The data services of the EUMETSAT Polar System (EPS) are generated from data provided by the Metop and NOAA polar orbiting satellites. These services include satellite instrument direct readout data and processed products generated from these data. The EUMETCast dissemination system is used to deliver the processed products to users.

The diagram below summarises the Metop/NOAA satellite data services.

The EPS services include:

Direct Readout - satellite instrument data readout  beamed directly to an AHRPT/LRPT reception station located within the view of the passing satellite.

Global Data Service - processed Level 1 and Level 2 products derived from the Metop and NOAA satellite data, with a global geographical coverage and a delivery timeliness of 135 minutes (Level 1) and 180 minutes (Level 2) after the time of measurement.

Regional Data Service - a subset of processed Level 0, Level 1 and Level 2 products derived from the Metop and NOAA satellite data, with a limited geographical coverage, but with an increased delivery timeliness of ca. 30 minutes after the time of measurement. The regional data service is called the EUMETSAT Advanced Retransmission Service (EARS), and comprises ATOVS, AVHRR and ASCAT regional data services.