Raine, Julie 
  
ABSTRACT 
"XIX Congress of the International Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ISPRS)" 
Title of Abstract: Studying Earth Change with NASA's Scientific Data Buy Program 
Session: 
Key words: 
Author: 
Julie A. Raine e: jraine(a)possys.com 
Product Manager phone) 406-862-7745 
Positive Systems, Inc. Fax) 406-862-7759 
Whitefish, Montana, USA 
Abstract 
This paper will review the work being performed around the world by commercial 
vendors for the United States’ National Aeronautical and Space Administration (NASA) 
Earth Science Enterprise (ESE) Program. 
The Program: 
The Scientific Data Buy (SDB) is a demonstration program developed in response to the 
US President's Space Policy, directing NASA to purchase remote sensing data from the 
private sector. Initiated in fiscal year 1997, the SDB was funded under the Earth Science 
Enterprise (ESE) Program to provide scientific data to the ESE science community. 
The Goal: 
The $50 million program is an opportunity to advance global-systems research, to 
strengthen the World economy through development of remote sensing technologies, and 
to test a new way of doing business. 
The Players: 
NASA has contracted with the following Commercial Vendors for data collection 
services: 
* AstroVision 
* EarthSat, Inc. 
* EarthWatch, Inc. 
* Positive Systems, Inc. 
* Space Imaging - EOSAT 
Types of Tasks: 
Below is a sample ofthe various types of projects being studied under the SDB program: 
1)*High Resolution, Multispectral, Aerial Remote Sensing Project for Crop Studies": 
The Red River Valley in North Dakota is one of the largest producers of sugar beets. A 
NASA Scientist has undertaken a study to address some of the critical factors that affect 
beet production in the region and provide crucial remote sensing derived information to 
the growers to assist in production planning. 
  
1210 International Archives of Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing. Vol. XXXIII, Part B7. Amsterdam 2000.