ATBD Template

Summary

The Algorithm Theoretical Basis Document (ATBD) is a required document for NASA Earth Science missions. The purpose of the ATBD is to provide details of the physical theories, mathematical procedures, and assumptions behind the algorithms used to generate scientific data products. The ATBD Template will help NASA Earth Science Mission teams create consistent, comprehensive ATBDs that will help data users understand how to use ESDIS data products appropriately.

Status

The ATBD Template was approved for use in NASA Earth Science Data Systems in July 2026.

NASA Earth Science Community Recommendations for Use

Strengths

The template provides the basic outline of an ATBD and will help ensure that ATBD authors include required content. Template users are instructed to maintain the section order as it is in the template, but are encouraged to add or remove subsections as needed. This helps to ensure consistency, while allowing for some flexibility in the information that is included in the ATBD. The template provides instructions for completing each section.

Weaknesses

No section of the ATBD Template is required. It is possible this flexibility will defeat the effort to create consistent ATBDs across missions. It is also possible that ATBD authors will choose not to provide as much information as they should or could, simply because there are no mandatory requirements. 

Applicability

The ATBD is required for data products generated by NASA Earth Science Missions. 

Limitations

The ATBD is not a policy document. Users are free to include recommended content or not, and are free to add or delete sections. Data producers may choose to create ATBDs for individual data products, or for groups of products. More specific policies and guidelines about what information is required to be in an ATBD and what constitutes an appropriate product group for the purposes of an ATBD would help ensure that ATBDs include minimally adequate information needed by data users.