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Description

This training introduces participants to data and applications of the Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) mission. GPM is an international satellite mission that provides next-generation observations of rain and snow worldwide every three hours. 

Precipitation is the most important source of freshwater, and accurate measurements are crucial in planning water resources for drinking water, agriculture, hydro-power, health, ecosystems, and flood management. The NASA Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) was designed specifically for precipitation remote sensing. Combined with data from other national and international satellites, TRMM provides near-real time measurements as well as 15 years of historical measurements that can be used for a variety of societal applications. The TRMM satellite ceased to collect data on April 15, 2015. 

NASA launched the GPM Mission in February 2014 to ensure continued availability of improved quality, near-global precipitation data for societal applications and environmental decision support.

Prerequisites

Objective

Attendees will be able to access GPM data and products, and import the data into GIS (ArcMAP).

Target Audience

Intended primarily for applied professionals engaged in environmental management.

Course Format

  • Three 1-hour sessions

 

Sessions

Part 1: Course Overview

Tuesday, March 17, 2015

An overview of ARSET, an introduction to precipitation remote sensing, an overview of TRMM, introduction to the GPM mission and sensors, and examples of precipitation data applications.

Materials

  • Part 1 Presentation Slides

Materials in Spanish

  • Diapositivas de la Presentación de Parte 1

Part 2: TRMM/GPM Data Products & Data Access Tools

Tuesday, March 24, 2015

A review of session one, an overview of GPM rainfall data, including data processing levels and data formats, and an overview of GPM data access tools, including a demonstration of GPM data visualization.

Materials

  • Part 2 Presentation Slides

Materials in Spanish

  • Diapositivas de la Presentación de Parte 2

 

Part 3: GPM-IMERG Data, Demonstration of Data Access and GIS Applications

Tuesday, March 31, 2015

A review of sessions one and two, information on GPM-IMERG from guest speaker Dr. George Huffman (NASA-GSFC), a case study using GPM-IMERG Precipitation Data for Hurricane Arthur, and a course summary. 

Materials

  • Part 3 Presentation Slides 
  • Part 3 Homework Assignment

Spanish Materials

  • Diapositivas de la Presentación de Parte 3
  • Tare de Parte 3

Citation

Mehta, A.; Blevins, B.; Huffman, G. (2015). Introduction to Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) Data and Applications. NASA Applied Remote Sensing Training Program (ARSET). https://www.earthdata.nasa.gov/learn/trainings/introduction-global-precipitation-measurement-gpm-data-applications 

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Details

Last Updated

March 2, 2026

Published

March 2, 2026

Data Center/Project

Applied Remote Sensing Training Program (ARSET)