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OB.DAAC
Ocean Biology DAAC
Location
Greenbelt, MD
Manager
Sean Bailey
View All People
Founded
2004
NASA's Ocean Biology Distributed Active Archive Center (OB.DAAC) is managed by NASA's Ocean Biology Processing Group (OBPG). OB.DAAC is responsible for archiving satellite ocean biology data produced or collected under NASA’s Earth Observing System Data and Information System (EOSDIS). OB.DAAC's holdings include a mixture of historical and current missions, as well as data from both NASA and partner space organizations.
Ocean Data Processing System
OB.DAAC provides access to data and information through the Ocean Color website. Users can visually search the ocean color data archive and directly download and/or order data from single files to the entire mission using the Level 1 and 2 Browser. Using the Level 3 and Level 4 Browser, users may also browse higher level global ocean color datasets for many parameters and time periods and download either PNG images or digital data in HDF format. In addition, the Ocean Color Project maintains several HTTPS sites for the direct download of data for each supported mission/sensor.
Data Visualization, Processing, and Analysis
SeaDAS is a comprehensive software package for the processing, display, analysis, and quality control of remote-sensing Earth data. SeaDAS serves as the official distribution point of the NASA OBPG Science Software. This science processing component of SeaDAS applies the OBPG algorithms to satellite data in order to characterize and calibrate the data and generate science quality OBPG products.
SeaDAS currently supports the science processing of over 15 U.S. and international space-based missions. Additional coinciding ancillary data are used to correct for and calibrate out the atmospheric components of the signal in order to determine an Earth/ocean surface level signal. Customized algorithms can be developed and applied within SeaDAS to evaluate ocean, land, and atmospheric data, as well as to produce True Color imagery.
SeaDAS can also integrate the SeaWiFS Bio-optical Archive and Storage System (SeaBASS) data for comparative analysis with relevant satellite data. The latest version downloads, videos, tutorials, and documentation can be found on the SeaDAS website. More help and support can be found on the Earthdata Forum.
In Situ Archive
High quality in situ measurements are a prerequisite for space-based data product validation, algorithm development, and many climate-related inquiries. The OBPG maintains SeaBASS, a public repository of in situ oceanographic and atmospheric data, to support their routine algorithm development and space-based data product validation activities.
OB.DAAC Data and Services
Visit the OB.DAAC website to learn more about data and services. OB.DAAC content will move into Earthdata in 2026.