Earth Science Serving Society

NASA Applied Sciences Program
Table of Contents

Overview...................................................................................................... 3

Applications Areas

Disasters...................................................................................................... 4

Ecological Forecasting................................................................................. 6

Health & Air Quality ..................................................................................... 8

Water Resources ......................................................................................... 10

Agriculture ................................................................................................... 12

Climate ........................................................................................................ 14

Energy ......................................................................................................... 16

Oceans ........................................................................................................ 18

Weather....................................................................................................... 20

Capacity Building Activities

DEVELOP.................................................................................................... 22

SERVIR ....................................................................................................... 24

Gulf of Mexico Initiative................................................................................ 26

Applied Remote Sensing Training................................................................ 28

Applications Readiness Levels .................................................................... 30

Satellite Mission Planning............................................................................ 32

Get Involved................................................................................................. 34

To learn more, visit: http://AppliedSciences.NASA.gov

The Applied Sciences Program is part of the Earth Science Division in the

NASA Science Mission Directorate.
NASA Applied Sciences Program | 3

Overview

NASA’s Applied Sciences Program discovers and demonstrates innovative uses and 

practical benefits of NASA Earth science and data from NASA’s Earth-observing 

environmental satellites. By partnering with government agencies and businesses 

to apply scientific findings and satellite data in their decision-making activities, the 

Applied Sciences Program delivers benefits of Earth science to society.

All Program activities support goals to deliver near-term uses of Earth 

observations, build capabilities to apply Earth science data, and contribute to 

satellite mission planning. By working with partners—and continuing to build 

new collaborations—the Applied Sciences Program is identifying ideas and 

priorities for new applications.

Applied Sciences supports both applied research and targeted decision-support 

projects in nine areas of national priority. The Program currently has formal efforts 

in four Applications Areas: Disasters, Ecological Forecasting, Health & Air Quality, 

and Water Resources. The Program supports ad hoc activities in five other areas, 

seeking opportunities to expand and develop them into formal applications areas 

in the future. The diverse portfolio of projects delivers results and societal benefits 

through applying Earth observations to improve early warning systems, water 

management, natural hazard response, disease tracking, adaptation to climate 

risks, and many other important topics.

The Applied Sciences Program has four Capacity Building activities: DEVELOP, 

SERVIR, Gulf of Mexico Initiative, and Applied Remote Sensing Training. These 

activities sponsor specific projects that improve the skills and capabilities of 

decision makers, community leaders, and resource managers in the United States 

and abroad, especially in developing countries, related to accessing and applying 

Earth observations.

Applied Sciences also looks to identify potential applications early in the planning

for future satellite missions. The Program encourages organizations to become 

involved in satellite mission planning, anticipate potential applications, contribute

to design discussions, and be prepared to use the data soon after launch.

We invite you to become involved in the Applied Sciences Program and apply 

Earth observations in your activities.

Applications Areas

•	 Disasters

•	 Ecological Forecasting

•	 Health & Air Quality

•	 Water Resources

Capacity Building Activities

•	 DEVELOP

•	 SERVIR

•	 Gulf of Mexico Initiative

•	 Applied Remote

Sensing Training

Future Applications Areas

•	 Agriculture

•	 Climate

•	 Energy

•	 Oceans

•	 Weather
4 | NASA Applied Sciences Program

Disasters

Applications Area

The Disasters Applications Area promotes the use of Earth observations and tools in 

the management of natural and technological disasters. Public and private organizations 

apply remote sensing observations, modeling, and analysis capabilities to improve 

disaster preparations, response, and recovery. The Disasters area supports projects to 

enhance management practices and disaster reduction across disaster types, including 

earthquakes, floods, landslides, volcanoes and wildland fires.

Disasters applications and applied research on natural hazards support emergency 

preparedness leaders in developing mitigation approaches, such as early warning systems, 

and providing information and maps to disaster response and recovery teams.

Tracking Volcanic Ash for Aviation Safety

Large volcanic eruptions can eject ash to heights at which commercial aircraft normally fly. 

The ash can damage airplane engines and fuselages, making it necessary to reroute or 

cancel flights to protect aircraft and passenger safety.

The Aura satellite measures ash aerosols and sulfur dioxide, which serve as reliable markers 

for volcanic ash clouds. Over several years, Applied Sciences worked with the National 

Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Federal Aviation Administration 

(FAA) to apply Aura data at the two U.S.-based Volcanic Ash Advisory Centers (VAAC) 

and enhance their warnings.

When Iceland’s Eyjafjallajökull volcano erupted in 2010, volcanic ash spread across the 

skies over Europe, canceling thousands of flights and leaving passengers stranded. NASA 

was able to quickly support requests through NOAA and FAA to provide ash-plume reports 

to the Volcanic Ash Advisory Center in London. European officials used the Aura products 

in their determinations of which airspace to open and when. Today, VAACs continue to 

receive information on volcanic ash and sulfur dioxide plumes, giving critical updates to the 

aviation industry and ensuring safe airspace.

