Earth observation gives us an extraordinary view of a constantly changing planet. Satellites sweep across the globe collecting imagery and measurements, while ocean sensors, research vessels and computer models add yet more detail. The challenge is turning that torrent of data into something we can actually explore and understand.
That is where this software comes in. These tools help transform raw observations into maps, images, models and useful scientific results. They can reveal patterns hidden in satellite imagery, examine the colour and condition of the oceans, follow particles and drifting objects across the water, and recreate the movement of currents, turbulence and other fluid processes.
There is plenty here for oceanographers, Earth scientists, remote-sensing specialists, environmental researchers and geospatial analysts. The software also has practical uses far beyond the laboratory, including monitoring coastlines, studying marine pollution, tracking environmental change, supporting fisheries research and helping us understand the forces shaping our oceans and atmosphere.
Some of the tools are geared towards interactive exploration and visualisation. Others are built for heavyweight processing, automated workflows and large datasets. Together they offer an impressive open source toolbox for examining our planet from high above the clouds to deep beneath the waves.
Here’s our verdict captured in a legendary LinuxLinks-style ratings chart. Only free and open source software is eligible for inclusion here.
Click the links below to learn more about each tool.
| Earth Observation and Ocean Science Tools | |
|---|---|
| OpenDrift | Models drifting objects and particles in the ocean |
| SNAP | Processes and analyses satellite Earth observation data |
| Orfeo ToolBox | Powerful toolkit for large-scale remote sensing image analysis and processing |
| SeaDAS | NASA toolkit for processing, visualising and analysing ocean colour imagery |
| Oceananigans | High-performance framework for simulating ocean turbulence and fluid dynamics |
 Explore our carefully curated directory of recommended free and open source software, covering every major software category.The directory forms part of our extensive collection of articles for Linux enthusiasts. It includes hundreds of detailed reviews, together with free and open source alternatives to proprietary software from companies such as Google, Microsoft, Apple, Adobe, IBM, Cisco, Oracle, and Autodesk. LinuxLinks also covers interesting projects worth exploring, Linux-compatible hardware, free programming books and tutorials, and much more. Know a useful free and open source Linux application that we haven’t covered? Tell us about it using our submission form. |
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