NOAA satellites continuously scan the surface of the Earth, collecting data about the atmosphere, land, and oceans. The data they collect is transmitted to NOAA’s Satellite and Information Service, where a team of scientists and supercomputers process it using complex algorithms. But how can we make sense of all this information?
One way is by creating a visual representation of it, such as a chart, graph, or in our case, maps. When environmental information is displayed as a map, or superimposed over one, it helps provide an accessible way to understand it as well as recognize trends and patterns. This can become essential when using large amounts of data to make complex analyses and data-driven decisions. Plus, it’s a form of art that grabs our attention and keeps our interest.
These examples of “Data Maps” show variables such as light absorption, energy radiation, and surface temperatures, which can be used to measure the state of our planet.
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Satellite Snapshots
A rapidly developing low-pressure storm system is moving north over the Pacific Ocean toward… -
Satellite Snapshots
Catastrophic Hurricane Dorian slowed to a crawl over Grand Bahama Island overnight and into Labor… -
Satellite Snapshots
This map shows Arctic sea ice extent measured by NOAA satellites on Sept. 23, 2018. -
Satellite Snapshots
NOAA's polar-orbiting satellites are monitoring higher than average sea surface temperatures… -
Satellite Snapshots
An unsettled late-July weather pattern is bringing persistent clouds and above-normal precipitation… -
Satellite Snapshots
An unsettled late-July weather pattern is bringing persistent clouds and above-normal precipitation… -
Satellite Snapshots
The Suomi NPP satellite's VIIRS instrument captured this detailed thermal imagery showing the… -
Satellite Snapshots
Much like last February, unseasonable warmth spread across the southern and eastern United States…