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Data Sources
The following list comprises of a range of data services providing relatively up-to-date and archived aerial and satellite data, some services may require a certain subscription to academic institutions or by paying a fee yet the majority are free due to personal experience and use, if you would like your or any other service on the list or if any of the links no longer function; please email the E&T Editor.
This section can also be collaborated with the range of programs available in the Software section as Virtual Globe programs provide relatively up-to-date satellite imagery over a user-friendly 3D graphical user interface (GUI).
National Coverage
EDINA Digimap provides Ordnance Survey digital map data and high quality cartographic products direct to the desktop. There are a range of fixed scale maps available through an easy-to-use interface. Also within the service is Data Download, Boundary Download and MasterMap Download, tools to download different digital map data products for use in desktop application software, such as GIS and CAD. Digimap is available to all individuals who are current students, faculty members or employees of subscribing Higher or Further Education Institutions in the UK. The service can also be used by people who are involved in teaching, education or research at a subscribing Institution for the time they are within the Library Premises.
The Landmap Service provides UK academia with a high quality spatial data download service which is enhanced and supported by a range of learning materials. The project produced orthorectified satellite image mosaics of Landsat, SPOT and ERS radar data and a high resolution Digital Elevation Model (DEM) for the British Isles. This data is now available from the Landmap Service in formats that are readily accessible to users of Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Image Processing and Desktop publishing software via the Landmap Service.
Global Coverage
Global Land Cover Facility (GLCF)
The GLCF provides earth science data and products to help everyone to better understand global environmental systems. In particular, the GLCF develops and distributes remotely sensed satellite data and products that explain land cover from the local to global scales. Primary data and products available at the GLCF are free to anyone via FTP including detailed descriptions of the satellites used such as relative bands, sensors and platforms used. On-line datasets may be accessed electronically through the Earth Science Data Interface (ESDI).
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Services:
Earth Observing System Data and Information System (EOSDIS)
EOSDIS manages and distributes data products through the Distributed Active Archive Centers (DAACs). The centres process, archive, document, and distribute data from NASA’s past and current research satellites and field programs. Each centre serves one or more specific Earth science disciplines and provides data products, data information, services, and tools unique to its particular science. Rather than having to manually browse through NASA’s broad collection of satellites, this service provides an archive of all data captured by all satellites used in the past and present and the services listed which coincide with a certain applications.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Services:
National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service (NESDIS)
NESDIS is dedicated to providing timely access to global environmental data from satellites and other sources to promote, protect, & enhance the Nation’s economy, security, environment, & quality of life. To fulfil its responsibilities, NESDIS acquires and manages the Nation’s operational environmental satellites, operates the NOAA National Data Centers, provides data and information services including Earth system monitoring, performs official assessments of the environment, and conducts related research. The NESDIS vision is to be the world’s most comprehensive source and recognized authority for satellite products, environmental information, and official assessments of the environment in support of societal and economic decisions.
United States Geological Services (USGS):
Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center
EarthExplorer
Global Visualization Viewer (GloVis)
The range of services provided by the USGS is co-ordinated by the EROS center and includes services such as the Global Visualization Viewer (GloVis) and EarthExplorer are both quick and easy on-line search and order tool for selected satellite and aerial data. The viewer allows user-friendly access to browse images from the multiple EROS data holdings. Through a graphic map display, the user can select any area of interest and immediately view all available browse images within the USGS inventory for the specified location. From the browse image viewer page, the user may either navigate to view adjacent scene locations or select a new area of interest. GloVis also offers additional features such as cloud cover limits, date limits, user-specified map layer displays, scene list maintenance, and access to meta-data.
NOTICE: When following any of the links listed above, you will leave the RSPSoc web site. We provide these links as they may be of interest to our users and the RSPSoc does not necessarily endorse the content of any of these sites. RSPSoc takes no responsibility for information contained on external links from this website.
