NASA and ESA release open source tool for analysing Earth science data

NASA and ESA (European Space Agency) have publicly released an open source science tool for analysing Earth science data in the cloud – the Multi-Mission Algorithm and Analysis Platform (MAAP).

MAAP enables scientists to collaboratively develop algorithms and code as well as analyse and visualise large data sets acquired from sources including satellite instruments, the International Space Station, and airborne and ground campaigns. The large data and highperformance computing required for MAAP, along with a shared code repository and catalogue, are stored and managed in the cloud. MAAP capabilities are supported and shared between NASA and ESA.

MAAP is said to provide access to NASA and ESA Earth science ‘data’ and is a model for open source science collaboration and analysis. It is the host platform for the first globally harmonised assessment of aboveground carbon – information that is vital for managing global climate change.

MAAP is the culmination of a two-year NASA and ESA effort. It is fully operational and will incrementally expand its user community over the coming months. The release of MAAP Version 2 in the spring of 2022 will add additional data sources, allowing scientists to tackle a broader range of Earth science questions.

The initial application of

MAAP focuses on measurements of aboveground biomass as part of a global effort to determine the size and carbon content of Earth’s forests. This data is critical for our understanding of climate change and forecasting its impact, and will be part of regular updates to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).