This publication provides users with background information on the Nimbus 7 spacecraft and instruments to help them understand, and obtain Nimbus 7 data. The basic spacecraft system operation, mission, and scientific objectives of the Nimbus 7 flight are outlined, followed by a detailed discussion of each of the instruments. The formats, archiving, and access to the data are described in detail since data handling responsibilities denote a major departure from previous data processing methods. Additionally, each section contains a brief description of archived tapes and examples of image displays.