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    Find and use NASA Earth science data fully, openly, and without restrictions.

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  • Topics

    Topics

    Recognizing the connections between interdependent Earth systems is critical for understanding the world in which we live.

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    • Atmosphere

      Atmosphere

      The atmosphere is a gaseous envelope surrounding and protecting our planet from the intense radiation of the Sun and serves as a key interface between the terrestrial and ocean cycles.

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    • Biosphere

      Biosphere

      The biosphere encompasses all life on Earth and extends from root systems to mountaintops and all depths of the ocean. It is critical for maintaining species diversity, regulating climate, and providing numerous ecosystem functions.

      Biosphere

    • Cryosphere

      Cryosphere

      The cryosphere encompasses the frozen parts of Earth, including glaciers and ice sheets, sea ice, and any other frozen body of water. The cryosphere plays a critical role in regulating climate and sea levels.

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    • Human Dimensions

      Human Dimensions

      The human dimensions discipline includes ways humans interact with the environment and how these interactions impact Earth’s systems. It also explores the vulnerability of human communities to natural disasters and hazards.

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    • Land Surface

      Land Surface

      The land surface discipline includes research into areas such as shrinking forests, warming land, and eroding soils. NASA data provide key information on land surface parameters and the ecological state of our planet.

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    • Ocean

      Ocean

      The ocean covers almost a third of Earth’s surface and contains 97% of the planet’s water. This vast, critical reservoir supports a diversity of life and helps regulate Earth’s climate.

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    • Solid Earth

      Solid Earth

      Processes occurring deep within Earth constantly are shaping landforms. Although originating from below the surface, these processes can be analyzed from ground, air, or space-based measurements.

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    • Sun-Earth Interactions

      Sun-Earth Interactions

      The Sun influences a variety of physical and chemical processes in Earth’s atmosphere. NASA continually monitors solar radiation and its effect on the planet.

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    • Terrestrial Hydrosphere

      Terrestrial Hydrosphere

      The terrestrial hydrosphere includes water on the land surface and underground in the form of lakes, rivers, and groundwater along with total water storage.

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    Learn

    Whether you are a scientist, an educator, a student, or are just interested in learning more about NASA’s Earth science data and how to use them, we have the resources to help. Get information and guides to help you find and use NASA Earth science data, services, and tools.

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    • Get Started
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    Engage

    We provide a variety of ways for Earth scientists to collaborate with NASA.

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  • About

    About

    Making NASA's free and open Earth science data interactive, interoperable, and accessible for research and societal benefit both today and tomorrow.

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    • Earth Science Data Systems (ESDS) Program
      • ESDS Program Components
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      • Distributed Active Archive Centers (DAAC)
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      • System Components
      • Data System Interfaces
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  1. Earthdata
  2. Technology
  3. Application Programming Interface (API)

Application Programming Interface (API)

An application programming interface (API) is a set of defined rules that explain how computers or applications communicate with one another. APIs sit between an application and the web server and act as an intermediary layer that processes data transfer between systems.

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Data
Find Data
Earthdata Search
Common Metadata Repository (CMR)
International Directory Network (IDN)
Use Data
Data Tools
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Worldview
Worldview Image of the Week
Worldview Snapshots
Global Imagery Browse Services (GIBS)
Near Real-Time Data
FIRMS
Active Fire Data
Fire Email Alerts
Fire Map (Global)
Fire Map (US/Canada)
Topics
Atmosphere
Biosphere
Cryosphere
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Ocean
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Learn
Get Started
Backgrounders
Data Pathfinders
Data Toolkits
Webinars and Tutorials
Data Stories
Articles
Data User Profiles
Data Chats
Engage
Data Management Guidance for ESD-Funded Researchers
Open Data, Services, and Software Policies
Open Source Software Policy
Earthdata Developer Resources & APIs
Earthdata Code Collaborative
Standards
Data Standards and Requirements
Data Use Policy
Data Citations and Acknowledgements
Adding Data to EOSDIS
Public/Private Partnerships
Members and Affiliations
About
ESDS Program
ESDS Program Components
Commercial Smallsat Data Acquisition (CSDA) Program
Competitive Programs
Interagency Implementation and Advanced Concepts Team (IMPACT)
ESDIS Project
ESDIS Project Library
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EOSDIS
DAACs
System Performance and Metrics
System Components
Data System Interfaces
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NASA Official: Cerese Albers