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Earth Observations in Action

The Applied Sciences Program provides funding, resources, technical know-how, analytical expertise and other support to a global network of research scientists and partner institutions.

These experts use data from NASA's Earth-observing satellites and airborne missions to tackle tough challenges and develop solutions that improve our daily lives.

Our partners include federal, state, local, tribal and territorial government agencies like the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the California Department of Water Resources; nonprofits like Conservation International and the Skoll Global Threats Fund; and international organizations like the World Bank and the World Health Organization.

Whether we're helping develop an air quality forecasting tool so communities can breathe easier or validating flood maps for decision-makers as waters rise, we work collaboratively with our partners for a better life on Earth. 

See Where We Work

Measuring the Value of Earth Science

How do we measure the impact of Earth observations? How can we showcase their benefits to society and the economy? How can we help communities and organizations make smarter investments?

It can be difficult to communicate their value beyond the Earth science community. One way we tackle this challenge is through the Socioeconomic Assessments initiative, working across sectors and borders to build a collaborative, capable community for assessing and communicating the societal and economic benefits of using Earth science information for decision making.

In this initiative, interdisciplinary teams help us understand how Earth observations can help decisionmakers, emergency responders, and resource managers reduce the loss of life and property due to disasters, understand environmental factors that affect human health, improve resource management, and protect and sustainably manage ecosystems.