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Open Data, Services, and Software Policies

ESDS actively promotes the full and open sharing of data, software, and services and provides the means to achieve this objective.

ESDS promotes the full and open sharing of all data, metadata, products, information, documentation, models, images, and research results along with the source code used to generate, work with, and analyze them. Scientific knowledge is most robust and actionable when derived from transparent, traceable, and reproducible methods. The ESDS Open Data, Services, and Software Policies are consistent with NASA's Scientific Information Policy for the Science Mission Directorate (SPD-41a).

Learn more about ESDS policies

illustration of interconnected open science resrouces

NASA's ESDS Program ensures that data are fully available to any user for any purpose, and promotes and facilitates the open sharing of all metadata, documentation, models, images, and research results along with the source code used to generate, manipulate, and analyze these data.

Resources

Earthdata Login provides a single mechanism for user registration and profile management for users getting Earth science data from any of the Distributed Active Archive Centers (DAACs) that comprise NASA's Earth Observing System Data and Information System (EOSDIS). EOSDIS data are openly available to all and free of charge except where governed by international agreements.

Competitive Programs

ESDS competitive programs are opportunities to contribute to enhancing our services to data users and research products.

Data Management

The SMD Scientific Information Policy (SPD-41a) includes requirements for SMD-funded researchers to manage and openly share their scientific data, consistent with the long-standing ESDS Data and Information Policy. ESDS provides additional guidance, best practices, and resources for the Earth science research community in:

Open-Source Software

The ESDS Open Source Software Policy requires that all software source code developed through ESDS-funded research solicitations be designated, developed, and distributed to the public as open-source software. This policy is consistent with the requirements of SPD-41a and is tailored to the Earth science research community.

Research Opportunities in Space and Earth Science (ROSES)

ROSES is an open NASA research call through the Science Mission Directorate to meet the agency's science objectives. Each opportunity is released annually on the NASA Solicitation and Proposal Integrated Review and Evaluation System (NSPIRES).

APIs

Application Program Interfaces (APIs) are sets of routines, tools, and protocols for how software components interact. There are a number of APIs available to promote the full and open sharing of all data, metadata, products, information, documentation, models, images, and research results.

Common Metadata Repository

The Common Metadata Repository (CMR) is a continuously-evolving metadata system that catalogs all NASA Earth Observing System Data and Information System (EOSDIS) data and service metadata records. As data archives continue to grow, cataloging, searching, and extracting relevant data from these archives becomes a critical part of Earth science research.

Data Product Development Standards

The Data Product Development Guide for Data Producers provides comprehensive guidance for developing NASA Earth Science data products.

Submitting New Data Process

ESDS partners with data creators and providers to archive and serve their data to the global community. This service is offered through discipline-specific and common tools at no cost to data providers, with the added benefit of protecting these data from disasters and from technology obsolescence. Because each mission is unique, the process and requirements for submission vary depending on the data source.

DOI Process

Digital Object Identifiers (DOIs) are permanent and unique references to data products in long-term storage and distribution spaces. DOIs facilitate data retrieval and allow researchers to publish citations for the exact data and data products used in their research.

Standards

NASA's Earth Science Data and Information System (ESDIS) Project Standards Coordination Office (ESCO) assists in formulating standards policy for ESDS. ESCO also coordinates standards activities within ESDIS and provides technical expertise and assistance with standards-related tasks within NASA's Earth Science Data System Working Groups (ESDSWG).