DISCS - Drought Information

Functionality & Mechanism

Developed at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center, the DISCS system facilitates a bidirectional exchange of drought-related information. Citizen scientists submit geolocated reports that include crop type, vegetation condition, soil moisture observations, and photographic evidence. The interface integrates these ground-truth observations with satellite-derived data products for user viewing. These products include U.S. Drought Monitor maps, NOAA rainfall data, and NASA soil moisture and vegetation health models, contextualizing user submissions within a broader scientific framework.

Evidence & Research Context

• The system was developed by NASA to address the critical need for ground-truth observations to validate satellite-based remote sensing data for drought monitoring.
• Associated research details its function as a tool for bidirectional information exchange between the scientific community and agricultural stakeholders.
• The project's stated aim is to enhance the accuracy of national drought assessments by integrating localized citizen science data with large-scale environmental models.

Intended Use & Scope

The system is designed for citizen scientists, agricultural stakeholders, and weather enthusiasts to contribute to and access drought monitoring data. Its primary utility is as a research-grade data collection tool and an informational resource. The app is not a predictive agricultural tool or a substitute for professional farm management and advisory services.