Slope Imaging Multi-polarization Photon-counting Lidar (SIMPL)

Status

Operated By:

SIMPL is an advanced-technology airborne laser altimeter developed through NASA’s ESTO Instrument Incubator Program. Simultaneously measures surface topography, roughness and slope as well as scattering properties to differentiate surface types. SIMPL is a technology and remote sensing pathfinder for next-generation, high-efficiency, spaceflight laser altimeters. Developed with a focus on ice sheet elevation and its change, sea ice thickness and its change, and icy moon surface processes.

Instrument Type:

Lidar

Measurements:

Sea Ice Surface Elevation, Ice Sheet Thickness

Aircraft:

Learjet 25, P-3 Orion - WFF, Twin Otter - GRC

Point(s) of Contact:

David Harding (POC; PI)

Additional Information

Publications:

Harding, D., et al. (2010), The Slope Imaging Multi-polarization Photon-counting Lidar: an Advanced Technology Airborne Laser Altimeter, NASA Earth Science Technology Forum, NASA Earth Science Technology Forum, June 22-24, 2010, Arlington, VA.

Harding, D., et al. (2010), SIMPL Laser Altimeter Measurements of Lake Erie Ice Cover: a Pathfinder for ICESat-2, American Geophysical Union, Fall Meeting 2010, abstract #C54B-08.