Aqua has six instruments

monitoring Earth’s oceans, 

clouds, land, ice and snow cover, 

atmosphere, and vegetation. 

Image credit: NASA

The TRMM satellite collects 

data used to understand the 

internal structure of hurricanes 

and aid in landfall predictions.

Image credit: NASA

The United Nations Global Fire 

Information Management System 

sends fire alerts to natural resource 

managers within hours of fire 

detections by Aqua and Terra.

Image credit: NASA
NASA Applied Sciences Program | 5
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Ecological 

Forecasting

Applications Area

The Ecological Forecasting Applications Area promotes the use of Earth observations 

and Earth science models in applications that shed light on environmental changes 

that affect ecosystems and their living elements. The forecasting tools and capabilities 

developed with Applied Sciences’ support assist land use managers, fisheries, and other 

decision makers in the areas of conservation biology, natural resource management, and 

sustainable development. The applications and tools aid officials in assessing alternative 

approaches and designing effective management strategies.

Managing River Temperatures and Ecosystems

Water managers make decisions that balance the short- and long-term needs of urban 

communities, wildlife, agriculture, energy, and other uses. High demand for limited water 

supplies can result in altered in-stream flows and water temperatures. These alterations 

can create problems for several fish, including endangered salmonid species, as water 

temperature is critical to their survival. To develop effective water planning strategies, 

managers need timely and accurate information on a variety of environmental conditions. 

They have used monthly river temperature averages in their decisions, yet these monthly 

data do not always account for fine-scale temperature changes affecting fish species.

An Applied Sciences project examined the use of remote sensing data and Earth science 

models to show fine-scale river temperatures along the Sacramento River. The NASA-NOAA 

project team applied the NASA Terrestrial Observation and Prediction System to integrate 

satellite observations with ecological and physical models to predict river temperatures in 

real time with high accuracy. The team used data from the MODIS sensor on board the 

Terra and Aqua satellites to drive the modeling framework.

The project was successful in showing finer-scale temperature fluctuations that were not 

possible before. Water temperature readings are available every 15 minutes for essentially 

all points along the river, and the information can be used in fish mortality estimates. Water 

managers can forecast temperatures up to 72 hours in advance for use in the management 

of water releases to minimize potential impacts to fish species.

The Terra satellite has five 

sensors gathering data on Earth’s 

land, atmosphere, oceans, and 

biological productivity as well as 

the interaction among them.

AS NAedit: Image cr

Landsat images, like this one of 

a mangrove forest in Malaysia, 

support assessments of changes in 

land cover by resource managers 

and land-use planners.

AS NAedit: Image cr

Ocean color (shown) and ocean 

surface temperature data from 

Aqua/MODIS are factors used 

in fisheries assessments and the 

management of marine ecosystems.

AS NAedit: Image cr
NASA Applied Sciences Program | 7
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Health &

Air Quality

Applications Area

NASA’s Health & Air Quality Applications Area supports the use of Earth observations in 

air quality management and public health, particularly regarding infectious diseases and 

environmental health issues. The Application Area addresses issues of toxic and pathogenic 

exposure and health-related hazards to aid in risk characterization and mitigation. The 

area promotes uses of Earth observing data and models for improved air quality forecasts, 

implementation of air quality standards, and planning and compliance for economic and 

human welfare. The Health & Air Quality Applications Area addresses effects of climate 

change on public health and air quality to support managers and policy makers.

Using Earth Observations for Malaria Early Warnings

Earth observations can provide information on environmental conditions associated with 

outbreaks of some infectious diseases, such as malaria and Rift Valley Fever. Malaria 

infects hundreds of millions people every year and claims countless lives. In areas where 

malaria is endemic, health officials often have limited resources to direct preventative 

measures and protect vulnerable populations.

Applied Sciences sponsored a project to apply TRMM, Aqua, Landsat, and other 

observations into models of mosquito activity and develop estimates of malaria vectorial 

capacity (efficiency of disease transmission). The project used satellite-based rainfall, land 

surface temperature, vegetation cover, and other environmental data to identify specific 

regions where outbreaks were likely to occur.

Today, a Malaria Early Warning System maintained by the Earth Institute provides 

10-day precipitation estimates to malaria control planners in Africa. A U.S. Geological

Survey (USGS)-U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) system provides

maps of rainfall anomalies and vectorial capacity in African zones with malaria epidemic 

potential. The systems enable the identification of areas with unusually high rainfall as 

candidates for malaria outbreaks. Information on high-risk areas can provide warnings 

of potential epidemics many months in advance, allowing health officials to allocate staff

and resources to areas most likely at risk for an outbreak.

Aura’s four instruments provide

data on Earth’s atmosphere, including 

information on the ozone layer, 

aerosols, trace gases, and air quality.

