ESDIS

ESDIS stands for the Earth Science Data and Information System (ESDIS) Project, a NASA program responsible for developing and operating the data infrastructure that underpins the Earth Observing System Data and Information System (EOSDIS). Based at the Goddard Space Flight Center, ESDIS coordinates the collection, archiving, and distribution of NASA Earth science data from spaceborne and airborne missions, as well as associated research products.

The primary role of ESDIS is to plan, integrate, and sustain the EOSDIS architecture. This includes managing the EOSDIS Core System, coordinating the work of multiple Distributed Active Archive Centers (DAACs) and partner repositories, and establishing metadata standards, data formats, and quality assurance practices to ensure long-term preservation and interoperability.

ESDIS provides user-facing services designed to make data discoverable and accessible. These services include metadata catalogs (historical and current), search and access portals such as Earthdata Search and the EOS Clearinghouse (ECHO), and data distribution tools. The system supports common scientific data formats like HDF, netCDF, and GeoTIFF, along with APIs and documentation to facilitate programmatic access and reuse.

The work of ESDIS supports scientific research, education, and policy by enabling broad access to Earth science data and by promoting data standards and interoperability across missions and agencies. It collaborates with researchers, data centers, and international partners to maintain and evolve a robust, long-lived data infrastructure.

See also: EOSDIS, Distributed Active Archive Centers, Earthdata.