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Description

This training session was jointly organized by the United Nations (UN) Inter-Agency Meeting on Outer Space Activities (UN-Space) and the Committee on Earth Observation Satellites Working Group on Capacity Development (CEOS WGCapD), with support provided by the Capacity Development and Operational Training Service (CDOTS) of the Department of Operational Support.

It aimed to empower UN entities with the latest tools and knowledge in the realm of Earth observation and satellite data utilization in support of their agendas. The training featured sessions led by the NASA Applied Remote Sensing Training Program (ARSET) and Earth Science Data Systems (ESDS) program highlighting Earth observations and satellite data analysis and provided a hands-on experience.

Date

Oct. 28, 2024

Location

United Nations (NYC)

Hosts

NASA Applied Remote Sensing Training Program (ARSET), United Nations (UN) Inter-Agency Meeting on Outer Space Activities (UN-Space) and the Committee on Earth Observation Satellites Working Group on Capacity Development (CEOS WGCapD), with support provided by the Capacity Development and Operational Training Service (CDOTS) of the Department of Operational Support.

Objective

By the end of this training attendees will be able to:

  • Recognize how remote sensing observations can inform decision making
  • Identify how to locate applicable NASA datasets and tools that support decision-making and policy
  • Apply workflows to access and visualize NASA datasets

Audience

This training is specifically designed for representatives and professionals from UN entities who are interested in enhancing their capacity to utilize Earth observation data in their respective fields of work. 

Participants will gain insights into the application of satellite data and tools, enhancing their ability to contribute to UN objectives more effectively. 

Learners need not be space or data experts - the benefits of space are for everyone and all UN personnel from all UN entities, regardless of contract status, are welcome. This training  may also be used as a learning and development opportunity for a future role.

Course Format

6-hour in-person training. Applications are closed.

Monday, Oct. 28, 2024

TimeTopicMaterials
10:00-10:30

Welcome, introductions, agenda overview

  • Aarti Holla-Maini, UNOOSA Director
  • Katie Baynes, NASA’s Earth Data Officer
  • Learning Objectives
  • Training Outline
 
10:30-11:30

Remote sensing observations for atmosphere, water, & land applications

  • What is remote sensing?
  • How NASA observes the planet
  • Advantages and limitations of remote sensing
  • Data and tools used in training
  • Energizer
Training Overview Presentation Slides (PDF, 7.3MB)
11:30-12:15

NASA datasets for monitoring disasters (human impacts, fires, floods, & heat)

  • Data search
    • Earthdata portal
    • Earthdata pathfinders
    • SEDAC
Monitoring Disasters: NASA Datasets for Understanding Population, Fires, Floods, & Heat Presentation Slides (PDF, 2.1MB)
12:15-13:30LUNCH 
13:30-14:45

Applicable tools for fires

  • Energizer
  • Worldview demonstration (visualization tool, data available in near real time)
  • FIRMS demonstration (near real time and historic access to fire data)
  • Climate Engine (analysis tool, anomalies, climatology)
  • Q&A
Monitoring Fires Using Earth Observations Presentation Slides (PDF, 9.6MB)
14:45-15:45

Applicable tools for floods & heat 

  • Google Earth Engine demo
  • Climate Engine (analysis tool, anomalies, climatology)
  • Black Marble
  • Disaster Alert (maps available in near real time)
  • Q&A
Applicable Tools for Floods & Heat Presentation Slides (PDF, 2.1MB)
15:45-16:05BREAK 
16:05-17:00

Earth Observations Toolkit for Sustainable Cities & Human Settlements

  • Energizer
  • Land use / land cover
  • Population
  • Humanitarian applications
Earth Observations Toolkit for Sustainable Cities & Human Settlements Presentation Slides (PDF, 7.0MB)
17:00-17:30Wrap up + Q&A 

Citation

(2024). ARSET - Overview of Earth Observations for Societal Benefit. NASA Applied Remote Sensing Training Program (ARSET). https://www.earthdata.nasa.gov/learn/trainings/overview-earth-observations-societal-benefit

Details

Last Updated

June 20, 2025

Published

June 17, 2025

Data Center/Project

Applied Remote Sensing Training Program (ARSET)