Many NSIDC data set web pages provide the ability to search and filter data with spatial and temporal contstraints using a map-based interface. This article outlines how to order NSIDC DAAC data using advanced searching and filtering. 

Step 1: Go to a data set web page

This article will use the MEaSUREs Greenland Ice Velocity: Selected Glacier Site Velocity Maps data set as an example, but all data sets will have a similar workflow. From https://nsidc.org/data/nsidc-0481 select the Download Data tab.

Step 2: Filter results by spatial and temporal constraints and/or text wildcards

Spatial and temporal filters can help limit data to a region of interest or time period. Spatial filtering can be applied by drawing a bounding box or polygon or entering latitude and longitude bounding box coordinates. A shapefile or GeoJSON file can also be imported. A temporal filter can be applied by entering a start and end date. Use the reset or trash icons to delete any filters.

The use of wildcards can be applied to search and filter by file names. For example:

• Use * (asterisk) to match any number of characters in the file name (e.g. *W69.10N or *W69*18Sep)
• Use ? (question mark) to match any one character (e.g. ?W)

Step 3: Download files

Login to Earthdata using your credentials or obtain a username and password by registering here. Chose a download option below the list of file names, including a python script, receiving a list of URLs, or ordering through NASA Earthdata Search (for orders >2000 files). 

Last updated: April 2020