NASA’s Earthdata is an innovative, web-based system that provides comprehensive access to a vast array of global-scale datasets. These datasets, which encompass the Earth’s atmosphere, oceans, land, and other environmental variables, are gathered from diverse sources, including satellites, aircraft, and ground-based observations.
The Earthdata platform extends beyond data access—it also equips users with robust tools for visualization, analysis, and interpretation. This assists in transforming raw data into valuable insights, which can support advanced research, shape policy-making, and enhance our understanding of our dynamic planet.
The user base of Earthdata includes scientists, researchers, educators, students, and decision-makers from around the world. Through this platform, NASA empowers this community to address critical issues related to climate change, natural disasters, environmental sustainability, and more.
NASA’s Earthdata is instrumental in scientific research and discovery, and in real-world application areas such as agricultural efficiency, air quality, disaster prediction and response, climate resilience, and more.
Key Components of NASA Earthdata Include:
- Earthdata Search: This tool allows users to search, discover, visualize, refine, and access NASA’s Earth Observation data. Users can browse different datasets using a variety of filters such as time, place, platform, etc.
- Worldview: This interactive interface allows users to explore full-resolution, global satellite imagery. Users can also visualize this imagery with various layers of ancillary data.
- Global Imagery Browse Services (GIBS): GIBS provides quick access to over 900 satellite imagery products, covering every part of the world. Most of the imagery is available within a few hours after the satellite overpass.
- Earthdata Code Collaboratory: This provides a space for Earthdata users to find, share, and discuss code used for analyzing Earth science data.
- Common Metadata Repository (CMR): This high-performance, high-quality, continuously evolving metadata system catalogs all data and service metadata records for NASA’s EOSDIS system, and serves as the authoritative management system for all EOSDIS metadata.
- Earthdata Developer Portal: This portal assists developers by providing access to APIs, standards, and technical documentation for building applications.