The Reference Elevation Model of Antarctica

Abstract

Abstract. The Reference Elevation Model of Antarctica (REMA) is the first, continental scale Digital Elevation Model (DEM) at a resolution of less than 10 m. REMA is created from stereo-photogrammetry with submeter resolution, optical, commercial satellite imagery. The higher spatial and radiometric resolutions of these imagery enable high quality surface extraction over the low-contrast ice sheet surface. The DEMs are registered to satellite radar and laser altimetry and are mosaicked to provide a continuous surface covering nearly the entire continent. The mosaic includes an error estimate and a time stamp, enabling change measurement. Typical elevation errors are less than 1 meter, as validated by the comparison to airborne laser altimetry. REMA provides a powerful new resource for Antarctic science and provides a proof of concept for generating high resolution, accurate, repeat topography at continental scales.