International Satellite Cloud Climatology Project (ISCCP)
Central Archive (ICA)

Introduction:

ICA Functions:

• Quality control and archive ISCCP level B1, B2, B3, BT, C and D data from other ISCCP centers;

• Maintain a database of SPC and ICA tapes;

• Communicate with other ISCCP centers as required;

• Provide monthly progress reports to the GPC;

• Update, print, and distribute the ISCCP Catalog of Data and Products yearly or as deemed necessary by the ISCCP Project Manager.

The ISCCP Catalog of Data and Products (September 1998 version)

Data and products available from the ICA, include B1 data (nominally 10 km resolution visible (VIS) and infrared (IR) data at three hour intervals for geostationary satellites, and global 4 km resolution data for polar orbiting satellites), B3 data (nominally 30 km resolution data with supporting information), and C and D Cloud Climatology Products. Supporting information, such as intercalibration and satellite history information, is also available from the ICA.

All data tapes provided by the ICA will be accompanied by detailed documentation describing the contents and formats of the data tapes.

Click here to go to the online version of the current ISCCP Catalog of Data and Products

How to Order ISCCP Products and Data from the ICA:

Frequently, orders contain incomplete or ambiguous information, which results in delays or improper filling of orders. Proper identification of desired data on magnetic tapes is important because of the high data densities frequently encountered and the large volumes of tapes. The following information should be furnished in preparing orders for data to ensure timely and correct completion:

• ISCCP Volume ID (if known)
• Date(s) of Interest
• Time(s) in GMT
• Geographic Area and Coordinates
• Type of Data Products: B1, B2, B3, BT, C1, C2, D1, D2, IS, TV
• Satellite (if known and applicable)
• Channel Type or Numbers (if channel select option is desired; applicable to polar orbiter B1-data only)
• Density (IBM 3480 cartridge; 4 mm DAT; or 8 mm Exabyte tape)

Although the ICA is physically located in Suitland, MD, representatives of the NCDC/CSD's Satellite Services Group in Asheville, NC will take telephone orders and inquiries from approximately 0730 to 1630 Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. holidays) at 828-271-4850 option #5, via email at satorder@ncdc.noaa.gov, or by fax to 828-271-4876.

Payment is to be made in U.S. funds only in the form of a check or money order made out to "Commerce/NOAA/NCDC", or VISA or MASTERCARD. Repeat users are urged to set up an account with the NCDC (minimum deposit of $1000) to draw upon.

Orders not accompanied by pre-payment will not be processed until full payment is received. U.S. Federal Government Agencies must supply a Purchase Order or MIPR (USA Dept. of Defense contract) with each request.

NOAA organizations must furnish a valid organization code and task number to be billed.

Completed orders are sent via regular mail to domestic customers and via Air Mail to overseas customers; orders valued at more than $250 (U.S.) are sent Registered or Certified Mail. There is also the capability to deliver orders to most areas of the United States, some Canadian locations, and major cities in most foreign countries, by several different express delivery companies (overnight or two to three days). If any of these express delivery services are requested by the data user, the customer will assume all delivery charges. Delivery to foreign nations can also be made through each nation's Scientific Attaché located at their embassy in Washington, D.C. Such formal arrangements must be requested by the user directly through their Scientific Attaché.

For additional information, price quotation, or order placement, contact:

Digital Tape Products Price List (FY00)

PLEASE NOTE:

• The above prices are subject to change. Written price quotations by NCDC are valid for 60 days.

• All data sales are final. NCDC will guarantee readability of all tapes if returned prepaid within 60 days in original condition.

• An additional fee of $11/output tape plus $11 for shipping and handling, will be charged for each tape order processed.

• Charges for ftp have not yet been established, but will be considerably lower than tape costs.

ISCCP Data Volume

TYPE OF DATA	DATA VOLUME/TIME PERIOD
B3	1.1 Gbytes/data month for global coverage
BT	0.9 Gbytes/data year
C1	216 Mbytes/data month
C2	4 Mbytes/data month
D1	320 Mbytes/data month
D2	7.5 Mbytes/data month
DX	5 Gbytes/data month for global coverage
IS	6 Mbytes/data year
TV	78 Mbytes/data year

This Web page is maintained by Kathy Kidwell
NOAA/NESDIS
National Climatic Data Center (NCDC)
Climate Services Division
Satellite Services Branch
Tel: 301-457-5100 x106
Email: kkidwell@ncdc.noaa.gov
Updated January 23, 2001