Websites
Websites which are useful for open-source geospatial knowledge and offer various resources, tools, and a community for those interested in open-source geospatial technologies are given here.
International Websites
NASA Earthdata https://www.earthdata.nasa.gov
NASA Earthdata provides access to NASA’s Earth science data, tools and resources covering areas such as atmosphere, biosphere, climate, land, oceans, cryosphere and terrestrial hydrology. Its Earthdata Search platform enables users to discover Earth observation datasets using spatial, temporal and thematic filters.
World Bank -Geospatial Resources https://www.worldbank.org/
The World Bank uses geospatial information and location-based analysis to support development planning and decision-making. Its work demonstrates applications of geospatial technologies in areas such as climate change, environment, infrastructure, agriculture, urban development and poverty reduction.
UN Geospatial https://www.un.org/geospatial/
UN Geospatial supports the use of geospatial information, mapping and location intelligence across the United Nations system. It demonstrates how geospatial technologies contribute to sustainable development, humanitarian action, peace and security, and evidence-based decision-making.
European Space Agency https://www.esa.int/
ESA manages open data programs including the Sentinel satellite missions under Copernicus, providing free Earth observation data. Their platform supports scientific research, environmental monitoring, and policy-making worldwide. ESA actively promotes open standards and community engagement in geospatial technologies.
Copernicus—Europe’s Earth Observation Programme https://www.copernicus.eu
Copernicus offers openly accessible satellite data focused on environmental monitoring and climate action. It provides user-friendly tools and APIs to access data on land, ocean, atmosphere, and emergency management. The program is managed by the European Union with a strong open data policy to support research and innovation.
Group on Earth Observations https://earthobservations.org
GEO is a global partnership promoting open access to Earth observation data to support sustainable development goals. It coordinates international efforts to build a Global Earth Observation System of Systems (GEOSS) with an open data ethos. GEO enables collaboration among governments, researchers, and citizens through openly available resources.
Committee on Earth Observation Satellites https://ceos.org/
The Committee on Earth Observation Satellites (CEOS) is an international organization that coordinates civil space-based Earth observation programs and promotes the exchange of data to optimize societal benefit. Established in 1984, CEOS comprises 34 national space agencies as regular members and 29 associate members, including prominent organizations such as NASA, ESA, ISRO, and JAXA. CEOS focuses on enhancing international coordination and data exchange to support informed decision-making for a sustainable and prosperous future
NOAA Office of Satellite and Product Operations (OSPO) | https://www.ospo.noaa.gov
NOAA OSPO offers free access to satellite data primarily for weather, climate, and environmental monitoring. It supports open data principles by providing operational satellite information for public use. The office’s data helps researchers, meteorologists, and emergency responders worldwide.
United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) | https://www.unoosa.org
UNOOSA fosters international cooperation in the peaceful use of outer space and promotes open access to space science information. It provides open resources, policy frameworks, and capacity building to enable global space-based applications. UNOOSA emphasizes equitable access to space technologies and data for sustainable development.
Humanitarian Openstreet Map Team (HOT) https://www.hotosm.org/
The Humanitarian OpenStreetMap Team (HOT) uses open mapping and geospatial technologies to support humanitarian response, disaster preparedness and sustainable development. Its global community works with local contributors and organisations to create and improve maps where reliable geographic information is needed.
Geo for Good https://www.geoforgood.org/
Geo for Good brings together people and organisations using geospatial technologies to address environmental and social challenges. It highlights applications of mapping, Earth observation and geospatial analysis for conservation, climate action, sustainability and humanitarian work.
UN-SPIDER (United Nations Platform for Space-based Information for Disaster Management and Emergency Response) | https://www.un-spider.org
UN-SPIDER is a UN initiative that provides open access to space-based data for disaster management and emergency response. It offers tools, knowledge resources, and capacity-building materials to use satellite data effectively. The platform encourages open collaboration to reduce disaster risks globally.
