Journal Article

Altimetry Data from ICESat-2 Brings Value to the Private Sector

Felikson, Denis, Brown, Molly E., Phillips, Abigail, Neeley, Aimee

2026

Overview

This short communication synthesizes evidence on how the Ice, Cloud and Land Elevation Satellite-2 (ICESat-2) altimetry data are used by private sector actors and the implications for economic value creation. Using secondary research that collected and summarized information from existing data from reports, journals, websites, and databases, the work identifies 54 companies across 9 sectors leveraging ICESat-2-derived elevation, canopy height, bathymetry, and surface measurements to inform decision-making, risk assessment, and new business models. The analysis situates ICESat-2 within a broader context where freely available Earth observation data can generate substantial private- and public-sector value, potentially exceeding hundreds of billions in aggregate when scaled across industries such as geospatial services, climate management, real estate, and insurance. The paper uses a four-pillar conceptual model to guide valuation of data-driven impacts: Data Utility (intrinsic information value of altimetry and related metrics), Decision Impact (tangible economic benefits from improved models and operations), Strategic Integration (emergence of new business models and market opportunities), and Data Ecosystem Exclusivity (development of proprietary datasets and workflows that enable competitive differentiation). Empirical findings illustrate how these pillars manifest in practice. The paper seeks to connect private-sector uptake to NASA’s Earth Science to Action framework and related capacity-building efforts, highlighting pathways for broader utilization through training, tutorials, and accessible interfaces. Limitations of the study include partial sector coverage and reliance on publicly reported use cases. Future work should quantify economic returns with standardized metrics and extend the dataset to capture dynamic shifts in data products, governance, and IP development within the evolving data ecosystem.

• Publisher: MDPI AG
• Subject: Altimeters / Altimetry / Artificial satellites in remote sensing / Bathymetry / Capacity development / Datasets / Decision making / Earth science / Earth sciences / Economic aspects / Economic impact / Economics / Elevation / Engineering firms / Environmental aspects / Environmental management / ICESat-2 / Lasers / new business models / Private sector / Real estate / Remote sensing / Risk assessment / Risk management / satellite altimetry / Satellites / Sea level / value of information