed 
            to pass over two dedicated ground calibration sites: Cap Senetosa 
            in Corsica and the Harvest oil rig platform in California, USA.
   Instrument Information: 
      Instrument Full Name: 
         Poseidon-3
      Instrument Description: 
         Instrument Type: 
            radar altimeter
         Collection Type: 
            Fixed nadir-pointing beam
         Other Collector Description: 
            Poseidon-3 emits pulses at two frequencies (13.6 and 5.3 GHz, the 
            second frequency is used to determine electron content in the 
            atmosphere) and analyzes the return signal reflected by the 
            surface. The signal round-trip time is estimated very precisely to 
            calculate the range, after applying corrections. It measures sea 
            level, wave heights and wind speed. It is also able to estimate 
            atmospheric electron content. Poseidon-3 will be coupled with 
            DORIS, in order to improve measurements over coastal areas, inland 
            waters and ice
         Instrument Properties Description: 
            Poseidon-3, or SSALT (for Solid State ALTimeter), uses solid-state 
            amplification techniques.
            Emitted Frequency (GHz): Dual-frequency (Ku, C) - 13.575 and 5.3;
            Pulse Repetition Frequency (Hz): 2060 interlaced {3Ku-1C-3Ku};
            Pulse duration (microseconds): 105;
            Bandwidth (MHz): 320 (Ku and C);
            Antenna diameter (m): 1.2;
            Antenna beamwidth (degrees): 1.28 (Ku), 3.4 (C);
            Power (W): 7;
            Redundancy: Yes;
            Specific features: Solid-State Power Amplifier, Dual-frequency for 
            ionospheric correction, and High resolution in C band (320 MHz).
      Instrument Reference: 
         Citation Information: 
            Originator: 
               CNES
            origin_cntinfo: 
               Contact Information: 
                  Contact Organization Primary: 
                     Contact Organization: 
                        FR/CNES > Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales, France
                  Contact Address: 
                     Address Type: 
                        Mailing
                     Address: 
                        Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales
                        2 place Maurice Quentin
                     City: 
                        PARIS CEDEX 01
                     State or Province: 
                        N/A
                     Postal Code: 
                        75 039
                     Country: 
                        FRANCE
                  Contact Voice Telephone: 
                     33 (0)1.44.76.75.00
                  Contact Facsimile Telephone: 
                     33 (0)1.44.76.76.76
                  Contact Instructions: 
                     For information, go to: 
                     http://www.cnes.fr/web/CNES-en/475-contact.php
            Publication Date: 
               Unknown
            Title: 
               Reference to CNES document TBD
   Instrument Information: 
      Instrument Full Name: 
         AMR > Advanced Microwave Radiometer
      Instrument Description: 
         Instrument Type: 
            radiometer
         Collection Type: 
            microwave
         Other Collector Description: 
            AMR acquires measurements via three separate frequency channels to 
            determine the path delay of the altimeter's radar caused by 
            atmospheric water vapor. This instrument measures radiation from 
            Earth's surface at three frequencies (18, 21 and 37 GHz). 
            Measurements acquired at each frequency are combined to determine 
            atmospheric water vapor and liquid water content. Once the water 
            content is known, we can determine the correction to be applied 
            for radar signal path delays.
