3.6 International Altimeter Service (IAS)

With the precise surveying of the ocean surface, nearly coinciding with the geoid, satellite altimetry essentially contributes to the geodetic science by the determination of the figure and the gravity field of the Earth. Thus, satellite altimetry has to become a core component of the Global Geodetic Observing System (GGOS). Consequently, the IAG Executive Committee decided in 2007 to establish the International Altimeter Service (IAS) and instructed to set up a steering committee, which shall ensure that all related groups and entities are integrated and develop further steps for the realization of IAS.

The general IAS objectives are

• provide a point of contact for general information on satellite altimetry and its applications;
• communicate with, and interface to, altimeter mission data providers, centres which process, archive, and analyse altimeter data, and other related services and organizations;
• help users to compile and analyse data;
• define and realize pilot projects to demonstrate how cooperation can further improve the service on satellite altimetry