Originally published as an Appendix to: People and Pixels: Linking Remote Sensing and Social Science. Committee on the Human Dimensions of Global Change. (1998) D. Liverman, E. Moran, R. Rindfuss, and P. Stern, eds. National Academy Press

Note: This annotated guide was published in 1998. The links herein are no longer maintained.

The volume and diversity of Earth remote sensing data and the range of applications to social science research are growing rapidly. This annotated guide presents a selected set of information resources and entry points for those interested in exploring and using Earth remote sensing data in interdisciplinary research, applications, and education. It focuses primarily on electronic data and information resources available via the Internet, since these tend to have the most up-to-date information on availability and access.

Within each category, items are listed alphabetically. Suggested starting points for general readers are indicated with an asterisk. The inclusion of commercial data and information resources is not intended as an endorsement of any products or services provided. Given the rapidly expanding wealth of data and information resources, not all interesting and useful sites could be included in this guide. However, a sampling of noteworthy sites of likely interest to social scientists is provided to give potential users a flavor of what is now becoming available. This guide does not attempt to cover the wide range of sites related to Geographic Information Systems or social science data, although many of the sites included here do contain information relevant to these subjects.

Both the content and addresses of Internet sites tend to change over time. The annotations and Internet locations given here reflect the status of sites circa June 1997. Users are encouraged to utilize the lists and search tools given below to obtain current information on existing and new resources.

Users who do not have direct WWW access to the Internet may be able to access many of the data and information resources listed through an electronic mail (e-mail) WWW gateway. Section 6 lists data services of this type.

Basic Information and Documentation on Earth Remote Sensing
Selected Listings of Earth Remote Sensing Data and Information Resources
Selected Remote Sensing Data Catalogs and Search Tools
Selected Earth Remote Sensing Data Systems and Centers
Other Noteworthy Resources Related to Earth Remote Sensing Applications and Education
Selected E-Mail/WWW Gateways

Selection and description of resources represent the views of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of CIESIN, SEDAC, or the U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). This work was supported by NASA Contract NAS5-32632. The author thanks Marie-Lise Shams for assistance in verifying and updating the guide and preparing the online version.