NSSDC Earth Science Data Transition Plan
	NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD 20771, USA

The National Space Science Data Center (NSSDC) drafted a document, NSSDC Earth Science Data Transition Plan, in June 1992 to identify what data sets held at NSSDC need to be migrated to which Distributed Active Archive Center (DAAC). The appendices in that document, which list all the relevant digital Earth science data at NSSDC, were revised in June 1994.

Based on NSSDC's input, a modified list was prepared in January 1995 and recommended by Dr. Stephen Wharton, the Earth Observing System Data and Information System (EOSDIS) Project Scientist, to NASA Headquarter's Earth Science Data and Information System (ESDIS) for implementaion. All category 1 data, namely those identified as desirable by a DAAC, were given priorities for immediate transition from NSSDC to that DAAC.

In June 1995, at the request of two DAACs, ESDIS funded NSSDC to convert some existing media to the DAAC-desired media and to restore selected data that were older than 10 years. An overview of data transfer activities between NSSDC and each of the DAACs is provided below. To search for specific data sets, please see the Earth Science Data Already Transferred Out of NSSDC.

In July 1997, NSSDC signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Mr. Greg Hunolt of ESDIS to transfer the ownership and responsibilities of all remaining Earth science data (both digital and analog) held by NSSDC. Storage arrangements will remain in effect until such time that ESDIS is ready to take physical possession of these data.

Data transfers between NSSDC and the various DAACs are as follows:

1. EROS Data Center (EDC)
   No data were identified, however, 300 copies (30 boxes) of the SIR-B Experiment Report were sent in October 1994.
2. Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC)
   1. All data have been transitioned.
   2. All Geodynamics type of data were transferred to Crustal Dynamics (CDDIS), Code 920.
3. Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL)
   No data were identified.
4. Langley Research Center (LaRC)
   Five Nimbus 7 ERB data sets, one THIR data set, and all ERBE data have been tranistioned from NSSDC to the Langley DAAC. Other transfers include the first 19 months of ERB MAT data and the MERDAT tapes from SAGE and SAGE II.
5. Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC); name was changed to Global Hydrology Resource Center (GHRC)
   Only two data sets were identified. Both the Nimbus 7 SMMR TAT non-scanning data and the SMMR PARM-LO tapes were transferred. These data may have been further migrated from the former Marshall DAAC to the National Snow and Ice Data Center (NSIDC) DAAC in Spring 1997.
6. National Snow and Ice Data Center (NSIDC)
   Transfer activities were completed. Two data sets were transferred: the Nimbus 7 SMMR 1/2 deg and 1/4 deg TCTs. Documentation for three other data sets (Nimbus 5 ESMR brightness temperature and sea ice concentration and two Nimbus 7 SMMR MIZEX) were sent.
7. Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL)
   No data were identified.
8. Socioeconomic Data and Applications Center (SEDAC) at the Consortium for International Earth Science Information Network (CIESIN)
   No data were identified.

Earth Science Data in Transition Page

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NASA Official: Dr. David R. Williams Version 2.1.0, 07 May 2003