Image credit: NASA

This map shows the number of months 

suitable for malaria transmission, 

based on rainfall, temperature, and 

humidity. Warmer colors indicate 

a greater number of months.

Image credit: The International Research Institute

EPA’s AIRNow combines aerosol data 

from ground monitors (points) and

from MODIS on Aqua and Terra (areas) 

to give regional air quality conditions.

Image credit: NASA
NASA Applied Sciences Program | 9
10 | NASA Applied Sciences Program

Water

Resources

Applications Area

The Water Resources Applications Area promotes the routine use of Earth observing 

data and tools in water management for sustainable use. Water Resources focuses on 

themes of drought, stream flow, flood forecasting, water supply and irrigation, water quality, 

and climate impacts on water resources. The program addresses water in all forms—

from lakes, rivers, streams, and seas to snow and groundwater.

Public and private organizations can apply Earth observations in assessments of water 

availability and water quality. The data can aid decisions for effective water management. 

Some states have used NASA satellite data to assess snowmelt, which provides water 

for citizens, agriculture, and hydroelectric power generation. In addition, U.S. forces in 

Afghanistan have used NASA snowmelt data to better understand water supply and 

availability in that region of the world.

Monitoring Drought Using Satellite Observations

The National Drought Mitigation Center produces the U.S. Drought Monitor and official 

drought maps on a weekly basis. Managers and government officials use maps from this 

premier drought monitoring tool to better manage limited water supplies and distribute 

drought aid where it is needed most.

The U.S. Drought Monitor uses drought indicators for soil moisture and groundwater 

developed under an Applied Sciences project. The indicators use Earth observations from 

the U.S.-German Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) satellites. GRACE

detects very small variations in Earth’s gravitational field. The variations are used to 

determine changes in the total amount of water stored both on top of and below the land 

surface (e.g., snow, surface waters, and groundwater), which can aid in better classification 

of drought severity.

The project combined the GRACE data with rainfall, temperature, other measurements, 

and numerical modeling to create a soil and groundwater record, addressing the need 

for accurate information on deep water storage conditions. The officials who produce the 

U.S. Drought Monitor’s weekly maps use this valuable information to gauge the impact

of long episodes of wet or dry weather.

The GRACE satellites map

variations in Earth’s gravity field 

that can reveal changes in levels 

of large, underground aquifers.

Image credit: NASA

The U.S. Drought Monitor gives weekly 

maps of drought conditions, using 

GRACE data on ground water storage 

and root zone soil moisture as input.

Image credit: NATIONAL CLIMATE DATA CENTER

OSTM/Jason-2 collects data on ocean 

surface heights and can track levels 

of larger inland lakes and reservoirs, 

aiding crop production forecasts.

Image credit: NASA
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Agriculture

Future Applications Area

The Agriculture Applications Area will promote the use of Earth observations to enhance 

agriculture management and policy on topics of risk assessment, forecasting, and global 

food security. The use of these data can help planners adapt to droughts, floods, invasive 

species, and the impacts of a changing climate on agriculture both domestically and 

abroad. This area will use observations and models to support agricultural productivity

and yield forecasts, examine conservation effects, and assess management alternatives.

Applied Sciences previously supported an Agriculture Applications Area and sponsored 

numerous projects. The Program plans to restore this area as opportunities allow.

Optimizing Agricultural Irrigation

Irrigation is often a necessary step toward growing a healthy crop for harvest, especially in 

the drier western states. Determining how much and when to irrigate can be a complicated 

and costly decision. Research showed that incorporating information on weather conditions 

and crop growth stage into irrigation scheduling practices could improve yields while 

reducing the total applied irrigation on average.

To map and forecast irrigation demand, the California Department of Water Resources 

and NASA partnered to apply Terra, Landsat, and Aqua data to extend the capabilities 

of the California Irrigation Management Information System (CIMIS). CIMIS provides 

publicly-available information useful in estimating crop water use for irrigation scheduling. 

Agricultural growers, landscape managers, and water managers use CIMIS for assessing 

crop water needs, allowing for ways to improve irrigation management.

The Applied Sciences project combined satellite observations of crop canopy conditions 

with CIMIS agricultural weather conditions to estimate crop water needs for each field. 

This combination provided a new source of information that can be used by growers to 

account for optimal irrigation rates when scheduling irrigation. The enhanced information 

products can map crop water requirements over 15 million acres of farmland in California’s 

Central Valley. Thus, the project delivered ways to map key indicators of agricultural 

irrigation demand across the entire Central Valley at the scale of individual fields daily.

With imagery of Earth’s continental and 

coastal landscapes, Landsat 7 supports 

applications in agriculture, cartography, 

geology, forestry, and regional planning. 

Image credit: NASA

This image of Lake Naivasha, Kenya, 

from Terra shows the scope of the 

agriculture industry, specifically 

flowers for export, in that region.

Image credit: NASA

Terra’s ASTER instrument produced 

this image of agricultural plots, 

irrigated by water from the Ogallala 

Aquifer, in southwestern Kansas.

