Validation of ICESat-2 ATLAS Data Using Airborne LiDAR Over Godavari River Basin

Topographic height information is essential for many scientific, research, and engineering fields, such as geosciences, geology, natural disasters, hydrology, and water resources monitoring and management. The recently launched Ice Cloud and Land Elevation Satellite (ICESat2) carrying Advanced Topographic Laser Altimeter System (ATLAS) provides highly accurate terrain height profiles. This study validated ICESat-2 ATLAS height accuracy using airborne LiDAR data in the Godavari River Basin, covering land use types such as built-up areas, agriculture, forests, and water bodies. Results show ICESat-2 ATLAS accuracy to within 0.14 meters in open areas and 1.17 meters in hilly, forested regions. This demonstrates that ICESat-2 ATLAS provides reliable topographic data for various applications.