Indian Government & Space Resources
Survey of India
https://surveyofindia.gov.in
Survey of India is the national mapping agency of India and provides information related to surveying, mapping, geospatial data and national spatial data infrastructure. The website is an important reference for understanding India’s official mapping framework, geospatial datasets and surveying activities.
India-WRIS – India Water Resources Information System https://indiawris.gov.in
India-WRIS provides geospatial information and datasets related to India’s water resources. The portal brings together information on rivers, reservoirs, groundwater, rainfall, water quality and other water-resource parameters to support research, planning and decision-making.
MOSDAC – Meteorological and Oceanographic Satellite Data Archival Centre
https://www.mosdac.gov.in
MOSDAC is an ISRO data portal providing access to meteorological and oceanographic satellite data, products and information. It is useful for learning and research in weather, climate, oceanography, disaster management and environmental monitoring.
VEDAS – Visualisation of Earth Observation Data and Archival System https://vedas.sac.gov.in
VEDAS is an ISRO geoportal developed by the Space Applications Centre that provides visualization and access to Earth observation-based information and thematic applications. It supports applications related to natural resources, agriculture, environment, disaster management and other geospatial domains.
Bhoonidhi – ISRO Satellite Data Portal https://bhoonidhi.nrsc.gov.in
Bhoonidhi provides access to an extensive archive of remote sensing data from Indian and international satellites, including IRS, Landsat, Sentinel, NovaSAR and NISAR datasets. It enables users to search, visualize and download satellite data and provides resources, processing tools and documentation for Earth observation applications.
ISRO – Indian Space Research Organisation | https://www.isro.gov.in
ISRO is India’s premier space agency that provides free access to satellite imagery and Earth observation data through platforms like Bhuvan. It plays a crucial role in advancing space technology and applications for societal benefits, including agriculture, disaster management, and urban planning. ISRO supports open access to many datasets and tools to encourage research and innovation.
Bhuvan – ISRO Geoportal https://bhuvan.nrsc.gov.in
Bhuvan is India’s open geoportal providing free satellite imagery, thematic maps, and analytical tools developed by ISRO’s NRSC. It supports a wide range of applications from environmental monitoring to disaster management. Bhuvan encourages open data use, allowing researchers and the public to access geospatial information easily.
NRSC – National Remote Sensing Centre https://www.nrsc.gov.in
NRSC, a part of ISRO, focuses on remote sensing data acquisition and dissemination with an emphasis on open access. It provides satellite data services and geospatial applications for agriculture, forestry, water resources, and more. NRSC promotes capacity building and knowledge sharing through open tools and platforms.
Geospatial Analysis & Learning
Google Earth Engine https://earthengine.google.com
Google Earth Engine is a planetary-scale platform for analysing satellite imagery and other geospatial datasets. It provides access to a large public data catalogue and enables users to perform large-scale environmental and Earth observation analyses using JavaScript and Python.
Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC) https://www.ogc.org
OGC is an international consortium that develops open standards for geospatial data interoperability. Its standards enable free and easy sharing of spatial data and services across different platforms. OGC fosters a global community around open-source geospatial technologies and hosts webinars, documentation, and open projects.
Spatial Thoughts https://spatialthoughts.com
Spatial Thoughts is an open educational platform offering free and paid training materials for QGIS, Google Earth Engine, and Python-based geospatial analysis. Founded by Ujaval Gandhi, it promotes practical and accessible geospatial learning, especially for beginners and educators. The platform also hosts regular workshops and curated courses with openly licensed content.
Geospatial News, Industry & Policy
My Coordinates.com http://mycoordinates.org
MyCoordinates is an open-access monthly magazine focused on geospatial technology, GNSS, positioning, and Earth observation. It provides expert insights, interviews, and perspectives from global professionals and researchers. A valuable platform for staying informed on policy, science, and application trends in the geospatial domain.
Geospatial World https://www.geospatialworld.net
Geospatial World is a comprehensive media and knowledge platform covering geospatial policies, technologies, and industry applications. It features news, reports, interviews, and event coverage, including the popular Geospatial World Forum. The portal plays a significant role in shaping geospatial discourse globally, especially in emerging markets like India.