Image credit: NASA
NASA Applied Sciences Program | 13
14 | NASA Applied Sciences Program

Climate

Future Applications Area

The Climate Application Area will promote uses of Earth observations and Earth science 

models to support assessments, policy analyses, and implementation approaches that 

organizations will consider in their planning and response to climate change. The Climate 

Applications area will address adaptation and mitigation issues and the specific topic of 

carbon management. This area will focus on applications of Earth observations to assess 

climate policy alternatives and to track progress toward climate policy objectives.

Applied Sciences previously had a Climate Applications Area and supported numerous 

projects. The Program looks to renew this area as opportunities allow.

Supporting Forest Management Plans

Forests can play an important role in offsetting carbon emissions as they absorb carbon 

dioxide from the atmosphere. Yet forests do not solely remove carbon. Some release carbon 

through events like wildland fires, insect infestations, and timber harvests. To know exactly 

how much carbon a forest can absorb—and therefore ways to best manage a forest—it’s 

important to understand the dynamics in forest ecosystems over time.

An Applied Sciences project focused on applications of Earth observations to support forest 

carbon management practices. The project used images from Landsat and the Forest 

Inventory and Analysis reports of the U.S. Forest Service to examine changes in forest 

cover in Oregon forests. The project integrated landscape modeling, satellite observations, 

vegetation mapping, and computer simulation for an innovative approach to carbon 

assessment. The project helped the Oregon Roundtable on Sustainable Forests to assess 

the feasibility of their forest management plans. In addition, the Oregon Department of 

Forestry gained insight into the annual flux of carbon through their forests.

With applications like this one, managers and policy makers use Earth observations to 

integrate environmental, economical and social considerations into land management 

decisions. Earth observations also provide effective visuals of changes in forest coverage. 

These visuals help forest managers and the general public to understand changes occurring 

over time in and around their communities.

OSTM/Jason-2 measures 

ocean surface heights, providing 

information on global sea level, speed 

and direction of ocean currents, 

and heat stored in the ocean.

Image credit: NASA

Satellite microwave sensors

measure the extent of Arctic sea ice. 

This image shows the extent for

June 2012; the magenta line is the 

1979-2000 median extent for June.

Image credit: National Snow and Ice Data Center

Terra’s ASTER sensor captured

this false-color image showing 

deforestation in Brazil. Red areas 

indicate rain forests, and brown 

areas indicate cleared land.

Image credit: NASA
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Energy

Future Applications Area

The Energy Applications Area will enable the use of Earth observations and Earth science 

models to improve the locating, planning, and harvesting of renewable energy sources 

such as wind, geothermal, and solar. The area will focus on topics of energy efficiency, 

load forecasting, energy source distribution, building design, and energy assessments. 

Public and private organizations can use Earth observations and models to improve the 

use of renewable sources in meeting energy needs and policy objectives.

Applied Sciences previously included an Energy Applications Area. The Program funded 

several projects related to energy applications, which will help the Program prepare for and 

restart this area in the future.

Locating Productive Sites for Wind Power

Selecting optimal sites to construct a wind farm is key to determining the long-term 

efficiency and profitability of a wind energy venture. The process of site location can 

take significant analysis and a large financial investment. Applied Sciences sponsored 

a project with the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) to assess the use 

of Earth observations in reducing the time and expense needed to evaluate and map 

optimal areas for harnessing wind power.

The project developed an accurate and economical wind assessment model using 

NASA Earth science capabilities. The model incorporated the NASA Mirador data access

tool, innovative statistical techniques, and data from MERRA, which is NASA’s threedimensional global record of weather since 1979. Using these and an NCAR weather 

analysis system, this project enabled wind farm developers to incorporate NASA-NCAR 

analysis into their own decision making.

With this information, a development team can use a sample of days to build a 30-year 

analysis of wind conditions at specific locations. The project’s sampling techniques can 

provide an accurate, reliable, and rapid estimate of wind power production at a location 

with significantly reduced simulations and analysis expenses. The techniques support

lower development costs and the Nation’s use of renewable energy sources.

Suomi NPP collects

remotely-sensed land, ocean, 

atmosphere, and solar radiation 

data, continuing key measurements 

from Terra, Aqua, and Aura.

Image credit: NASA

Earth observations can help

assess amounts of water in snow

packs, which can aid in the

management of hydropower 

generating facilities.

Maps of solar radiation at Earth’s 

surface (like this from the CERES 

sensor on Aqua, Terra and Suomi 

NPP) support managers in locating 

and designing solar energy systems.

Image credit: NASA
NASA Applied Sciences Program | 17
18 | NASA Applied Sciences Program

Oceans

Future Applications Area

The Applied Sciences Oceans Applications Area will promote the use of Earth science 

models and Earth observing data for issues affecting ocean and coastal regions. The 

area will develop Earth science applications to support resource management, trade and 

navigation, assessment of options to sea level change, and emergency management

and response. The Oceans Applications Area will focus on enhancing policy, business,

and management decisions related to coastal zones, nearshore environments, marine and 

open ocean activities, oceanic islands, and reefs and estuaries.

