AMFIC-WSDB: A web data base for hosting and easy retrieval of atmospheric data from satellites

 A. K. Georgoulias, K. A. Kourtidis, E. Kosmidis, bT. Despotakis, P. Symeonidis

Abstract. This paper presents the unique features and functionality of the AMFIC Web Satellite Database (AMFIC-WSDB) which was developed within the Air quality Monitoring and Forecasting In China (AMFIC) European Union (EU) project. The method used for the analysis of the SCIAMACHY ENVISAT CH4, CO, NO2 and SO2 satellite data that emerged from the AMFIC work packages, in order to be hosted by the AMFIC-WSBD, is described. Today, there is an increased demand for satellite data not only from specialized users but also from researchers and public institutions for research, management, information and education purposes. The AMFIC-WSDB has been developed to address the need of those users for fast and easy access to atmospheric composition data. Together with the web interface, it constitutes an integrated system, hosting spatially and temporally homogenized satellite products. The main idea behind the AMFIC-WSDB (http://www.amfic.satellite-earth-simulator.com/) is to offer timeseries ascii files through a set of interactive maps. This makes the database ideal not only for those interested in global datasets but also for users interested in specific geographical spots. Data from other state-of-the-art environmental satellite sensors (e.g. MODIS, OMI and GOME-2) could be easily integrated in the database in the future.