VEDA
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Mastering NASA’s VEDA: A Guide for Remote Sensing Enthusiasts

Those working in remote sensing, research, and geospatial analysis frequently face the challenge of managing and interpreting vast amounts of Earth Observation data. This is where NASA’s Visualization, Exploration, and Data Analysis (VEDA) Cockpit becomes a valuable asset. VEDA is a geospatial analytics platform designed to streamline the analysis of satellite data, offering a user-friendly interface for experts and novices alike.

The VEDA Dashboard, launched by NASA, is a new way for researchers, policymakers, and the public to interact with Earth observation data. This platform combines the latest technology with lots of Earth science data, making it easier than ever to explore our planet.

In this article, we will provide an overview of the key features of VEDA Cockpit and demonstrate its capabilities through a practical example in land cover change analysis.

What Is VEDA Cockpit?

VEDA Cockpit is an open-source software developed by NASA to streamline the visualization and analysis of Earth Observation data. It integrates data from various sources, including NASA’s Earth Observing System (EOS), Landsat (managed by NASA and USGS), and ESA’s Sentinel satellites. The platform’s user-friendly interface allows users to process and analyze geospatial datasets, generate insights, and even share results through customizable dashboards.

VEDA offers a suite of tools for tracking land surface, assessing urban expansion, and monitoring climate change impacts, all without the need for extensive programming skills.

Getting Started with VEDA Cockpit

1. Data Catalog – A Universe of Information

Data Catalog is the main part of the VEDA Dashboard. It has lots of Earth observation datasets. Users can find data on climate, land use, atmosphere, and ocean. The catalog lets users study specific environmental issues, from sea ice to urban heat islands. Each dataset has a main description and additional information such as temporal extent, resolution, or links to additional sources. You can find the datasets you are interested in easily by Topics or Source.

2. Exploration – Unlocking New Perspectives

The dashboard’s Exploration tools facilitate spatio-temporal data analysis, rendering it accessible to all users. What I loved during testing this platform was the possibility to visualize your data with different map projections (e.g. Natural Earth or Equal Earth). Additionally, the user is able to:

  1. Visualize data dynamically
  2. Analyze spatio-temporal trends in self-drawn or uploaded AOI
  3. Customize visual outputs
  4. Load the layer into GIS as XYZ or WMTS Tile

These features enable users to not only monitor changes on Earth but also to make well-informed decisions based on transparent, evidence-based insights. Unfortunately, not all of the available data can provide complete analyses. However, we see the potential for growth on this platform, particularly with the development of satellite data availability and its easy visualization.

Spatio-temporal analysis of daily precipitation in Germany

Spatio-temporal analysis of daily precipitation in Germany

Before and after image feature for summer/winter precipitation rates in US

Before and after image feature for summer/winter precipitation rates in US

Night light analysis, Rome

Night light analysis, Rome

Visualization options

Visualization options

3. Data Stories – Inspiration from Researchers Worldwide

One of the most engaging features of the VEDA Dashboard is the Data Stories section, which presents a compelling and accessible means of exploring the data. It is an excellent way to share research results and share geospatial knowledge. This gallery presents actual applications of the platform in real-world contexts. To illustrate,

  1. Tracking Volcanic Sulfur Dioxide Emissions: Monitoring of volcanic emissions and its impact on global air quality.
  2. Monitoring water cycle: The results of the research demonstrate the extent and anomalies of terrestrial water storage.
  3. Mapping Water Availability for Agriculture: Brief explanation of how remote sensing data is used for land modeling.

Each account provides valuable insights and inspiration for future research endeavors.

Veda Data Stories

Veda Data Stories

Final Thoughts

The EarthDATA VEDA Dashboard has some limitations. These include accessibility for non-experts, advanced analytical capabilities, data completeness, real-time updates, user interface intuitiveness, and collaboration features.

However, NASA’s VEDA Cockpit has the potential to be a platform for remote sensing data work. Its easy-to-use interface and tools may help solve geospatial problems. If still developed and improved, VEDA will help turn satellite data into insights.

Why wait? Explore VEDA Cockpit by yourself and use Earth observation technology to monitor our planet!


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#30DayMapChallenge 2024 Highlights from the First 13 Days
#Contributing Writers #Fun

#30DayMapChallenge 2024: Highlights from the First 13 Days

The annual #30DayMapChallenge, created by Topi Tjukanov, is an open invitation to mapmakers of all levels to create and share thematic maps every day in November. Each day presents a new theme, encouraging participants to experiment, learn new tools, and showcase creative takes on classic and contemporary mapping topics. It’s a perfect occasion to express love for all things that are ‘geo’. Here’s a look at the first 13 days and how each theme inspired the community.

