An Introduction to Earth Science Data Resources
From the vantage point above Earth, we can view our Earth as a whole system, observe the results of complex interactions, and begin to understand how our star and planet are changing. Working with its domestic and international partners, NASA provides accurate and objective scientific data and analysis to advance our understanding of Earth system processes.
Learning more about these processes will enable improved prediction capability for climate, weather, and natural hazards. By employing an end-to-end strategy to assure that all the information, understanding, and capabilities derived from its research are fully realized, NASA is striving to develop a scientific understanding of the Earth system and its response to natural or human-induced changes.
NASA's Earth system science data component of the Earth Science Division provides more than 2,400 data products and associated services for interdisciplinary studies. The Earth Observing System Data and Information System (EOSDIS) manages and distributes these products through the Distributed Active Archive Centers (DAACs). These data centers process, archive, document, and distribute data from NASA's past and current Earth system science research satellites and field programs. Each center serves one or more specific Earth science disciplines and provides its user community with data products, data information, services, and tools unique to its particular science.
A depiction of the hierarchical relationship and responsibilities of EOS, EOSDIS, and the Distributed Active Archive Centers (DAACs) as one component of the Science Mission Directorate's Earth Science Division.
Presently, EOSDIS supports the daily production of over 2 terabytes (TB) of interdisciplinary Earth system science data. These data are either from EOS missions (e.g., ACRIMSAT, Aqua, Aura, ICESat, Jason, QuikSCAT, SORCE, Terra), pre-EOS missions (e.g., SeaWiFS, TOMS-EP, TOPEX/POSEIDON, TRMM, UARS), other Earth system science data (e.g., Pathfinder data sets), NASA funded field campaigns (e.g., BOREAS, FIFE, SAFARI), and human dimensions derived data (e.g., China Dimensions Data Collection, GRUMP). An excess of 4 petabytes (PB) of data products that cover a wide range of physical, geophysical, biochemical, and other parameters are archived at the nine EOSDIS data centers.
In 2004 alone, over 34 million Earth science data products, 640 TB (~1.8 TB daily) of data and information about NASA missions, instruments, and data products, was disseminated to over 2 million distinct users within the science, government, industry, education, and policy maker communities. These data are collected by approximately 65 instruments onboard more than 40 satellite and aircraft platforms.
NASA uses the unique vantage point of space to understand and explore our home planet and star in order to achieve our vision: To improve life here, extend life to there, and find life beyond. Through exploration and discovery, NASA answers scientific questions as old as humanity itself and asks new ones, making the world smarter, healthier, and safer.