GSMaP Global Rainfall Map (JAXA)
JAXA's Global Satellite Mapping of Precipitation maps rain around the world every hour; 18,673 registered users in 163 countries and regions (JAXA).
Image: NASA/Goddard (GPM Core Observatory).
Last reviewed: 4 sources cited
Explain Like I'm 10
- GSMaP is a map that shows where it is raining all over the world.
- It mixes data from many satellites and updates every hour.
- Scientists use it to watch rain as it falls and to study climate.
The Five W's of GSMaP
Who
JAXA's Earth Observation Research Center, as Japan's product for the Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) mission.
What
A blend of microwave and A kind of light our eyes can't see that we feel as heat. Special cameras use it to see warm objects and gases. Glossary satellite data giving hourly global rainfall at about 11 x 11 km.
When
Versions date back to 2014; the next major upgrade (V06) is scheduled for October 2026.
Where
Global, with versions for real-time monitoring and for long-term climate study.
Why
A real-time version supports monitoring, and long-term gauge-adjusted versions serve climate studies.
Impact Statement
Agency solution · active
GSMaP had 18,673 registered users from 163 countries and regions as of the end of June 2026 (JAXA).
Source: JAXA EORC, GSMaP talk at IPWG-12 (July 2026)
For Further Information: JAXA EORC, GSMaP talk at IPWG-12 (July 2026)
GSMaP maps rainfall for the whole globe every hour (JAXA).
How This Saves People & the Planet
For People
A real-time version lets users monitor rainfall around the world as it happens (JAXA).
Source: JAXA EORC, GSMaP talk at IPWG-12 (July 2026)
For Nature
Long-term, gauge-adjusted versions support research on how rainfall and climate are changing (JAXA).
Get Involved With GSMaP
Want to go deeper? JAXA has the full GSMaP story.
For Further InformationRelated Solutions
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Help This Work
This is a public mission, so there is nothing to donate. You can explore its free data or join a citizen science project.