Topic outline

  • Webinar with Vinca Rosmorduc (CLS) and Ben Loveday (EUMETSAT). 

     16 Sept 2026, 12:00 UTC or 14:00 UTC | Register
     

    Radar altimetry has evolved from a technique developed primarily for geodesy and oceanographic research into a fundamental Earth observation capability, supporting an increasingly wide range of scientific and operational applications. Measurements of water surface height provide essential information for monitoring sea level, ocean circulation, mesoscale dynamics and long-term climate variability, while also supporting coastal applications, wave forecasting, marine ecosystem studies, inland hydrology, cryosphere research and geodesy.

    This two-hour online event provides an overview of the current applications of satellite altimetry and the latest EUMETSAT and Copernicus products available to support them. Participants will explore how altimetry measurements are used across different domains, with practical examples illustrating the information that can be derived from satellite observations of water surface height and related parameters.

    The session will also provide guidance on selecting appropriate altimetry datasets, processing levels and data latencies according to user needs. Particular attention will be given to the range of products and data access services available through the EUMETSAT and Copernicus ecosystems, helping users identify the most suitable data for their applications.

    The course will include a practical demonstration using Jupyter Notebooks, providing participants with an opportunity to explore altimetry data and tools in a hands-on environment. The latest user support resources, including documentation, training materials and practical examples, will also be highlighted.

    This event is intended for existing and prospective users of satellite altimetry who would like to broaden their understanding of its applications and learn how to make better use of available data and tools. It will be particularly valuable for participants planning to attend the EUMETSAT Meteorological Satellite Conference, providing an opportunity to become familiar with current altimetry products, applications and services in advance of the meeting. Attendees will therefore be well prepared to engage with EUMETSAT experts and take full advantage of technical discussions throughout the conference.

    Target audience:

    This course is open to all, but is primarily designed for:

    • Established and early career remote sensing researchers with an interest in altimetry
    • Private and public sector specialists engaged in marine and coastal monitoring activities
    • Marine forecasters
    • Those attending the coming EUMETSAT conference who wish to discuss marine applications

    Expected outcomes

    By the end of this event, participants will be able to:

    • Describe the main scientific and operational applications of satellite radar altimetry.
    • Understand how altimetry measurements can be used across ocean and coastal applications
    • Identify appropriate altimetry datasets and processing levels for different user requirements.
    • Understand the importance of data latency and product characteristics when selecting datasets.
    • Access and explore altimetry data using EUMETSAT and Copernicus tools and services.
    • Make use of available documentation, training materials, Jupyter Notebooks and other user support resources.

    Agenda:

     

    Session

    Time (UTC)

    Presenter

    Introduction to EUMETSAT and altimetry

    12:00 - 12:15

    Ben Loveday

    Applications and uses of altimetry

    12:15 - 13:15

    Vinca Rosmorduc

    Short break

    		    

    User support materials (user guides, notebooks, etc)

    13:20 - 13:40

    Ben

    Sentinel-3C and Sentinel-6B plans

    13:40 - 13:45

    Ben

    Q&A

    13:45 - 14:00

    All
     

  • Course assessment and feedback

    This section contains the course assessment and feedback form. We would appreciate your feedback on our course, as this will allow us to improve future iterations. If you wish to receive a course certificate, you must complete both the course assessment and feedback form.

    • Course feedback Questionnaire
      Students must
      Student must submit this questionnaire to complete it

      This feedback form will allow you to share your thoughts on this course.

  • How to participate

    We'll meet you on Zoom Webinar 

    Zoom is a web-based video conferencing tool with a local, desktop client and a mobile app that allows us to meet online. You do not need an account to join the session. To join, simply register. (Troubles joining?)

    Here are a few tips you may consider:

    1. For better audio quality, please prepare a headset with a microphone.
    2. Join 5-10 minutes early to test your audio. Here is how to do it. 
    3. Use your real name. 

    Need help in Zoom?

    We want to make sure you get support when you need it. During the session, please use the Chat window and select Send to: Support to send a message to our colleagues who can help you. 

    Your questions on Slido.com

    During the webinar, we will be using Slido to answer your questions. Go to Slido.com and use #SC56 or click here. No log in is required. You can also join Slido from your phone.

    Course access

    This page will remain openly accessible until 1 day before the course commences. To access the course materials after this time, you will need to register, for free, for an account on our Moodle platform. You can register for an account at https://classroom.eumetsat.int/login/signup.php. Once you have an account you will be able to enroll in the course.

    Enrolling in the course will allow you to:

    • access the course materials long term
    • access the webinar recording (which will also be posted on YouTube)
    • ask follow up questions to the trainers
    • receive a course certificate upon completion of a short assessment and feedback form
     

  • Recording and resources

    Presentations:

  • More on EUMETSAT training

    Our training activities support users in the member states and among the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) members in the application of EUMETSAT data, products, and services, including Copernicus data provided by EUMETSAT. Find our more at our web page.

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    Contact us for questions about training events and professional development opportunities at training@eumetsat.int.

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