 The directory is part of NASA's Earth Observing System Data and Information System (EOSDIS) and also serves as NASA's contribution to the Committee on Earth Observation Satellites (CEOS), through which it is also known as the International Directory Network (IDN).The international participants contribute descriptions of data and services that are held around the world and have provided valuable guidance in the development and direction of the project over the years.The directory also offers an online metadata authoring tools for those wishing to share knowledge of available data.