The course consists of both lectures and labs. The lectures introduce participants to the different types of environmental satellite data, including ocean color, sea surface temperature, sea surface height, salinity, and ocean surface winds.

In the labs, participants are provided with individual workstations where they will use tools developed by the ERD to locate online satellite data at the spatial and temporal coverage appropriate to their needs and download the data into the software of their choice. We generally focus on ArcGIS, Matlab and R, because of the popularity of these software packages, however participants using other software packages are also welcome.

Participants are expected to come to the course with a specific project to work on during the labs. For example, if their project is to merge tagged animal tracks with satellite data, they should bring track data with them. Participants get more out of the workshop if they have specific questions or projects to work on.

The courses are geared towards National Marine Fisheries Service and National Ocean Service scientists, but non-NOAA participants are welcome if space permits. Approximately 200 people have taken this course, with participants from each of the six fisheries science centers, many of the marine sanctuaries, as well as other government agencies such as the US Coast Guard, US Geological Survey and the US Fish and Wildlife Service.

There is no fee associated with the course, but participants are usually responsible for all their travel costs. Occasionally we secure funding to offset some or all of participants’ travel costs.

Typically the courses are held in spring or summer at a location on the West Coast. To be notified about future courses, contact Cara Wilson or sign-up for course updates using the form on this page.