Applied Sciences has sponsored some projects related to ocean and coastal applications, 

which will help the Program prepare for a future Oceans Applications Area.

Navigating Icy Paths

As Arctic sea ice melts, new shipping routes once inaccessible are becoming navigable. Yet 

ice flows still exist in the Arctic, leading to dangerous situations for ship, crew, and cargo. 

The Polar Ice Prediction System provides short-term sea ice forecasts, but this system has 

a grid resolution of approximately 27 kilometers. The Arctic Cap Nowcast/Forecast System 

(ACNFS) has improved upon the Polar Ice Prediction System’s resolution, yet more detailed 

sea ice information could create even higher-resolution datasets.

NASA Applied Sciences supported a project to do just that. By using Earth observing 

data from the Aqua satellite, the highest resolution and most accurate dataset to date was 

developed and implemented into the ACNFS sea ice forecasts for testing. Initial results 

showed that the ACNFS, using the merged NASA data, improved forecasts as much as 54 

percent with a regional improvement of 36 percent on average. Significant improvements in 

accurately forecasting sea ice can save valuable time and, most importantly, support safety 

in navigating the waters of the Arctic.

Aquarius provides global observations 

of salinity (concentration of dissolved 

salt) at the ocean surface, a key tracer 

for understanding ocean circulation 

and global freshwater balance.

Image credit: NASA

Phytoplankton blooms, seen as 

green swirls in this Landsat image 

of Gotland island in the Baltic Sea, 

occur when deep currents bring 

nutrients up to sunlit surface waters.

Image credit: USGS/NASA

Sea surface temperature data,

shown in this Aqua/MODIS image, 

are used in many applications, 

such as weather forecasts and 

fisheries management.

Image credit: NASA
NASA Applied Sciences Program | 19
20 | NASA Applied Sciences Program

Weather

Future Applications Area

The Weather Applications Area will enable the use of Earth observing data and tools to 

support specific weather-affected economic interests and enhance the global mobility of 

people and goods. The area will focus particularly on transportation, including aviation 

weather applications to support the Next Generation Air Transportation System, or

NextGen. The Weather Applications Area will address issues related to convective

weather, which produces thunderstorms, high winds, heavy precipitation, hail, and 

lightning—these conditions can lead to weather-related travel and supply chain delays, 

economic impacts, and human hazards.

Applied Sciences previously supported a Weather Applications Area and sponsored 

numerous projects. The Program looks to resume this area as opportunities allow.

Predicting Turbulence with Earth Observations

Turbulence is the primary cause of serious injury to passengers and flight crews aboard 

commercial passenger aircraft. Accurate predictions of where and when turbulent skies

are likely to occur increases the efficiency of the National Airspace System and improve

air travel safety overall.

To address this, Applied Sciences supported a project with NCAR and the University of 

Wisconsin-Madison to apply NASA Earth observing data to develop and enhance a new 

Global Graphical Turbulence forecast tool.

The project used data from the Aqua, QuikSCAT, and Aura satellites to increase the accuracy 

of turbulent air space predictions and aid the World Area Forecast System, which issues 

alerts and weather charts to the worldwide aviation industry. The use and application of 

NASA’s Earth observing data by the World Area Forecast System forecasters can improve 

the safety and efficiency of air travel.

TRMM, a joint mission

between NASA and the Japanese 

Aerospace Exploration Agency, 

monitors tropical rainfall.

Image credit: NASA

QuikSCAT data on ocean winds 

enhance the accuracy of weather 

forecasts and show wind power 

density over global oceans.

Image credit: NASA

TRMM collected data that 

supported assessments of tornadic 

thunderstorms over the eastern United 

States in early spring of 2011.

Image credit: NASA
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22 | NASA Applied Sciences Program

DEVELOP

Capacity Building Activity

DEVELOP is a national training and development program in which young professionals 

gain hands-on experience with satellite remote sensing and apply Earth observations to 

real-world issues facing state and local governments. Participants work on specific projects 

and deliver and communicate their results to broad audiences and leaders in government, 

academia, and industry. Through DEVELOP, young professionals extend the benefits of 

NASA Earth observations and models to the public.

The program fosters a high-quality corps of early-career professionals, cultivating advanced 

skills in Earth science applications and an understanding of science in decision making. 

DEVELOP expands the network of organizations and individuals benefiting from Earth 

observations and promotes a high-tech workforce.

Enhancing Fire Risk Maps and Monitoring

In 2011 fires burned nearly 4 million acres of land across Texas. The Texas Forest Service 

is responsible for directing all matters pertaining to forestry within the state, and it was 

interested in the capabilities of NASA Earth observations to enhance and assist in their fire 

monitoring during and after wildfire events. A four-person DEVELOP team worked with the 

Texas Forest Service to apply data from Terra, Aqua, and Landsat satellites to assess the 

impacts of the fires.

