Diseases/Epidemics Data Pathfinder (DE-Pathfinder)

The Diseases/Epidemics Data Pathfinder (DE-Pathfinder) is one of several Data Pathfinders NASA designed to help guide users through the process of selecting and using application-specific datasets from NASA’s Earth science data collections. It is the result of collaboration with other federal entities and international space organizations to provide information to help understand how environmental changes can lead to disease emergence, transmission, and outbreaks. Remote sensing data are used to map, monitor, and predict areas or regions at risk for disease outbreaks. Satellite imagery, coupled with ground-based data, aids in understanding many natural phenomena and human behaviors. The data products, which are openly available, have been used to understand disease outbreaks such as malaria, Rift Valley fever, and COVID-19, and how changes in human behavior are having impacts on the environment. The World Health Organization notes that disease outbreaks are often associated with environmental conditions. Changes in water and air quality, temperature, and precipitation for example, can affect disease transmission.