Introduction to using Earth data with Python

Instructor: Rebekah Esmaili

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This workshop will cover:

• How access Earth datasets
• Importing netCDF files, a scientific data formats, using the xarray package
• Creating simple graphics with the Matplotlib package
• Creating a map using the Cartopy package

This code is interactive! Click:

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Prerequisites

A basic understanding of Python. A basic understanding of jupyter notebooks is recommended. You will need to know how to import packages, subset data, and use matplotlib, numpy and pandas.

Installation requirements

"I am really new to Python!"

• I recommend launching binder, which is a "cloud version" of this course. No installation required!

• Need help with Binder? Video tutorial on YouTube.

"I have used Python before!"

• If you wish to run the examples locally, I recommend installing Anaconda.
• Need help installing Anaconda? Video tutorial on YouTube.
• Download the contents of the GitHub repository to your computer.
• Launch Jupyter Notebooks from the Anaconda Navigator. This will open a window in your default browser. Navigate to the folder that contains the notebooks (*.ipynb) and click on the tutorial for the day.
• New to Jupyter? Here's a video tutorial on YouTube.
• Additional packages:
  • Launch the Anaconda Prompt (Windows) or Terminal (MacOS/Linux). Then copy/paste and hit enter:

    conda install -c conda-forge cartopy
    

  • If there are no errors, then you are set-up!
  • Alternatively, if you are familiar with environments, you can use the environments.yml to install the necessary packages.

I do not recommend:

• Using Python on a remote server for this tutorial (I cannot help troubleshoot)
• Using your operating system's Python or a shared Python installations unless you are advanced!

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Course Philosophy

• Increase accessibility of satellite data and analysis
• Teach Python using practical examples and real-world datasets
• Promote reproducible and transparent scientific research

Other Resources

• Learn more about other Earth datasets via The NOAA Physical Sciences Lab, NASA EarthData and NOAA NCEI
• Learn more about Python for Atmosphere and Ocean Scientists using Software Carpentry lesson plans.
• I have a longer workshop on Python for Earth Science with Rebekah
• Request copy of my book Earth Observation using Python through inter library loan from your university library!