GLOBE Observer
Your observations help scientists track changes in the environment in support of Earth system science research.
Overview
GLOBE Observer is the mobile app for the Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment (GLOBE) Program. It allows volunteers worldwide to take environmental observations that complement NASA satellite data. Organizations, particularly schools and educational groups, can form teams to collect data, participate in data challenges, and contribute to a global environmental database used by scientists and students.
✨ Key Features
- Data collection protocols for Clouds, Land Cover, Tree Height, and Mosquito Habitats
- Comparison of observations with NASA satellite imagery
- Ability to form teams for group data collection
- Free educational resources and materials
- Participation in NASA-led data challenges
🎯 Key Differentiators
- Directly supported by NASA
- Focus on specific environmental measurements that align with satellite missions
- Strong emphasis on education and providing resources for schools
Unique Value: Allows organizations and individuals to contribute directly to NASA science by collecting critical ground-truth data that helps validate and calibrate satellite observations.
🎯 Use Cases (4)
✅ Best For
- Cloud observations to validate satellite cloud detections
- Tree height measurements for carbon cycle models
- Mosquito habitat mapping for public health research
💡 Check With Vendor
Verify these considerations match your specific requirements:
- Projects requiring custom data collection forms
- Corporate environmental compliance monitoring
- Private data collection projects
🏆 Alternatives
Unlike platforms that allow custom project creation, GLOBE Observer has fixed protocols, ensuring data consistency and direct relevance to NASA's research needs. Its educational focus is deeper than most other citizen science apps.
💻 Platforms
✅ Offline Mode Available
🛟 Support Options
- ✓ Email Support
💰 Pricing
Free tier: The app and program are completely free.
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