GEDI L4A Footprint Level Aboveground Biomass Density, Golden Weeks, Version 1

This dataset contains Global Ecosystem Dynamics Investigation (GEDI) Level 4A (L4A) predictions of the aboveground biomass density (AGBD; in Mg/ha) and estimates of the prediction standard error within each sampled geolocated laser footprint. The footprints are located within the global latitude band observed by the International Space Station (ISS), nominally 51.6 degrees N and S and reported for the mission weeks 19, 32, 34 and 38 (a.k.a. Golden Weeks). These weeks cover the range of instrument operating conditions important for calibration and validation of geolocation algorithms, and also include GEDI orbits that are coincident with underflights acquired by the LVIS (Land, Vegetation, and Ice Sensor) airborne lidar instrument. The GEDI instrument consists of three lasers producing a total of eight beam ground transects, which instantaneously sample eight ~25 m footprints spaced approximately every 60 m along-track. The GEDI beam transects are spaced approximately 600 m apart on the Earth's surface in the cross-track direction, for an across-track width of ~4.2 km. Footprint AGBD was derived from parametric models that relate simulated GEDI Level 2A (L2A) waveform relative height (RH) metrics to field plot estimates of AGBD. Height metrics from simulated waveforms associated with field estimates of AGBD from multiple regions and plant functional types (PFT) were compiled to generate a calibration dataset for models representing the combinations of world regions and PFTs (i.e., deciduous broadleaf trees, evergreen broadleaf trees, evergreen needleleaf trees, deciduous needleleaf trees, and the combination of grasslands, shrubs, and woodlands).