From Table Top to Task Force-NOAA Pathfinders help move information into action

The National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service (NESDIS) is the data services arm of NOAA. In 2023 NESDIS developed a user engagement policy and user engagement council charter to apply enterprise approaches that coordinate efforts aimed to enable an enhanced portfolio of Earth observation products and services that address user needs. One of NESDIS’ strategic objectives is to provide consistent, ongoing enterprise-wide user engagement to ensure timely response to user needs. In order for NESDIS to inform everyday decisions. User engagement is an evidenced based discipline supporting the NESDIS mission life cycles, products portfolio management and the NESDIS 5-year plan.

The NOAA Pathfinder Initiative is a volunteer effort, where customers/users from society help NOAA co-develop end to end value chains by bringing local decision-makers from the city, county, and state levels to understand how NOAA information informs day to day operational decisions. In June of 2023, Arizona State University co-led an air quality table top exercise with NESDIS where Heat, PM2.5, AOD, AQI and NowCast were collectively reviewed by Maricopa County to improve translation and messaging of environmental data across Phoenix Offices of Environmental Quality, Human Health, Planning, Transportation, Regulation, Tribal Services and Homeless Services in Phoenix.

This talk will focus on:

• Using TEMPO data as a planning tool for future AOD and air quality from GeoXO
• Collaborating with NWS to co-lead Heat Related task force
• Responding to the 2024 Heat Crisis alongside Emergency management, public health, and NWS.
• Helping NWS plan and understand future climate impacts of heat in Maricopa County