The DEVELOP team used burn-scar imagery and calculated various spectral indices to 

assess the surface vegetation, impact of drought, and magnitude of ecological change 

caused by the fires. The team combined these separate analysis techniques to generate 

a composite fire risk map and a time-lapse representation of the changing conditions of 

surface water resources during the duration of the fires. This information provided the Texas 

Forest Service with a method for timely and cost-effective assistance in fire management.

http://develop.larc.nasa.gov/

CloudSat provides information on the 

structure and composition of clouds 

under all weather conditions using 

an advanced cloud-profiling radar.

Image credit: NASA

A DEVELOP team and its adviser 

collect field samples to compare with 

satellite measurements in an application 

project on wetlands restoration.

Photo credit: Science Systems and Applications, Inc.

A DEVELOP intern presents the 

results of his team’s agriculture 

application project during a 

conference poster session.

Photo credit: NASA
NASA Applied Sciences Program | 23
24 | NASA Applied Sciences Program

SERVIR

Capacity Building Activity

SERVIR is a joint NASA-USAID initiative that integrates satellite observations, groundbased data, and forecast models to help developing nations monitor, forecast, and respond 

to environmental changes. SERVIR has regional hubs in East Africa and the Hindu Kush 

Himalaya region as well as a network affiliate in Central America. Additional hubs are 

expected. Endorsed by governments in these regions, SERVIR places a strong emphasis 

on partnerships to provide searchable and viewable Earth observations, measurements, 

animations, and analysis.

Using Earth observing satellite data, SERVIR enables managers, educators, scientists, 

media outlets, and policy implementers in the regions to respond better to a range of issues 

including disaster response, air quality, biodiversity conservation, climate change, water 

resources, health, and agricultural development.

Assessing Streamflow and Anticipating Floods

Floods are among the most catastrophic natural disasters in Africa. SERVIR-East Africa 

developed a system to help hydrologists from water ministries in the region predict 

where floods might occur. The system was built upon a modeling tool called CREST, or

Coupled Routing and Excess Storage. CREST integrates data from TRMM as well as 

local rainfall information. SERVIR-East Africa trained hydrologists from Burundi, Ethiopia, 

Kenya,Malawi, Mauritius, Namibia, Swaziland, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia as 

well as ones from Bhutan and Nepal to use the system in assessing streamflow.

In addition to rainfall, CREST takes into account evaporation, transpiration, soil porosity, 

the amount of moisture in the ground, and land shape/elevation to produce streamflow

forecasts up to three days in advance. Combined with historical or current data, this 

information helps water resource managers better anticipate where flooding could occur 

and issuewarnings when flooding is imminent. Streamflow information also supports

farming practices and gives early warnings of agricultural production deficits, which help 

officials plan for and respond to food emergencies.

http://www.servirglobal.net/

EO-1 is an advanced landimaging mission and provides 

multispectral and hyperspectral 

images of Earth’s surface.

Image credit: NASA

SERVIR-Himalaya supported a 

climate symposium in Bhutan for 

government officials, scientists, 

managers, youth, and media involving 

applications of Earth observations.

Image credit: ICIMOD

SERVIR-East Africa used this EO-1

image of the Nzoia River basin to 

create a baseline of this frequently 

flooded area for analysis.

Image credit: NASA
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26 | NASA Applied Sciences Program

Gulf of

Mexico

Initiative

Capacity Building Activity

The Gulf of Mexico Initiative supports the Gulf region in applying Earth observations to 

address coastal management issues. Formed after the devastating Hurricanes Katrina and 

Rita, the Gulf of Mexico Initiative focuses on regional priorities defined by the Gulf of Mexico 

Alliance, a collaboration of Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas, and 13 federal 

agencies, to enhance the ecological and economic health of the Gulf region.

The Gulf of Mexico Initiative promotes the use of Earth observing satellites to provide 

information that helps local, state, and federal leaders of the Gulf make informed decisions, 

establish policies, and respond to crises in their region.

Detecting Oceanic Oil Spills

Six months before the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, an Applied Sciences 

GOMI project began developing techniques to use Earth observing satellite data to improve 

the detection of oil spills in the Gulf. This project created automated and interactive

techniques to generate oil slick maps using data from Earth observing satellites, including 

Terra, Aqua, CALIPSO, Envisat, ERS-2, RADARSAT, and ALOS. The team included 

researchers and applications specialists from the Naval Research Laboratory, NOAA,

and NASA.

