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Record Search Query:

Vertex: ASF’s Data Portal
Entry ID: ASF_Vertex

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Summary

Abstract: ASF has developed and deployed a user interface to highlight the contents of the pre-processed ASF SAR Datapool. Vertex is an intuitive user interface that facilitates the search for and visualization of ASF Datapool assets, delivery of relevant metadata about those assets, and facilitates the bulk delivery of those ASF data. Vertex is designed to familiarize users with SAR data without requiring ... any prior knowledge of SAR platforms, beam modes or processing parameters.

Vertex is a one page user interface comprised of functional modals for quick data visualization and access. Required search parameters are limited to a geographic region of interest (Figure 1) or a defined granule list supplied by the user. Initial searching is, by default, all SAR platforms with data archived at ASF, thus maximizing the visibility of all platforms in the ASF archive to all users.

Vertex search returns provide thumbnail imagery of all SAR products, with the exception of RADARSAT-1, and basic metadata for all search results. Within the search results list, you can click anywhere in a given returned cell and access the product profile page (Figure 2) for that particular granule which contains a low resolution browse image, expanded metadata from the return cell, as well as the ability to add processed products to your Download Queue, all without having to be a NASA approved scientist. By scrolling through the search return list, frames are highlighted on the map as you scroll over the returned cells allowing the researcher to gain geographic orientation for any individual granule. Historically, ASF search interfaces have imposed a 1000 granule limitation on search returns which has proven unsatisfactory for many users. In response, Vertex has no numerical limitations such as this, and narrowing the field of search returns relevant to a given scientific question is aided by a suite of platform specific post-search filters.

All satellite borne sensors have a suite of post-search filters specific to orbits, flight directions, off-nadir angles or paths. A textual filter called the “Find” box appears in the top right corner of every search, and allows textual filtering for parameters of interest (Figure 3).

All ASF DAAC users with an approved proposal have full access to download SAR data through Vertex, either as individual granules or via a bulk delivery method available through the download queue. The login modal supports established users’ ability to log in to Vertex with their existing DAAC user ID and password. The registration button within the login modal provides the information on how to acquire a NASA approved account, which grants access to restricted data from the ASF Datapool for download.

The download queue is a great way to manage valuable search results. Either through the profile page or via the return cell itself, a user can add an item directly to the download queue (Figure 4), as well as remove items without having to open the download queue specifically, though removal of granules form the download queue is also an option. The contents of the download queue can be delivered via one of the bulk download clients for the Metalink file format, available through the queue and the ASF bulk download informational page, as a csv file with direct download links, or as a kml file additional for visualization in Google Earth. All data delivered through Vertex is http accessible as zip files for approved users.

Additional features of Vertex include an integrated feedback mechanism, accessible by selecting the Feedback button at the top of the Vertex page. Through this feedback mechanism, users are able to submit feedback directly to the Vertex Google Group, a forum monitored by all members of the ASF staff that are directly working to improve the user experience through Vertex, and which is directly accessible via e-mail at: asf-vertex@googlegroups.com . Of course, users are always welcome to provide feedback via e-mail to uso@asf.alsaka.edu or via phone at 907-474-6166

Related URL

Link: GET SERVICE

Description: Access the ASF’s Data Portal.

Multimedia Sample

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Service Citation

Originators: Alaska Satellite Facility
Title: Vertex: ASF’s Data Portal
Release_Date: 2012
Provider: Alaska Satellite Facility
URL: http://www.asf.alaska.edu/program/sdc/vertex

Service Keywords

DATA ANALYSIS AND VISUALIZATION >VISUALIZATION/IMAGE PROCESSING

DATA MANAGEMENT/DATA HANDLING >SUBSETTING/SUPERSETTING

Science Keywords

LAND SURFACE >LAND USE/LAND COVER >LAND COVER

LAND SURFACE >TOPOGRAPHY

ISO Topic Category

ELEVATION
GEOSCIENTIFIC INFORMATION
IMAGERY/BASE MAPS/EARTH COVER

Platform

ERS-1 >European Remote Sensing Satellite-1

ERS-2 >European Remote Sensing Satellite-2

Instrument

AIRSAR >Airborne Synthetic Aperture Radar

SAR >Synthetic Aperture Radar

PALSAR >Phased Array type L-band Synthetic Aperture Radar

Project

EOSDIS >Earth Observing System Data Information System

ESIP >Earth Science Information Partners Program

ESDIS >Earth Science Data and Information System (ESDIS) Project

Access Constraints There are no constraints for access to the portal.

All ASF DAAC users with an approved proposal have full access to download SAR data through Vertex, either as individual granules or via a bulk delivery method available through the download queue. The login modal supports established users’ ability to log in to Vertex with their existing DAAC user ID and password. The registration button within the login modal provides the information on how to acquire a NASA approved account, which grants access to restricted data from the ASF Datapool for download.

Ancillary Keywords

Data Access
Data Pool
Data Visualization
SAR Data

Service Provider

ASF > Alaska Satellite Facility

Service Organization URL: http://www.asf.alaska.edu/

Service Provider Personnel
Name: ASF DAAC USER SUPPORT Phone: (907) 474-6166 Fax: (907) 474-2665 Email: uso at asf.alaska.edu Contact Address: Alaska Satellite Facility Geophysical Institute University of Alaska Fairbanks PO Box 757320 City: Fairbanks Province or State: AK Postal Code: 99775-7320 Country: USA

Distribution Media

Distribution_Media: Online
Fees: No fees

Personnel

ASF VERTEX SUPPORT
Role: TECHNICAL CONTACT
Email: asf-vertex at googlegroups.com

Creation and Review Dates

SERF Creation Date: 2012-02-21
SERF Last Revision Date: 2012-02-21

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