AVISO - User services

AVISO - User services   (pdf version)
Archivage Validation Interprétation des données des Satellites Océanographiques

Duration: Since 1992                   Contact:

AVISO user services was created in 1992, in the frame of TOPEX/POSEIDON launch, and is fully funded by CNES. Starting as processing and distributing center for TOPEX/POSEIDON, AVISO is now the validation, archiving and distributing center for SSALTO (Segment Sol multi mission d'Altimétrie, d'Orbitographie et de localisation précise). AVISO distributes altimetric and DORIS products, manages the user support, and promotes altimetry and applications.

CLS tasks:

The AVISO user services aims to make the access to satellite data products easier and quicker. In particular, the service is involved in three mains activities:

• Satellite product distribution.

  AVISO and its US counterpart PO DAAC distribute any level of altimetry products from TOPEX/POSEIDON and Jason-1. AVISO distributes homogeneous sea surface variability datasets from ERS-1 and 2, GFO and ENVISAT, both for each satellite and as combined data with TOPEX/POSEIDON and Jason-1, via SSALTO/DUACS. For all satellites with DORIS onboard, AVISO also distributes DORIS precise orbit determination. For SPOT 2, 4 and 5, DORIS orbit ephemeris only are available. These products are distributed by AVISO on CD-ROMs, DVD-ROMs, by FTP and LAS sites and can be ordered via the online catalogue. This activity encompasses subscription, address, product stock and cost management.

• User support.

  AVISO service receives a growing number of questions, mainly by e-mails, not only from users, but also from students or inquisitive persons. An answer is given within two working days for all sorts of questions, more or less scientific, more or less technical, often with experts' contribution.

• Altimetry and application outreach.

  Space technology and associated products are not well-known. Promote altimetry and its applications aims to inform users about latest developments about products, technical point and use. Activities include writing leaflets, fact sheets, attending conferences, producing newsletters, and managing relevant websites.

Users:

Since data and their distribution are funded by CNES, the data access is free. These data are used in many applications: regional oceanographic studies, ocean circulation, modeling, climate studies, operational oceanography, or also geodesy, and geophysics.

More:

• AVISO website : http://www.aviso.oceanobs.com
• PO DAAC website: http://podaac.jpl.nasa.gov
• CNES website: http://www.cnes.fr/WEB_UK/