The Earth Science Data Systems (ESDS) Program develops standards designed to facilitate interoperability among components of the NASA Earth Science network of data systems to further innovation. Standards enable NASA to leverage community expertise, ideas, and capabilities and allow Earth data to be tested, verified, and used consistently among researchers, aiding reproducibility. Scientific knowledge is most robust and actionable when derived from transparent, traceable, and reproducible methods.

Standards also help ensure that Earth science data are complete and accurate while improving discovery and well-defined access points to join NASA's Earth Science network of data systems for future data and service providers.

The Earth Science Data and Information Systems (ESDIS) Project Standards Coordination Office (ESCO) seeks to recommend standards that have mature implementations and demonstrable operational readiness.

ESDIS Standards Coordination Office

ESCO assists in formulating standards policy for ESDS, coordinates standards activities within ESDIS, and provides technical expertise and assistance with standards-related tasks within the Earth Science Data System Working Groups (ESDSWG).

Standards and Practices 

View a list of standards coordinated by ESCO, for use in ESDS. This page also has a list of required standards for airborne and satellite mission data systems.

Standards Process 

ESCO manages the ESDIS standards process. The goal of the standards process is to facilitate interoperability among components of the NASA Earth Science network of data systems. The standards process is designed to encourage community participation in order to leverage community expertise, ideas, and capabilities.

ESCO Reviews 

ESCO conducts reviews of proposed standards, practices, and technical information relevant to the ESDIS Project mission. Approved documents are published and listed on the Standards and Requirements page.