The Applied Sciences Program supports national and international activities to broaden the range of users applying Earth science data, modeling capabilities, and knowledge in their decision making activities. The Program manages four specific activities to improve skills and capabilities in the US and developing countries on how to access and apply NASA Earth science – DEVELOP, SERVIR, Gulf of Mexico Initiative, and Applications Training Modules. In addition, the Program is actively involved in the international Group on Earth Observation (GEO), and the GEO activities support the overall capacity-building efforts.

SERVIR:

SERVIR is a NASA and USAID-sponsored initiative that integrates satellite observations, ground-based data and forecast models to monitor and forecast environmental changes and to improve response to natural disasters. SERVIR enables scientists, educators, project managers and policy implementers to better respond to a range of issues including disaster management, air quality, agricultural development, biodiversity conservation and climate change. Endorsed by governments of Central America and Africa, a strong emphasis is placed on partnerships to fortify the availability of searchable and viewable earth observations, measurements, animations, and analysis.

DEVELOP:

DEVELOP is a NASA Applied Sciences training and development program that fosters an interdisciplinary research environment for students and young professionals to work on Earth science application projects. Mentored by science advisors from NASA and partner agencies, participants conduct research projects that focus on utilizing NASA Earth observations to address issues of community concerns and public policy, and extend research results to local communities for enhanced decision making. With the competitive nature and growing societal role of science and technology in today’s global workplace, DEVELOP is fostering an adept corps of tomorrow’s scientists and leaders.

Gulf of Mexico Initiative:

Gulf of Mexico Initiative utilizes NASA Earth science assets to addresses regional priorities defined by the Gulf of Mexico Alliance (GOMA), a partnership of the states of Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas and 13 federal agencies whose goal is to significantly increase regional collaboration to enhance the ecological and economic health of the Gulf of Mexico.

Applied Remote Sensing Training:

The Applied Sciences Program conducts professional-level training that provides participants with a better understanding of remote sensing for use in applications. The Program develops training modules on the acquisition, visualization, analysis, use and application of NASA Earth science. Current efforts have focused on air quality and water resources.

The Program offers several learning programs, such as face-to-face instruction with computer-mediated instruction, to enhance the end-user’s access and application of Earth science observation tools. Training activities provide students with interactive, hands-on activities and case study analysis to deliver both online and classroom instruction, helping inform people about NASA data characteristics and interpretation and their application in decision making.

The training modules are freely available to individuals and institutions wishing to learn about satellite remote sensing and applications for decision making. Access the training modules and materials online on the air quality and water resources training pages.