Satellite Data and Services Center AVISO

This centre is dedicated to the exploitation of altimetric data, derived from satellite observations of the measurement of the oceans height. It is based in Toulouse, managed by the CNES as part of the SALP multi-mission project, in two separate entities: AVISO and the CTOH. While each has its own specific characteristics, they both carry out joint actions. In 2014, the AVISO+ website was created through the merging of the AVISO and CTOH websites.

AVISO (Archivage, Validation et Interprétation des données des Satellites Océanographiques): Archiving, Validation and Interpretation of Oceanographic Satellite Data, is developed under the responsibility of the CNES from 1992 as part of the SALP project.

These data come from the SSALTO/DUACS processing chain which operates, validates and calculates the combined products of several satellite missions in a homogeneous and operational manner.

In 2017, the CNES delegates to CMEMS the responsibility for the processing and distribution of SSALTO/DUACS products.

CTOH (Centre de Topographie des Océans et de l'Hydrosphère): Center of Topography of the Oceans and Hydrosphere, is established in 1989 and is labeled as an INSU Observation Service. It is supported by CNRS, CNES, IRD, OMP and UPS. The CTOH uses altimetric data from the perspective of developing processing algorithms and products dedicated to emerging applications (continental hydrology, ice, coastal ocean) and leads an independent scientific expertise role for the CNES and ESA science project teams.