German Remote Sensing Data Center (DFD)

The DFD building in Oberpfaffenhofen

Director: Prof. Dr. Stefan Dech

DFD Overview

DFD is concerned with the reception, processing, archiving, distribution and utilization of earth observation data. In addition to applied research objectives, DFD is expert in developing and assuring the operational performance of information technology systems. Its technical expertise is concentrated in the following areas:

• Reception of data from earth observation satellites. For this purpose DFD operates both stationary antenna facilities in Germany and transportable receiving systems able to record data from remote regions worldwide;
• Long-term data archiving in the National Remote Sensing Data Library (NRSDL). Via the Internet this data can be accessed, ordered, and in some cases directly downloaded;
• Development of innovative methods, products and services for gaining practical information from remote sensing data for environmental protection and planning, sustainable development, climate and atmospheric research, civil security, and rapid mapping for natural disasters and in the context of humanitarian aid activities
• Encouraging the utilization of data in cooperation with partners in science, education, government and industry.

As a DLR research institution, DFD is firmly embedded in European and international space infrastructures. It acts on behalf of the European Space Agency (ESA) as a data and processing center for European and international earth observation missions. It is also a partner of NASA in other missions.

DFD operates dedicated user services, such as the Center for Satellite Based Crisis Information (ZKI), the GeoVisualization Center (GeoVIS), the World Data Center for Remote Sensing of the Atmosphere (WDC-RSAT) and jointly with IMF an Optical Airborne Remote Sensing and Calibration Facility. DFD cooperates closely with institutions of higher learning. A professorship and a dedicated scientific working group in remote sensing have been established in Würzburg University’s Department of Geography. Practical training and internships for diploma and doctoral candidates are offered in geographic and engineering disciplines at DFD. Course curricula for schools are also planned.

A simplified presentation of DFD activities puts them into two major fields of competence:

• Engineering and operation of the integrated DLR payload ground segment for earth observation missions
• Methodological research and applications.

The work of the integrated payload ground segment takes place in the units:

• National Ground Segment (DFD-BN, Neustrelitz)
• International Ground Segment (DFD-BI) and
• Information Technology (DFD-IT).

Methodological research and applications activities take place in the units:

• Environment and Security (DFD-US and Würzburg University unit)
• Climate and Atmospheric Products (DFD-KA) and
• Science Communication and Visualization (DFD-WV).