Geomagnetic Observatory Database February 2004

The NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (formerly National Geophysical Data Center) maintains an active database of worldwide geomagnetic observatory data to further the understanding of Earth magnetism and the Sun-Earth environment.Historically, magnetic observatories were established to monitor the secular change (variation), of the Earth's magnetic field, and this remains one of their most important functions. This generally involves absolute measurements sufficient in number to monitor instrumental drift and to produce annual means. Over 70 countries operate more than 200 observatories worldwide. The magnetic observatory data are crucial to the studies of secular change, investigations into the Earth's interior, navigation, communication, and to global modeling efforts. In addition to the continuously operating magnetic observatories, many countries make measurements at temporary magnetic stations (known as repeat stations), over a period of days every 5 - 10 years.The Earth's magnetic field is described by seven parameters. These are declination (D), inclination (I), horizontal intensity (H), vertical intensity (Z), total intensity (F) and the north (X) and east (Y) components of the horizontal intensity. By convention, declination is considered positive when measured east of north, inclination and vertical intensity positive down, X positive north, and Y positive east. The magnetic field observed on Earth is constantly changing.

Data and Resources

Field Value
access_constraints ["Use Constraints: None", "Access Constraints: No Constraints"]
bbox-east-long 180.000000
bbox-north-lat 90.000000
bbox-south-lat -90.000000
bbox-west-long -180.000000
coupled-resource []
dataset-reference-date [{"type": "publication", "value": "1972-01-01"}]
frequency-of-update annually
guid gov.noaa.ngdc.stp.geomag:1806
licence ["While every effort has been made to ensure that these data are accurate and reliable within the limits of the current state of the art, NOAA cannot assume liability for any damages caused by any errors or omissions in the data, nor as a result of the failure of the data to function on a particular system. NOAA makes no warranty, expressed or implied, nor does the fact of distribution constitute such a warranty."]
metadata-date 2015-09-18
metadata-language eng; USA
metadata_type geospatial
progress underDevelopment
resource-type dataset
spatial {"type": "Polygon", "coordinates": [[[-180.0, -90.0], [180.0, -90.0], [180.0, 90.0], [-180.0, 90.0], [-180.0, -90.0]]]}
spatial_harvester true
temporal-extent-begin 1800-01-01
Groups
  • AmeriGEOSS
  • National Provider
  • North America
Tags
  • amerigeo
  • amerigeoss
  • ckan
  • earth-science
  • geo
  • geomagnetic-forecasts
  • geomagnetic-indices
  • geomagnetic-induction
  • geomagnetism
  • geoss
  • global
  • magnetic-anomalies
  • magnetic-declination
  • magnetic-inclination
  • magnetic-intensity
  • magnetic-models
  • magnetic-observatory
  • magnetic-survey
  • magnetic-total-intensity
  • magnetospheric-science
  • national
  • north-america
  • paleomagnetism
  • reference-fields
  • secular-change
  • solid-earth
  • united-states
isopen False
metadata_created 2025-11-21T16:22:43.268064
metadata_modified 2025-11-21T16:22:43.268068
notes The NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (formerly National Geophysical Data Center) maintains an active database of worldwide geomagnetic observatory data to further the understanding of Earth magnetism and the Sun-Earth environment.Historically, magnetic observatories were established to monitor the secular change (variation), of the Earth's magnetic field, and this remains one of their most important functions. This generally involves absolute measurements sufficient in number to monitor instrumental drift and to produce annual means. Over 70 countries operate more than 200 observatories worldwide. The magnetic observatory data are crucial to the studies of secular change, investigations into the Earth's interior, navigation, communication, and to global modeling efforts. In addition to the continuously operating magnetic observatories, many countries make measurements at temporary magnetic stations (known as repeat stations), over a period of days every 5 - 10 years.The Earth's magnetic field is described by seven parameters. These are declination (D), inclination (I), horizontal intensity (H), vertical intensity (Z), total intensity (F) and the north (X) and east (Y) components of the horizontal intensity. By convention, declination is considered positive when measured east of north, inclination and vertical intensity positive down, X positive north, and Y positive east. The magnetic field observed on Earth is constantly changing.
num_resources 3
num_tags 27
title Geomagnetic Observatory Database February 2004