Space Borne Laser and Airborne Lidar Experiences at L'Estartit (Spain)

One airborne calibration campaign with a Partenavia P-68 (ICC) carrying an Optech Lidar ALTM-3025 (ICC) was made on June 16, 2007, overflying l'Estartit harbour (about 6 km wide by 50 km long) and mapping with observe lidar strips of about 800 m. wide. The validation of this new technology LIDAR may be useful to fill coastal areas where satellite radar altimeters are not measuring due to the large footprint and the resulting gaps of about 20-40 km within the coastline. Measurements with a GPS Buoy were made during the experience and a GPS reference station was installed in Aiguablava. A DSM of l'Estartit harbour area was derived in the first results from the campaign.