General Comments:

This preprint introduces a geolocation method, occasionally referred to as a tool, designed for application to EarthCARE. This method draws upon the experience gained from the observations and methods developed for CloudSat and CALIPSO. The geolocation method previously applied to CloudSat was  based on a Digital Terrain Model (DTM) that was coarser than the ASTER DEM/WBD products used in this preprint. When applied to the CloudSat/CALIPSO datasets, the proposed method demonstrates strong performance, and the quantification of the pointing error is more precise. Examples of the application for EarthCARE geolocation are provided, though a more stringent performance indication likely requires actual data. Nevertheless, optimal areas for applying the geolocation methods within EarthCARE are defined. The manuscript is well-written and easy to understand, though some points require clarification.

Specific Comments:

1. Fig. 1: It would be beneficial to include a comparison with the Digital Elevation Model (without convolution) in Fig. 1c.
2. Line 175: Figure 3 displays the points suitable for applying EarthCARE geolocation. The selection criteria are vaguely described in the manuscript. A more detailed description of the criteria used for selecting these points, along with their quantity, is recommended.
3. Line 281: Please provide the number of overpasses that will be available during the 3-month period.
4. Line 400: Please specify the name of the processors in the EarthCARE processing system that utilize the geolocation tool.
5. Line 404: The text mentions the application of EarthCARE co-registration, which is not described in the preprint. Is there a reference that describes the co-registration to be used in EarthCARE?

Comments attached in PDF.