Datacasting V3.0 provides an RSS-based feed mechanism for publishing the availability of Earth science data records in real time. It also provides a utility for subscribing to these feeds and sifting through all the items in an automatic manner to identify and download the data records that are required for a specific application.
Datacasting is a method by which multiple data providers can publish the availability of new Earth science data and users download those files that meet a predefined need; for example, to only download data files related to a specific earthquake or region on the globe.
Datacasting is a server-client architecture. The server-side software is used by data providers to create and publish the metadata about recently available data according to the Datacasting RSS (Really Simple Syndication) specification. The client software subscribes to the Datacasting RSS and other RSS-based feeds. By configuring filters associated with feeds, data consumers can use the client to identify and automatically download files that meet a specific need.
On the client side, a Datacasting feed reader monitors the server for new feeds. The feed reader will be tuned by the user, via a graphical user interface (GUI), to examine the content of the feeds and initiate a data pull after some criteria are satisfied. The criteria might be, for example, to download sea surface temperature data for a particular region that has cloud cover less than 50% and during daylight hours. After the granule is downloaded to the client, the user will have the ability to visualize the data in the GUI.
Based on the popular concept of podcasting, which gives listeners the capability to download only those MP3 files that match their preference, Earth science Datacasting will give users a method to download only the Earth science data files that are required for a particular application.
This work was done by Andrew W. Bingham, Sean W. McCleese, Robert G. Deen, Nga T. Chung, and Timothy M. Stough of Caltech for NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory.
This software is available for commercial licensing. Please contact Dan Broderick at
This Brief includes a Technical Support Package (TSP).
Datacasting V3.0
(reference NPO-48048) is currently available for download from the TSP library.
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Overview
The document is a Technical Support Package for Datacasting V3.0, developed by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) at the California Institute of Technology. It serves as a comprehensive guide to the capabilities and applications of Datacasting technology, particularly in the context of aerospace-related developments.
Datacasting is a method of transmitting data over the internet using RSS (Really Simple Syndication) feeds, which provide updates about new content on the web. The document explains that GeoRSS, an extension of RSS, incorporates geolocation information, allowing users to access data related to specific geographic events, such as natural disasters. DatacastingRSS builds on this by adding arbitrary descriptions of new data, such as scientific metadata associated with satellite observations, like those from the MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) satellite.
The document outlines the capabilities of the Datacasting Feed Reader, which enables researchers to subscribe to various feeds, filter items based on customizable criteria, download relevant data files, and cross-correlate different feeds. This functionality is crucial for integrating real-time information and discovering similar datasets, enhancing the research process in fields such as environmental monitoring and disaster response.
Additionally, the document includes an agenda that highlights key topics such as background information, cross-feed correlation, and the Datacasting Event Viewer, which is likely a tool for visualizing and interacting with the data received through Datacasting.
The Technical Support Package emphasizes the importance of making aerospace-related developments accessible for broader technological, scientific, or commercial applications. It encourages collaboration and innovation by providing contact information for further assistance and resources available through NASA's Innovative Partnerships Office.
Overall, the document serves as a valuable resource for researchers and technologists interested in leveraging Datacasting technology for various applications, particularly in the realm of real-time data integration and analysis. It reflects NASA's commitment to advancing technology and fostering partnerships that can lead to significant advancements in aerospace and related fields.
