The Web Unification Project is driven by the 21st Century Integrated Digital Experience Act (IDEA) that was signed into law in 2018. The IDEA Act requires all agencies in the executive branch to ensure their websites are compliant with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, have a consistent look and feel, are searchable, secure, mobile-friendly, and without duplicative information.
Section 508 requires that any new or redesigned website, web-based form, web-based application, or digital service meet the following criteria:
- is accessible to individuals with disabilities
- has a consistent appearance
- does not overlap with or duplicate any legacy websites and, if applicable, ensure that legacy websites are regularly reviewed, eliminated, and consolidated
- contains a search function that allows users to easily search content intended for public use
- is provided through an industry standard secure connection
- is designed around user needs with data-driven analysis influencing management and development decisions, using qualitative and quantitative data to determine user goals, needs, and behaviors, and continually test the website, web-based form, web-based application, or digital service to ensure that user needs are addressed
- provides users of the new or redesigned website, web-based form, web-based application, or digital service with the option for a more customized digital experience that allows users to complete digital transactions in an efficient and accurate manner
- is fully functional and usable on common mobile devices
This motivation was followed up with a mandate from the NASA Earth Science Data Systems (ESDS) Program Executive to unify all ESDS-funded public-facing web properties into the Earthdata domain.
Background
Today, many entry points lead to NASA Earth science dataset landing pages/data collections across the program. Since 1994, the Earth Observing System Data and Information System (EOSDIS) has provided end-to-end capabilities for managing this data archive through interconnected nodes across the United States. Each node has a website that represents a Science Investigator-led Processing System (SIPS) or a Distributed Active Archive Center (DAAC) that houses access to data and information unique to an Earth science discipline, platform, or instrument. There are also specialty websites that focus on certain data properties such as near real-time (LANCE) or fire data (FIRMS). These sites are the predominant focus of the Web Unification project.
The New Earthdata Website
In the fall of 2024, the unified Earthdata website design will launch at earthdata.nasa.gov, replacing the website you see today at www.earthdata.nasa.gov. Some of the data center sites will be a part of the new site with the first launch. The remaining public-facing ESDS program web properties will migrate into the new domain. The projected completion date is the end of 2026.
Site users will be able to find, access, and visualize NASA Earth science data through text search, science topic, observation method, data resolution, data format, DAAC, SIPS, or data processing level.
More Information
- Webinar: Web Unification: Optimizing Your Access to NASA Earth Science Data (September 16, 2024; link includes webinar recording and access to webinar slide deck)
- Web Unification project Frequently Asked Questions are available on the Earthdata Forum