David Shean

About

David Shean is a leading figure in geodetic and cryospheric science, renowned for his pioneering work in high-resolution topographic mapping and its application to understanding Earth’s changing ice sheets and glaciers. His research integrates advanced stereogrammetry, satellite remote sensing, and field-based observations to quantify surface elevation changes, mass balance, and dynamic processes in polar and alpine environments. Shean is the principal developer of the NASA Ames Stereo Pipeline (ASP), an open-source suite of automated geodesy and stereogrammetry tools that revolutionized planetary and terrestrial image processing—his 2020 paper on ASP 2.7.0, with over 9 citations, remains a foundational reference. His major contributions include generating continent-scale digital elevation models from satellite imagery, enabling unprecedented precision in measuring ice sheet thinning and glacier retreat. Shean’s work has been cited extensively across glaciology, geomorphology, and planetary science, reflecting its profound impact. He has also led field campaigns in Greenland and Antarctica, bridging ground-truth data with satellite observations. A recipient of NASA’s Early Career Award, Shean continues to shape our understanding of Earth’s frozen regions through innovative, open-access tools and rigorous quantitative analysis.

Research Focus

Key Achievements

Top Papers

1. 1
   NeoGeographyToolkit/StereoPipeline 2.7.0

   9 citations · 2020

Key Collaborators

Contact & Links