What's Happening?
NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) and the University of Alaska Fairbanks have introduced a new capability for generating ARIA Sentinel-1 Geocoded Unwrapped Interferogram (GUNW) products on demand
through the Vertex data portal. This initiative, part of the Advanced Rapid Imaging and Analysis (ARIA) project, aims to support a wide range of geophysical and hazard applications, including monitoring earthquakes, volcanoes, and land subsidence. The ARIA-S1-GUNW products are high-quality, geocoded interferograms available in NetCDF format, complete with metadata and correction layers for atmospheric, orbital, and noise effects. The new on-demand processing platform allows users to generate interferograms for spatial extents and time pairings not currently available in the archive, thereby expanding the number of products accessible to researchers and scientists.
Why It's Important?
The introduction of on-demand ARIA-S1-GUNW products significantly enhances the ability of scientists and researchers to monitor and analyze Earth's surface changes. By providing high-quality geospatial data, this development supports disaster response efforts and scientific research, offering critical insights into tectonic activities and other geophysical phenomena. The expanded access to these products through the Vertex platform underscores NASA's commitment to open, user-driven data services, facilitating more comprehensive and timely analyses. This capability is particularly valuable for regions prone to natural disasters, enabling better preparedness and response strategies.
What's Next?
As the integration of ARIA-S1-GUNW On Demand into the Vertex platform progresses, researchers can expect increased availability of interferogram products for various geophysical applications. The ongoing migration of NASA Earth science data sites into Earthdata will continue until the end of 2026, potentially offering even broader access to valuable geospatial data. Stakeholders in disaster management, scientific research, and environmental monitoring are likely to leverage these enhanced data services to improve their analytical capabilities and response strategies.
Beyond the Headlines
The development of on-demand ARIA-S1-GUNW products reflects a broader trend towards cloud-based geospatial data services, which are becoming increasingly important in the field of Earth sciences. This shift not only facilitates more efficient data processing and analysis but also democratizes access to critical scientific resources, allowing a wider range of users to engage with and benefit from advanced geospatial technologies.