      Instrument Reference: 
         Citation Information: 
            Originator: 
               CNES
            origin_cntinfo: 
               Contact Information: 
                  Contact Organization Primary: 
                     Contact Organization: 
                        FR/CNES > Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales, France
                  Contact Address: 
                     Address Type: 
                        Mailing
                     Address: 
                        Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales
                        2 place Maurice Quentin
                     City: 
                        PARIS CEDEX 01
                     State or Province: 
                        N/A
                     Postal Code: 
                        75 039
                     Country: 
                        FRANCE
                  Contact Voice Telephone: 
                     33 (0)1.44.76.75.00
                  Contact Facsimile Telephone: 
                     33 (0)1.44.76.76.76
                  Contact Instructions: 
                     For information, go to: 
                     http://www.cnes.fr/web/CNES-en/475-contact.php
            Publication Date: 
               Unknown
            Title: 
               Reference to CNES document TBD
   Instrument Information: 
      Instrument Full Name: 
         DORIS > Doppler Orbitography and Radiopositioning Integrated by Satellite
      Instrument Description: 
         Instrument Type: 
            positioning/navigation
         Collection Type: 
            radio
         Other Collector Description: 
            DORIS is based on the accurate measurement of the Doppler shift of 
            radiofrequency signals transmitted from ground-based beacons and 
            received onboard the spacecraft when it passes over. Measurements 
            are made at two frequencies: 2.03625 GHz for precise Doppler 
            measurement and 401.25 MHz for ionospheric correction. The 401.25 
            MHz measurement is also used for time tagging and auxiliary data.
      Instrument Reference: 
         Citation Information: 
            Originator: 
               CNES
            origin_cntinfo: 
               Contact Information: 
                  Contact Organization Primary: 
                     Contact Organization: 
                        FR/CNES > Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales, France
                  Contact Address: 
                     Address Type: 
                        Mailing
                     Address: 
                        Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales
                        2 place Maurice Quentin
                     City: 
                        PARIS CEDEX 01
                     State or Province: 
                        N/A
                     Postal Code: 
                        75 039
                     Country: 
                        FRANCE
                  Contact Voice Telephone: 
                     33 (0)1.44.76.75.00
                  Contact Facsimile Telephone: 
                     33 (0)1.44.76.76.76
                  Contact Instructions: 
                     For information, go to: 
                     http://www.cnes.fr/web/CNES-en/475-contact.php
            Publication Date: 
               Unknown
            Title: 
               Reference to CNES document TBD
   Instrument Information: 
      Instrument Full Name: 
         GPSP > Global Positioning System Payload
      Instrument Description: 
         Instrument Type: 
            positioning/navigation
         Collection Type: 
            receiver
         Other Collector Description: 
            The GPSP receives dual-frequency navigation signals continuously and 
            simultaneously from 16 GPS satellites. It uses these signals to 
            acquire phase measurements accurate to about one millimeter and 
            pseudo-range measurements accurate to about 10 centimeters.
         Instrument Properties Description: 
            The onboard system consists of two independent receivers operating in 
            cold redundancy, each with an omnidirectional antenna, low-noise 
            amplifier, quartz oscillator, sampling converter, and a baseband 
            digital processor communicating via the bus interface.
      Instrument Reference: 
         Citation Information: 
            Originator: 
               NASA
            Publication Date: 
               Unknown
            Title: 
               Reference to NASA document TBD
   Instrument Information: 
      Instrument Full Name: 
         LRA > Laser Retroreflector Array
      Instrument Description: 
         Instrument Type: 
            reflector
         Collection Type: 
            TBD
         Other Collector Description: 
            The LRA is an array of mirrors that provide a target for laser 
            tracking measurements from the ground. By analyzing the round-trip 
            time of the laser beam, we can locate where the satellite is on 
            its orbit. It is a totally passive reflector designed to reflect 
            laser pulses back to their point of origin on Earth. It is used 
            for the calibration of the Precise Orbit Determination system on 
            the spacecraft.
         Instrument Properties Description: 
            The retroflectors are placed on the nadir face of the satellite. The 
            totally passive unit consists of nine quartz corner cubes arrayed 
            as a truncated cone, with one cube in the centre and the others 
            arranged azimuthally around the cone. This arrangement will allow 
            laser ranging at field-of-view angles of 360 degrees in azimuth 
            and 60 degrees elevation around the perpendicular. The 
            retroreflectors are optimised for a wavelength of 532 nanometers 
            (green), offering a field of view of about 100 degrees.
      Instrument Reference: 
         Citation Information: 
            Originator: 
               NASA
            Publication Date: 
               Unknown
            Title: 
               Reference to NASA document TBD