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The mission of NASA’s Earth Science program is to develop a scientific understanding of Earth as a system. To meet this challenge, the Earth Science Data Systems (ESDS) Program provides a variety of ways for Earth scientists to collaborate with NASA. ESDS actively promotes the full and open sharing of data, software, and services and provides the means to achieve this objective.

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Open Data, Services, and Software Policies

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).

For Researchers and Grantees

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).

For Developers

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.

For Data Providers

Adding 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).

More Resources

Earthdata Forum

The Earthdata Forum provides a central location where data users can interact with subject matter experts from multiple NASA Distributed Active Archive Centers (DAACs) to discuss general questions about research needs and data applications as well as specific queries about accessing, viewing, and manipulating NASA Earth science data.

Earthdata Resources for the Applications Community

NASA DAACs archive and distribute a variety of diverse Earth science datasets and provide services to user communities. While the DAACs provide specific disciplinary expertise to scientific research communities, the NASA EOSDIS data they archive and distribute are also valuable for applied science and community decision-makers who use these data to inform decisions about our environment, food, water, health, and safety. NASA supports the applications community with high quality, user-friendly, and socially-relevant data and services.

Partnerships

ESDS depends on strategic partnerships with public and private companies to help further its data management and data development efforts.

Memberships and Affiliations

ESDS supports and enhances the goals of numerous international and national organizations dedicated to Earth science and standards development.