Points 📍

The challenge began with “Points,” focusing on individual locations. From city maps to clusters of natural landmarks, participants used points to represent everything from populations to environmental patterns, underscoring the foundational role of points in mapping.

#30DayMapChallenge 2024 - points

Lines 📏

“Lines” invited mappers to capture connections and boundaries through roads, rivers, and flight paths. This theme emphasized the beauty of linear features, showing the world’s movement and divisions.

#30DayMapChallenge 2024 - lines

Polygons 🛑

Polygons added depth, allowing participants to visualize defined regions and areas, from city zones to climate regions. This theme highlighted the diversity of areas that can be mapped using filled shapes.

#30DayMapChallenge 2024 - polygons

Hexagons 🔷

Swapping square grids for hexagons, participants created smoother visual representations of density, movement, and spatial patterns. Hexagonal grids were popular for visualizing urban layouts and distribution patterns.

#30DayMapChallenge 2024 - hexagons

A Journey 🚶‍♂️✈️

“A Journey” brought narrative into maps, encouraging participants to trace paths, from personal commutes to historical explorations. Each map represented a unique story of movement across places and time.

#30DayMapChallenge 2024 - a journey

Raster 🟦🟧

Using raster data, mappers highlighted the continuous surfaces found in satellite imagery, heatmaps, and population density maps. The results showed the flexibility of pixels in visualizing everything from temperature shifts to nighttime city lights.

Vintage Style 🕰️🗺️

This theme let mappers add a nostalgic twist, using vintage aesthetics for modern subjects. The maps captured an old-world charm with muted colors and antique fonts while addressing contemporary topics.

Humanitarian Data Exchange (HDX) 🌍🚑

“HDX” focused on humanitarian mapping, using data from the Humanitarian Data Exchange to address issues like health, disaster response, and development. The maps brought attention to vulnerable areas, reminding us of data’s role in social impact.

AI Only 🤖

On this day, participants experimented with AI tools like DALL-E and ChatGPT, using prompts to generate maps. This exercise pushed the boundaries of AI’s potential in cartography, sparking discussions on its limitations and strengths.

Pen & Paper ✏️🗺️

“Pen & Paper” day invited participants to step away from screens and draw by hand, highlighting the personal and artistic side of mapmaking. From simple sketches to detailed fantasies, each map was a unique piece of analog creativity.

Arctic ❄️🧊

Maps of the Arctic emphasized critical topics like ice coverage, wildlife habitats, and climate change effects, reminding viewers of the urgent environmental issues affecting polar regions.

Time and Space ⏳🌍

Mapping time allowed participants to show change over periods, from urban expansion to wildlife migration. This theme highlighted the relationship between geography and time, bringing dynamics into spatial data.

A New Tool 🧪🔧

On the thirteenth day, participants tried out new tools or techniques, staying true to the challenge’s spirit of experimentation. From 3D visualizations to artistic interpretations, this day showcased the thrill of learning something new.

These first 13 themes of the #30DayMapChallenge illustrate the range and creativity in the cartography community. The challenge continues, promising even more inspiring contributions as mappers try to map the remaining topics.

 

