NASA Earthdata Cloud

Overview

The NSIDC DAAC NASA Earthdata Cloud data collection includes all NSIDC DAAC data that have been migrated into the NASA Earthdata Cloud. NASA Earthdata Cloud is a NASA Earth Science Data Systems program that enables new methods of data analysis and distribution, while preserving most existing analysis and distribution methods. Having data in the cloud enables efficient use of large data volumes and collaborative work with these data. 

The first release of cloud-stored data took place in September 2022. Users have the option to access these data directly from the NASA Earthdata Cloud via Amazon Web Services Simple Storage Service (AWS S3). NSIDC DAAC will continue to migrate data into the NASA Earthdata Cloud, and this process is expected to take several years. So check this collection periodically to see if we’ve added more data. Again, this provides a new option for data access; data users will continue to be able use their current workflows for data access, while having the new option to access the data directly in the cloud.

Key points for accessing NSIDC DAAC NASA Earthdata Cloud data via AWS S3

  • NSIDC DAAC data are stored in stored in the AWS us-west-2 region in a protected NSIDC bucket. Users need to set up their cloud instance in the same region.
  • To get direct access to the data, users need to obtain a list of s3 links for the granules they want. There are several ways to do this. 
  • Users also need temporary s3 access credentials.

High level user workflow for AWS S3 data access

AWS S3 access user workflow diagram
— Credit: NSIDC

Please see the Help Articles section of this collection for more information and Frequently Asked Questions.