Abstract
Since August 1994, The National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA’s) Earth Observing System Data and Information System (EOSDIS) has been serving a global community of users, currently over 4 million each year, with Earth science data in a variety of disciplines. NASA’s Earth Science Data and Information System Project (ESDIS) is responsible for EOSDIS with its 12 Distributed Archive Centers (DAACs). During the life of EOSDIS, various mechanisms for user feedback have been extremely important and valuable to its evolution. Some inputs from user groups have resulted in fundamental changes in EOSDIS, while others have provided ideas for incremental changes. The purpose of this paper is to share this experience and the benefits that have resulted from the user feedback. Notable among user community groups that have had significant influence on EOSDIS are: the EOSDIS Advisory Panel, the National Research Council’s Committee on Global Change Research and the DAAC User Working Groups (UWGs). In addition, an annual survey of EOSDIS users resulting in the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) provides a score as well as very helpful user suggestions for system improvements. Also, each DAAC has a user services group that receives on-going requests for help and other comments from users. The ESDIS Project has established a mechanism through the “earthdata” web site ( http://earthdata.nasa.gov ) for users to provide feedback which is routed to appropriate individuals. In addition, focused efforts have been made for user needs assessment, and usability studies are used in making changes to the systems for improving user experience.
Highlights
Since August 1994, The National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA’s) Earth Observing System Data and Information System (EOSDIS) has been serving Earth science data in a variety of disciplines to a global community of users, currently over 4 million each year
The processes involve assessment of the value of such datasets, tools and services by the User Working Groups (UWGs), assessment by the Distributed Active Archive Centers (DAACs) and the Earth Science Data and Information System (ESDIS) Project of resource requirements for accommodating them and approving implementation at the appropriate NASA management level depending on the extent of resources needed
The Earth Science Data System Working Groups (ESDSWG) was established by NASA in 2004 as a mechanism for communications among the NASA Earth science data system entities consisting of staff members from the ESDIS Project, the DAACs, and other organizations competitively selected by NASA for data system research opportunities
Summary
Since August 1994, The National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA’s) Earth Observing System Data and Information System (EOSDIS) has been serving Earth science data in a variety of disciplines to a global community of users, currently over 4 million each year. Ramapriyan and Behnke: Importance and Incorporation of User Feedback in Earth Science Data Stewardship user needs and data access patterns These group sessions serve to uncover detailed information on usage and future requirements. These groups bring together data system professionals to help discuss users’ needs and technology improvements required to satisfy them effectively.
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