Working with Alabama A&M University, the team also demonstrated that oil spill aging 

and breakup can be monitored in real time and that methods of oil spill detection and 

characterization can be automated. Utilizing NASA Earth science resources led to a clearer 

picture of what was happening in the Gulf of Mexico during the spill and can be used in the 

event of future oil spill incidents. The team’s techniques are expected to transition to NOAA 

to enhance the activities of NOAA’s Emergency Response Division, which provides maps for 

emergency response activities.

http://www.coastal.ssc.nasa.gov/

NASA’s Global Hawk is a robotic

plane for collecting Earth science

data. It can fly autonomously 

to altitudes above 60,000 feet 

for as long as 30 hours.

Photo credit: NASA

Marshes and mudflats of the

Mississippi River Delta, shown in this 

Terra image, protect the mainland 

from storm surges and provide 

a home for fish and wildlife.

Image credit: NASA

NOAA’s Harmful Algal Bloom Bulletin 

uses satellite data, such as MODIS 

chlorophyll, and other observations 

to provide information on locations 

of blooms in the Gulf of Mexico.

Image credit: NOAA
NASA Applied Sciences Program | 27

Photo credit: Miguel Vieira
28 | NASA Applied Sciences Program

Applied Remote 

Sensing Training

Capacity Building Activity

The Applied Sciences Program conducts professional-level training focused on building 

skills and familiarity in accessing and using Earth observations data. By providing 

hands-on, computer-based training, the Program is raising awareness of remote sensing 

and the value of NASA’s free and publicly available Earth science data.

The Applied Remote Sensing Training activity hosts in-person and online workshops and 

sessions throughout the year. Training participants learn how to access, interpret, and

apply NASA remote sensing data at regional and worldwide scales, using interactive case 

studies to build familiarity and skills. Applied Sciences currently conducts trainings in air 

quality and water resources, and it expects to add trainings in additional topics.

Growing the Seeds of Experience

Applied Sciences plays an active role in capacity building activities, including Earth 

observations training, to enable people to actively use, teach, and expand the applications 

of NASA Earth observing data and models. Atmospheric modeler Scott Beaver with the Bay 

Area Air Quality Management District is a true example of the far-reaching effects of the 

capacity building investments.

In 2009, Beaver attended an Applied Sciences training entitled “Remote Sensing Data 

Usage in Air Quality Assessments.” Within a year, he was teaching that same class. From 

his experience, Beaver was able to actively incorporate Terra and Aqua imagery, CALIPSO

aerosol data, and Aura trace gas measurements into applications that the Bay Area Air 

Quality Management District can use when developing emissions reduction programs. His 

students have learned how to apply similar datasets and models to air quality concerns in 

their communities.

http://airquality.gsfc.nasa.gov/

http://water.gsfc.nasa.gov/

A training participant works 

through a hands-on case study

using NASA Earth observing 

data in Google Earth.

Photo credit: NASA

Applied Sciences gives

presentations and trainings at 

NASA exhibits during symposia and 

conferences to inform audiences 

on uses of Earth observations.

Photo credit: NASA

The NASA Visualization Explorer 

app allows users to easily interact 

with extraordinary images, video, 

and information about NASA’s 

latest Earth science research.

Photo credit: NASA
NASA Applied Sciences Program | 29
30 | NASA Applied Sciences Program

Applications

Readiness Levels

Applied Sciences uses a nine-stage Applications Readiness Level (ARL) index to track 

the progress and maturity of applications projects—from the initial idea, through stages 

of development, to the transition and routine use. In the index, ARL 1 represents basic 

research and ARL 9 represents the operational deployment and sustained use of the 

Earth observations in organizations’ decision making.

The ARL index provides a scale for Applied Sciences program managers to convey the 

expected advancement of applications projects and to assess the actual progress of a 

project. Project teams can use the ARL to establish and articulate key project milestones.

Applied Sciences uses data on projects’ ARL progressions to conduct analyses on the 

difficulty of discrete stages in application development efforts. These analyses help identify 

factors that inhibit progress. The Program can devote additional attention to especially 

difficult stages and design interventions to increase the likelihood of successful projects.

Applying Earth Observations in Energy Load Forecasting

In the energy sector, electricity demand is referred to as the “load.” Utility companies use 

load forecasts to anticipate energy demands and to plan for the purchase of gas and 

electricity, gas storage, and electricity production. An Applied Sciences project applied 

Earth observations to improve the accuracy of load forecast models. More accurate load 

forecasts can help utility companies meet demand more efficiently and save utilities and 

consumers energy and money.

The project began at ARL 2. Following the completion of its historical analysis and the 

beginning of operational testing, the project reached ARL 5. The project conducted detailed 

statistical analyses and demonstrations in utility planning decisions. The project concluded 

at ARL 7 with the delivery of tools and documentation to support the adoption of the 

application by the utilities and weather forecast providers.

Applications

Readiness Levels

ARL Levels 7-9

Complete the integration and transition of use

of Earth science products for sustained use.

ARL Levels 4-6

Develop and prototype capability of Earth

science product to enhance decision making.

