The Information Technology component of SGE designs and builds software and hardware tools to transform Earth observation data into information products, available over standard internet protocols.
These data processing and modeling technologies include instrument design, parallel processing techniques, graphic vizualization tools and network-enabled decision support agents and subsystems.

Progress in ecosystem science and advances in remote sensor technology are mutually dependent. On an agency-wide scale, newly deployed sensor platforms such as those developed under NASA's Earth Observing System (EOS) program are enabling surface observations on regional and global scales that have not been previously attainable. However, there are additional needs for specialized sensors that meet unusual requirements for specific missions. Such sensors are typically designed to satisfy stringent criteria that are not attainable with the large-scale general purpose sensors provided by EOS. For example, sensor packages having low weight and volume are required for deployment on small aircraft, unpiloted air vehicles (UAV), and small satellites. Sensor data handling systems enabling near real-time acquisition and processing of images are required for response to natural hazards. Some missions require sensors having unconventional spatial and spectral characteristics.

Engineers and Technicians in the Ecosystem Science and Technology branch utilize a number of communication and telemetry systems ranging from relatively low bandwidth unlicensed, to high bandwidth satellite links. Systems developed include 9.6Kb command and control links, encrypted WiFi data delivery systems, and recently, encrypted Ku and Ka band satellite links, allowing over-the-horizon command and control and data translink and delivery worldwide.

Airborne and space-borne science platforms for deployment of Earthobserving sensors have been primary tools for ecosystem science research. Facility platforms available to the general research community are frequently used Ames Airborne Sensor Facility and agency-wide platforms developed under NASA's Earth Observing System (EOS) program. Additionally, developmental platforms having unusual capabilities have much potential for advancing ecosystem research (ERAST program, UAV-FiRE demonstrations.)