Trustworthiness
We characterize uncertainty so our maps are honest about what they can and cannot show.
About
About Kesterline Institute
An independent institute turning satellite and sensor data into open, trustworthy tools.
Kesterline Institute is an independent research institute turning Earth-observation data into open, trustworthy tools for environmental monitoring, land management, and disaster response.
The institute analyzes openly available satellite and sensor data rather than operating satellites of its own, and it publishes documented datasets, pipelines, and uncertainty estimates so its results can be checked and reused.
Our mission
Kesterline turns Earth-observation data into transparent, well-documented tools for environmental monitoring, land management, and disaster response — and works to make those tools open and reproducible.
Principles
How we work
Openness
We publish data, pipelines, and code so others can reproduce and extend our work.
Public value
We prioritize work that helps environment, land, and disaster-response decisions.
History
Milestones
2013
Institute founded
Kesterline is established in Boulder to turn Earth-observation data into open tools.
2016
Calibrating for Confidence
A foundational report on calibration and validation is published.
2019
Open Land-Change Toolkit
An open, documented land-change workflow is released.
2021
Canberra annex opens
An Asia-Pacific annex supports regional collaboration.
2023
Uncertainty You Can See
Kesterline publishes methods for communicating map uncertainty.
2026
Water monitoring program
A cross-lab program focuses on surface water and drought.
Governance
How we are governed
Kesterline is an independent, nonprofit institute governed by a board of directors and advised by a scientific advisory board. Data and tools are released under open, well-documented policies.
11Board of directors
5Scientific advisors
2Locations
100%Open toolkits