Openly accessible scientific data, including data from environmental satellites observing the Earth from space, is a key tool for forecasting weather, analyzing climate, and monitoring hazards worldwide. NOAA's Satellite and Information Service operates many environmental satellites and archives NOAA's weather, climate, and ocean data; however, no one country can afford to effectively monitor the entire Earth.
In an effort to overcome this challenge, NOAA provides access to its data on a full and open basis and serves as a leading advocate for this policy internationally. The NOAA and U.S. commitment to open data sharing is outlined in the Principles for Promoting Access to Federal Government-Supported Scientific Data and Research Findings Through International Scientific Cooperation and the National Space Policy of the United States of America. As a result, the U.S. government, companies, and universities receive a wealth of global data vital to weather forecasting, climate services, and hazard monitoring.
The NOAA/NESDIS International and Interagency Affairs Division works to advance this US policy abroad by developing partnerships, providing others with access to data, and coordinating global Earth observations.