The JAXA Earth Data initiative provides public access to satellite data products from the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). It offers two main types of data: standard products, which are validated and distributed via the G-Portal, and research products, which are higher-level datasets still under development. These datasets cover a wide range of Earth observation missions, including GCOM-C, GPM, GOSAT, and ALOS. Users can access data for applications such as climate monitoring, disaster response, and environmental research.

Prerequisites:

• Capability to process EO data

• Procurement pathway

• Partner support as needed

• Data policy (open by default preferred)

• Cybersecurity, data protection, and continuity planning

Cost:

• Ballpark: USD 10k–100k/yr

• Includes: data storage, IT/cloud infrastructure, data analytics

Timeframe:

• Overall: 6–12 mo

• Phase: scoping & identification of relevant datasets (1–3 mo), technical integration & access setup (2–4 mo), training & operationalisation (3–6 mo)

Pros:

• Cost Effectiveness - Improves allocation of financial resources, maximizing impact while minimizing waste

• Leveraging Open Resources - Provides comprehensive coverage useful for monitoring large-scale phenomena like climate change

• Fomenting Development - Fosters innovation by providing resources without financial constraints

Considerations:

• Limited customization - free data may not always meet user needs in terms of resolution, frequency or type of data

• Dependency - Reliant on external providers

• Security - Not suitable for uses requiring high security standards