The Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) visible, thermal, and elevation satellite data are distributed by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)’s Land Processes Distributed Active Archive Center (LP DAAC). In 2016, the LP DAAC began distributing Terra ASTER data over the entire globe at no charge and there is even more exciting news on the horizon!

The recent policy change has provoked questions in the user community about using ASTER data with Open Street Map and the LP DAAC is here to answer those questions. During this presentation, the LP DAAC will explore the ASTER satellite sensor, types of ASTER data, and how to access the data. There will also be discussion on the recent distribution policy change and how the ASTER Global Digital Elevation Model (GDEM) (ASTGTM) distribution policy will change in the near future with ASTER GDEM Version 3.