We are in the process of migrating all NASA Earth science data sites into Earthdata from now until end of 2026. Not all NASA Earth science data and resources will appear here until then. Thank you for your patience as we make this transition.
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Earth Observation Data Basics
The life cycle of Earth observation data is rich and complex, with many points of entry along the pipeline. From collection to visualization, we dive deep into the basics to demystify the incredible data in our catalog.
Featured Data Basics
14 MIN READ
Learn the basics about remotely-sensed data, from instrument characteristics to different types of resolution to data processing and analysis.
May 18, 2021
14 MIN READ
Near real-time products enable the management of ongoing events; standard data products are heavily processed and intended for scientific research.
July 15, 2021
Filters
8 MIN READ
NASA Earth science data are a key component in meeting the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to build a better world for people and our planet.
May 18, 2021
2 MIN READ
Passive instruments detect energy emitted from the natural environment.
Feb. 1, 2021
3 MIN READ
Active instruments emit energy and collect data based on changes in the return signal.
Feb. 1, 2021
3 MIN READ
Standard data products are those with an internally consistent, well-calibrated record of Earth’s geophysical properties to support science.
Dec. 14, 2020
Pagination
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