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Dataset Overview | National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI)

Polar-Orbiting Satellite (POES) Images

EV2 - Polar-Orbiting Satellite Images

browse graphicSample POES image
Visible and Infrared satellite imagery taken from camera systems or radiometer instruments on satellites in orbit around the poles. Satellite campaigns include NIMBUS, TIROS, ITOS, ESSA, ITOS, and NOAA. From their low-earth orbits, these satellites produced quadrilateral-shaped images that could be stitched together to form composite images of larger areas of earth. The collection includes composites in Mercator and Polar Stereographic projections as well as Conic projections of North America and the United States. Image files are created by scanning hard-copy prints, 10"x10" negatives and microfilm held in the NOAA archives. Period of record for available imagery is August 1964-March 1985.
  • Cite this dataset when used as a source.
  • NCEI DSI 3900_01 (Ev2 accessible subset)
  • NCEI DSI 3900_02
  • gov.noaa.ncdc:C01128
gov.noaa.ncdc:C01128
Search Data
Order Data
Distribution Formats
  • PDF
Ordering Instructions Contact NCEI for other distribution options and instructions.
Distributor NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information
ncei.info@noaa.gov
Dataset Point of Contact Jason Cooper
DOC/NOAA/NESDIS/NCEI > National Centers for Environmental Information, NESDIS, NOAA, U.S. Department of Commerce
+1 828-271-4800
ncei.orders@noaa.gov
Time Period 1964-08-01 to 1985-05-31
Spatial Bounding Box Coordinates
West: -180.0
East: 180.0
South: -90.0
North: 90.0
Spatial Coverage Map
Dataset Information
General Documentation
Associated Resources
  • NOAA Polar Orbiting Satellite (POES) Global Visible and Infrared Band Data from ESSA (1966 - 1972) and NOAA (1972 - 1978) Satellites (NetCDF format)
Publication Dates
  • publication: 2015-01-29
  • revision: 2019-03-18
Data Presentation Form Digital image
Dataset Progress Status Ongoing - data is continually being updated
Data Update Frequency Irregular
Purpose In the late 1990s NCDC realized the need to host digital images of weather and climate records on the internet. As a result, EV2 was developed as a key system for providing access to the millions of original source data images in the NCDC archives. With its upload and index capability, EV2 also enables the continuation of NCDC's commitment to make more of its weather and climate data available online so that users across the world can view climate and weather records held in the NCDC archives.
Use Limitations
  • Controlled user access to the EV2 system
Dataset Citation
  • Cite this dataset when used as a source.
Publishers
  • DOC/NOAA/NESDIS/NCEI > National Centers for Environmental Information, NESDIS, NOAA, U.S. Department of Commerce
  • DOC/NOAA/NESDIS/NCDC > National Climatic Data Center, NESDIS, NOAA, U.S. Department of Commerce
Theme keywords Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Science Keywords
  • Earth Science > Spectral/Engineering > Infrared Wavelengths > Infrared Imagery
  • Earth Science > Spectral/Engineering > Visible Wavelengths > Visible Imagery
Data Center keywords Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Data Center Keywords
  • DOC/NOAA/NESDIS/NCDC > National Climatic Data Center, NESDIS, NOAA, U.S. Department of Commerce
  • DOC/NOAA/NESDIS/NCEI > National Centers for Environmental Information, NESDIS, NOAA, U.S. Department of Commerce
Platform keywords Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Platform Keywords
  • Earth Observation Satellites > NOAA POES (Polar Orbiting Environmental Satellites) > NOAA POES > NOAA Polar Orbiting Environmental Satellites
Instrument keywords Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Instrument Keywords
  • Earth Remote Sensing Instruments > Passive Remote Sensing > Photon/Optical Detectors > Cameras
Place keywords Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Location Keywords
  • Geographic Region > Global
Use Constraints
  • Cite this dataset when used as a source.
  • Use liability: NOAA and NCEI cannot provide any warranty as to the accuracy, reliability, or completeness of furnished data. Users assume responsibility to determine the usability of these data. The user is responsible for the results of any application of this data for other than its intended purpose.
Access Constraints
  • Distribution liability: NOAA and NCEI make no warranty, expressed or implied, regarding these data, nor does the fact of distribution constitute such a warranty. NOAA and NCEI cannot assume liability for any damages caused by any errors or omissions in these data. If appropriate, NCEI can only certify that the data it distributes are an authentic copy of the records that were accepted for inclusion in the NCEI archives.
Fees
  • In most cases, electronic downloads of the data are free. However, fees may apply for custom orders, data certifications, copies of analog materials, and data distribution on physical media.
Lineage information for: dataset
Lineage Statement Limited scanning activities at NCDC contribute to the image repository. Partnerships with other NOAA line offices and international weather services have contributed to the broad and global nature of digitally imaged records available from the NCDC.
Processor
  • NCDC Archive staff
  • NSIDC
Processing Steps
  • Scanned as JPG or PDF
    Rationale: To digitize collection in order to make available online.
  • In March 2019, a joint project between NSIDC and NCEI led to a drastic increase in the number of images available to the public. Thousands of images were scanned, quality-checked, and documented.
    Rationale: To digitize collection and improve accessibility and usability for other users. A netCDF version of this dataset was created from this project (see NOAA Polar Orbiting Satellite (POES) Global Visible and Infrared Band Data from ESSA (1966 - 1972) and NOAA (1972 - 1978) Satellites in NetCDF format).
Processing Environment Paper forms and negative images captured digitally using various types of scanning equipment. All forms should be scanned using a minimum of 300 dpi (standard archive quality).
Source Datasets
  • NOAA Polar Orbiting Satellite (POES) Global Visible and Infrared Band Image files from ESSA (1966 - 1972) and NOAA (1972 - 1978) Satellites in Digital Image Formats
    • Description of Source: Sub-collection. Visible data available from 1966-12-01 through 1978-03-31; infrared data (day/night) is available from 1972-12-01 through 1978-03-31.
    • Temporal extent used: 1966-12-01 to 1978-03-31
Lineage information for: repository
Processing Steps
  • 2015-04-22T00:00:00 - NOAA created the National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI) by merging NOAA's National Climatic Data Center (NCDC), National Geophysical Data Center (NGDC), and National Oceanographic Data Center (NODC), including the National Coastal Data Development Center (NCDDC), per the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2015, Public Law 113-235. NCEI launched publicly on April 22, 2015.
Last Modified: 2023-06-23
For questions about the information on this page, please email: ncei.info@noaa.gov