EDG Search and Order Tips

This page is intended to provide a few tips for searching and ordering MISR data through the EOS Data Gateway (EDG).

MISR Data Coverage

Each Level 1 data file contains radiances from one 98 minute orbit (daytime only). Each orbit follows one of 233 predefined World Reference System-2 (WRS-2) Paths. MISR Level 2, Level 1B2 Terrain and Ellipsoid Projected Radiances are the only geolocated products that may be searched by geographic coordinates. These are the recommended products for the beginning user. For regular MISR data users, it may be useful to search and order data by Paths and Orbits. To determine which paths cover a location of interest, use the Lat/Lon to MISR Path/Block Tool. You may then search the MISR Production Report that lists the orbits which follow the paths of interest. A given path will be covered every fifteen to sixteen days.

Nominal File Sizes

EDG Access

• Step 1: On the MISR Data Sets table, click on the ESDT Shortname of the desired product and you will be taken to the EDG ordering tool with that MISR product pre-selected. Or you can directly access the EOS Data Gateway and search for the data product.
• Step 2: Select "Enter as guest" or "Become a registered user".
  By selecting "Become a Registered User" the EDG tool will remember your contact information and search preferences.

You have successfully entered the EDG and are ready to set up a search.

Searching

Known Problems:

• The "Geo. Center" in the granule listing is always listed as 0.0 deg. Lat, 0.0 deg Lon.
• Geographical searches using latitude, longitude values or the map do not always include all data within the given region.
• Geographic searches will not work for MISR Level 1B1 or Level 1 data since there is no geographic information associated with these files.

Create Search:

• If you pre-selected the data set from the MISR Data Sets table, you can narrow your search by choosing any or all of the options below.

  If you did not pre-select the data set from the MISR Data Sets table, in the "Choose Data Sets" window, select "By Categories/Attributes".
  Select "DATA SET" in the "Choose Keywords for One or More Categories" window, then click the "Choose Keywords for >>" button. When the new page opens, make your selection from the alphabetical listings of all data sets. If you wish to narrow your search, you can choose any or all of the options below.

  • Path: In the "Choose Keywords for One or More Categories" window, select "SPATIAL" and then click "SELECT". When the new window appears, scroll down to the end of the table to "SP_AM_PATH_NO" and type in the path number(s) (e.g., 162 and 163). Click "OK".

    AND/OR

  • Orbit: In the "Choose Keywords for One or More Categories" window, select "ORBIT" and then click "SELECT". When the new window appears, type in the orbit number(s) (e.g., 6625 and 7557). Click "OK".

    AND/OR

  • Camera: In the "Choose Keywords for One or More Categories" window, select "SENSOR CHARACTERISTICS" and and then click "SELECT". When the new window appears, select from the "AssociatedSensorShortName" pull-down menus (only one camera can be selected: AN, AF, AA, BF, BA, CF, CA, DF, or DA). Note that the options starting with "CCD" will result in an unsuccessful search. Click "OK".

    AND/OR

  • You can also use the "Choose a Date/Time Range" option.

Start Search:

• Click "Start Search" at the bottom of the page.

Depending upon the load on the system, it may take some time for the search to complete. When results are returned, you are ready to place an order. A granule consists of a data file and its associated metadata file.

Ordering

• Step 1: Add the granules to be ordered to shopping cart.
  NOTE: Production History and Ancillary Data associated with the data granule are not available.
• Step 2: Select order options for each product, selecting "Native Granule".
• Step 3: Complete Order form.
• Step 4: Verify Order information.
• Step 5: Submit order.

You will receive a receipt at the e-mail address that you specified in the order form.

Delivery

A second e-mail message, with the subject "ECS Notification", will contain the details of how your order will be delivered. Each data file will be delivered with a metadata file that will be identified by the data file name with a .met appended.

Some distribution problems are still being resolved. If you have not received a notification message within 24 hours, contact Langley Data Center User Services.

Subsetting

Subsetting is no longer supported for EDG orders. Use the MISR Order and Customization Tool to order subsetted data.

Useful Links

• A complete User's Manual is available through the EDG.
• Terra Spacecraft: Loss of Accurate Orbit Data Record
• Tools to Read MISR Data:
  • MISR Browse Tool
  • Orbit/Date Conversion
  • Lat/Lon to Path/Block Conversion
  • Software