Sources

  • Points

https://x.com/fede_gaspari/status/1852251732086018157

https://x.com/oh_sk/status/1852264030984880484

https://x.com/nextgis/status/1852250773809230230

https://x.com/geo_alyaqout/status/1852387513609892150

https://x.com/Kenneth_KHW/status/1852300883142549890

https://x.com/ceren_do/status/1852404159741600252

https://x.com/researchremora/status/1852529323367907540

https://x.com/gontsa/status/1852449613665411450

https://x.com/XenonGT/status/1852384564401811629

https://x.com/jrncarlock/status/1855014892266262771

  • Lines

https://x.com/Julian_H0ffmann/status/1853739665917907307

https://x.com/PythonMaps/status/1853493302995161436

https://x.com/Mapbox/status/1852742670633906680

https://x.com/skopmichal/status/1852838481292116360

https://x.com/fede_gaspari/status/1853389649030402151

https://x.com/BhuvanamitraS/status/1852700162671415522

https://x.com/researchremora/status/1852688224415608957

  • Polygons

https://x.com/kyle_e_walker/status/1853089761814327487

https://x.com/IvaBrunec/status/1853232363121053723

https://x.com/ErwanRivault/status/1853062183040569682

https://x.com/evelynuuemaa/status/1852998339869986912

https://x.com/researchremora/status/1853052728320123216

https://x.com/Kenneth_KHW/status/1853069909649195238

https://x.com/geomenke/status/1853025391620862369

https://x.com/gontsa/status/1853205196232380436

https://x.com/tjukanov/status/1852969630307877074

https://x.com/MashfordMahute/status/1853089602988355773

https://x.com/jbrichman/status/1853114809291583834

  • Hexagons

https://x.com/OrdnanceSurvey/status/1853470336240558239

https://x.com/Mapbox/status/1853482649068720315

https://x.com/felt/status/1853489932331106551

https://x.com/mapchannels/status/1853252649451172222

https://x.com/JackSapoch/status/1853508208045818367

https://x.com/kyle_e_walker/status/1853452143971434698

https://x.com/geokaramanis/status/1853469941833331132

https://x.com/oh_sk/status/1853408025270186140

https://x.com/evelynuuemaa/status/1853363807998902552

https://x.com/IvaBrunec/status/1853589870612021437

  • A journey

https://x.com/sdbernard/status/1854230197714690497

https://x.com/ErwanRivault/status/1853780808781140465

https://x.com/gontsa/status/1853953677683466719

https://x.com/eye_am_the_i/status/1853847795909714159

https://x.com/researchremora/status/1853925623183380674

  • Raster

https://x.com/oh_sk/status/1854136763809141176

https://x.com/SouthCrossMaps/status/1855404253235581181

https://x.com/GWSCatUA/status/1854276614558802062

https://x.com/MapsChartsData/status/1856195295136096735

https://x.com/researchremora/status/1854223275884175649

https://x.com/XenonGT/status/1854216790949105712

https://x.com/PythonMaps/status/1854931890748240190

https://x.com/TimOstler1/status/1854097705049391223

https://x.com/AlcisGeo/status/1854205856713236636

https://x.com/JosArturoJasso/status/1854402013175455867

  • Vintage style

https://x.com/evelynuuemaa/status/1854443646554132520

https://x.com/MapsChartsData/status/1856196104921944345

https://x.com/c_yatteau/status/1856373524128026731

https://x.com/jacobmac02/status/1855977905458675932

https://x.com/hansakwast/status/1854425001270653185

https://x.com/gontsa/status/1854650482066870291

https://x.com/GeoSurveyNI/status/1854432662380843203

https://x.com/TheYuanLiao/status/1855188041318461721

  • Data: HDX

https://x.com/geodatascience/status/1854856399471165518

https://x.com/researchremora/status/1854864795649933497

https://x.com/gontsa/status/1855063834387513806

https://x.com/oh_sk/status/1854852346422911285

https://x.com/jacobmac02/status/1855979732497473845

https://x.com/evelynuuemaa/status/1854807823156494401

https://x.com/geo_alyaqout/status/1854915271758123408

https://x.com/nextgis/status/1854785401648472142

  • AI only

https://x.com/jmviglino/status/1855145842178449430

https://x.com/Mapologies_com/status/1855185175421874244

https://x.com/evelynuuemaa/status/1855250324086235466

https://x.com/athnfrnclr/status/1856439926620836058

https://x.com/mildthing99/status/1855037220677124518

https://x.com/hansakwast/status/1855186588986184155

https://x.com/AlcisGeo/status/1855293020112925079

https://x.com/OrdnanceSurvey/status/1855218952525251033

https://x.com/GastonEchenique/status/1855454120489951296

https://x.com/renorosgon/status/1855645758252290194

https://x.com/MaiGhalyGazzar/status/1855290002432790536

https://x.com/undertheraedar/status/1855196452009464241

  • Pen & paper

https://x.com/AlandcoC/status/1855546846359286079

https://x.com/nextgis/status/1855562886631887080

https://x.com/mildthing99/status/1855408669636116598

https://x.com/basemap/status/1855566069978542528

https://x.com/jjakon11/status/1855754593889927215

  • Artctic

https://x.com/geokaramanis/status/1855954998925897886

https://x.com/hansakwast/status/1855859502442008661

https://x.com/sdbernard/status/1856275572235587766

https://x.com/PythonMaps/status/1856446245054681520

https://x.com/eye_am_the_i/status/1856448896777498656

https://x.com/kai_sonder/status/1855989027951833198

https://x.com/CMEMS_EU/status/1855890712467751411

https://x.com/researchremora/status/1856025139655086347

https://x.com/jjakon11/status/1856159442498400604

  • Time and space

https://x.com/gontsa/status/1856474790825017775

https://x.com/IvaBrunec/status/1856337606297952313

https://x.com/Mapbox/status/1856381452843393340

https://x.com/OrdnanceSurvey/status/1856376315110133923

https://x.com/researchremora/status/1856350965915426948

https://x.com/nextgis/status/1856241145224802471

https://x.com/hansakwast/status/1856246957691257118

  • A new tool

https://x.com/maaamet/status/1856651606374203459

https://x.com/researchremora/status/1856797227504865742

https://x.com/GeoWithJustin/status/1856789887569059955

https://x.com/IvaBrunec/status/1856709487563813077

https://x.com/laMartu30/status/1856653972460757405

https://x.com/geomenke/status/1856725882531979675

https://x.com/joseph_barbier/status/1856609596430860572

 


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