Overview
The Earthdata GIS Portal is an online geospatial platform that provides access to Earth observation data through interactive maps and analytical tools. It enables users to visualise, analyse, and download spatial datasets related to climate, land, oceans, and atmosphere. For finance professionals, it offers data relevant to environmental risk, climate exposure, and long-term trend analysis.
Organisation behind the tool
The tool is developed and maintained by NASA, through its Earth Science Data Systems (ESDS) programme. It forms part of NASA’s broader Earthdata initiative, which provides open access to satellite and geospatial data generated by NASA missions and partner programmes.
What the tool does
- Provides web-based access to global and regional geospatial datasets.
- Enables interactive map visualisation of climate, environmental, and physical Earth systems data.
- Allows users to overlay multiple data layers for spatial comparison and analysis.
- Supports data querying, basic spatial analysis, and map-based exploration.
- Enables download of selected datasets for further offline analysis.
- Data themes include climate variables, land cover, vegetation, water resources, natural hazards, and atmospheric conditions.
Target audience
The primary audience includes researchers, scientists, and analysts working with geospatial and Earth observation data. Secondary users include policymakers, planners, educators, and professionals in sectors such as finance, insurance, infrastructure, and sustainability.
Relevance to finance professionals
- Risk assessment: Supports analysis of exposure to climate hazards such as floods, droughts, wildfires, and extreme weather.
- ESG analysis: Provides environmental data useful for climate risk disclosure, environmental impact assessment, and sustainability reporting.
- Market and commodity insights: Informs analysis of agriculture, water availability, land use, and energy-related risks.
- Investment context: Enables assessment of long-term environmental and climate trends relevant to asset valuation, portfolio resilience, and strategic planning.