ARL Levels 1-3

Establish the information content, characterize

decision support need, and assess proof of

concept of application idea. ARL 1

ARL 2

ARL 3

ARL 4

ARL 5

ARL 6

ARL 7

ARL 8

ARL 9
NASA Applied Sciences Program | 31
32 | NASA Applied Sciences Program

Satellite

Mission

Planning

Existing and past satellite missions have demonstrated the value of Earth observations to 

end users, and organizations have applied data with increasing sophistication. In preparing 

for future Earth-observing satellites, NASA encourages end users to become involved 

in satellite mission planning from early stages and to stay involved throughout the life 

cycle. By doing so, they can anticipate potential applications, support mission design, be 

prepared to use the data soon after launch, and provide feedback on the data products.

For new and upcoming NASA Earth science satellites, Applied Sciences engages end users 

and the satellite mission teams to examine applications aspects and opportunities for the 

missions. The Program supports studies to inform design trade-offs and identify ways to 

increase the application value of the satellites. The teams hold applications workshops and 

mission-definition meetings to engage audiences interested in the satellite missions.

Enabling Early Adopters of Satellite Data

The upcoming Soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP) satellite mission will map global soil 

moisture and its freeze/thaw state from space. These measurements support analyses on 

trends in water availability and whether there will be more or less water regionally compared 

to today. The data can support improved flood prediction, drought monitoring, weather 

forecasting, wildfire risk assessment, and food security. Overall, the SMAP mission has 

both high science value and high applications value.

SMAP has held annual applications workshops and issued an applications plan, enhancing 

the value of the satellite mission to serve societal needs. SMAP created an Early Adopters 

program for organizations that have clearly defined uses for SMAP-like data products. Early 

Adopters receive simulated SMAP data products to evaluate and demonstrate the utility 

of SMAP for their particular decision-making activities. Early Adopters are expected to 

provide feedback on data products to increase SMAP’s application value and streamline 

uses of SMAP data soon after launch. Eighteen organizations have agreed to be SMAP

Early Adopters, including USGS, Environment Canada, and the U.S. Department of 

Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service.

http://smap.jpl.nasa.gov/

Landsat 8 will provide visible and 

infrared images of Earth’s surface, 

supporting widespread uses for

land-use planning, disaster response, 

agriculture, and water management.

Image credit: NASA

GPM is an international collaboration 

to provide next-generation global 

observations of rain and snow, aiding 

research on global water cycling 

and forecasts of extreme events.

Image credit: NASA

OCO-2 will measure global

geographic distribution of human 

and natural carbon dioxide 

sources and sinks, observing 

their changes over time.

Image credit: NASA
NASA Applied Sciences Program | 33
Get

Involved

How can you apply Earth observations to benefit your organization? Want to know more 

about how Earth observations can support decision-making? Do you have an idea for a 

workshop to examine uses of Earth observations in your field?

The Applied Sciences Program can help answer these questions and more. Applied 

Sciences funds feasibility studies, applications projects, and workshops to assist 

organizations in applying Earth observations in their management, business, and 

policy decisions. The Program seeks to increase the benefits of NASA’s Earth science

investments for society.

NASA Earth observations—including data, imagery, and tools—are free and available to 

the public. Visit http://earthdata.nasa.gov to access data gathered by satellites, aircraft,

and field measurements to incorporate into your project and decision-making. All people

and organizations across all levels of experience with Earth observing data are welcome.

Check the Solicitations section of the Applied Sciences Web site for information on funding 

opportunities and the News section for workshops, training opportunities, and project results. 

Here are just a few ways you can become involved:

•	 Propose and lead a feasibility study or application project.

•	 Attend or host a training event.

•	 Learn about projects your organization might adopt or adapt for your needs.

•	 Request funds for a workshop or symposium.

•	 Serve as a DEVELOP adviser or sponsor a DEVELOP intern.

•	 Give feedback on NASA Earth science data products.

•	 Participate on a project review panel.

•	 Attend Earth science team meetings to learn about research-applications connections.

•	 Meet and talk with the Capacity Building and Applications Areas program managers.

More Information

NASA Applied Sciences Program: http://appliedsciences.nasa.gov

Applied Sciences’ Solicitations: http://appliedsciences.nasa.gov/solicitations.html

Applied Sciences’ E-mail Address: HQ-AppliedSciences@mail.nasa.gov

NASA Earth Science Satellites: http://nasascience.nasa.gov/earth-science/missions/

34 | NASA Applied Sciences Program
The CALIPSO satellite provides vertical, curtain-like 

images of the atmosphere on a global scale. CALIPSO 

uses a space-based lidar, which is similar to a radar 

but uses short pulses of laser light instead of radio 

waves. CALIPSO provides information on the altitudes 

of clouds and aerosol layers, composition of clouds, 

and estimates of the abundance and sizes of aerosols.

NASA Applied Sciences Program | 35
National Aeronautics and Space Administration

NASA Headquarters

300 E Street Southwest

Washington, DC 20024-3210

www.hq.nasa.gov

www.nasa.gov

NP-2012-8-324-GSFC