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Cloud Data Systems

cloud with EarthScope logo, binary numbers going into it from the left, the word "science" coming out to the right

The EarthScope-operated data systems of the NSF GAGE and SAGE Facilities are migrating to cloud services. With this transition comes new capabilities for users to use cloud computing for their own work, which will now be an incredibly powerful and efficient way to access these data archives.

We want to help those in the community who would like to learn the skills to take full advantage of cloud computing — an effort we call the Cloud On-Ramp. That includes both development of new tools and informational resources. In addition to the work on the data archives, a Jupyter-based notebook hub called GeoLab is being built to provide an entry point for data discovery and cloud workflows, as well as to facilitate training. Technical courses, tutorials, and documentation are being created to help you get started, and we’ll continue to expand these resources with your feedback.

You can bookmark this page and join our mailing lists for announcements and releases. We will be soliciting feedback along the way but if you have any questions now, contact us and ask.

infographic titled "Cloud On-Ramp Construction", top progress bar represents data systems and notes that progress goes from lifting existing data systems into the cloud to power up data architecture for full cloud capabilities, with benefits ranging from existing services and workflows preserved to new data query capabilities added to scalable computing adjacent to data supported; second progress bar labeled "GeoLab JupyterHub" noting progress from open access to a shared jupyterhub to geolab leverages cloud-ntaive data analysis methods, with a benefit of a platform for reproducibility and collaboration; third progress bar titled "Training and Documentation" with progress from introductory information to initial training opportunities to full how-to resources, and an identified benefit of the community being equipped for cloud computing.
Here’s where we are currently in the on-ramp effort, and what we’re heading towards. We have a short video expanding on this graphic here.

News Updates

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I still be able to download data as I have in the past?

Yes, your existing workflows will not be interrupted. The use of cloud computing is simply an additional option that can benefit from our new cloud-optimized data architecture. Visit the Data page to find your way to current data access tools.

Are these new cloud capabilities available now?

While many data systems have migrated to cloud operations, the new capabilities we’re talking about are not yet available—see the “Cloud On-Ramp Construction” graphic above.

Will I have to create and manage my own cloud environment?

We will be hosting a notebook hub for the community to use, which will support exploration, prototyping, and small scale data analysis. For very large data analysis workflows, those not composable in a notebook, etc., a dedicated cloud environment might be necessary, and we will help researchers navigate this option.

earthscope logo peeks out behind clouds in photo

Sign up for Emails

To receive updates about new features and informational resources, sign up for our General Announcements email list. For detailed data system status updates, you can also sign up for the Data Announcements list.