USGS EROS Archive - Landsat Archives - Landsat 4-5 Thematic Mapper (TM) Level-1 Data Products

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Dataset Citation

Please cite this dataset in the following manner: 

Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center. (2017). Landsat 4-5 Thematic Mapper Level-1, Collection 1 [dataset]. U.S. Geological Survey. https://doi.org/10.5066/F7N015TQ

NOTE: Landsat Collection 1 data and products are no longer available to download from the USGS as of December 30, 2022. The information on this webpage is for reference only. 

Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details

The Landsat Thematic Mapper (TM) sensor was carried onboard Landsats 4 and 5 from July 1982 to May 2012 with a 16-day repeat cycle, referenced to the Worldwide Reference System-2. Very few images were acquired from November 2011 to May 2012. The satellite began decommissioning activities in January 2013.

Landsat 4-5 TM image data files consist of seven spectral bands (See band designations). The resolution is 30 meters for bands 1 to 7.  (Thermal infrared band 6 was collected at 120 meters, but was resampled to 30 meters.) The approximate scene size is 170 km north-south by 183 km east-west (106 mi by 114 mi).

Product Processing Parameters

Most Landsat 4-5 TM scenes are processed through the Level 1 Product Generation System (LPGS), processed to full Precision Terrain correction with the following parameters applied for Product Type and L1T Terrain Correction* .

Some TM scenes do not have the ground-control or elevation data necessary to perform these corrections. In the cases, the best level of correction is applied. See Landsat Processing Details for details on correction levels.

Specific Level 1T scenes are available for most of the globe under the Global Land Surveys (GLS) collections of 1975, 1990, 2000, 2005, and 2010. These datasets can be found on EarthExplorer. 

Some TM scenes are processed through National Land Archive Production System (NLAPS).* All Landsat 4 TM scenes were processed through NLAPS prior to April 15, 2009.

Landsat 4-5 TM Collection 1

Landsat Tiers are the inventory structure for Landsat Collection 1 Level-1 data products and are based on data quality and level of processing. All scenes in the Landsat archive are assigned to a Collection category. The purpose of Collection categories is to support rapid and easy identification of suitable scenes for time-series pixel level analysis.

During Collection 1 reprocessing, all Landsat 4-5 TM scenes in the USGS archive are assigned to a specific “Tier”. These data have well-characterized radiometric quality and are cross-calibrated ​among the different Landsat sensors.​​​

*NLAPS-processed Landsat TM data are not included in the Landsat 4-5 TM Collection 1 archive.

Collection 1 Categories

• Tier 1 (T1) – Contains the highest quality Level-1 Precision Terrain (L1TP) data considered suitable for time-series analysis. The georegistration is consistent and within prescribed tolerances [<12m root mean square error (RMSE)].
• Tier 2 (T2) – Contains L1TP scenes not meeting Tier 1 criteria and all Systematic Terrain (L1GT) and Systematic (L1GS) scenes. Users interested in Tier 2 scenes can evaluate the L1TP RMSE and other properties to determine suitability for use in their applications and studies.

Landsat TM ‘no-Payload Correction’ Data

An estimated 250,000 Landsat 5 Thematic Mapper (TM) scenes acquired between January 1986 and December 1999, originally downlinked to international ground stations, lack the necessary Payload Correction Data (PCD). Until recently, these scenes failed Landsat Level-1 data processing and could not be added to the Landsat data archive. However, as of early February 2018,  processing algorithm changes make it possible to process these scenes into the Landsat Collection 1 data archive and available for download from EarthExplorer. More information on TM No-PCD scenes can be found on What Are No PCD Scenes.  

The Landsat Collections page contains additional information about changes applied to Landsat Level-1 data products for Collection 1.

Additional Information

• USGS Landsat - Earth Observations Satellites Fact Sheet 
• Landsat Homepage 
• Landsat Spectral Characteristics Viewer
• Landsat FAQs 
• Technical Information (Including calibration and definitive ephemeris files)
• Project Documentation
• Landsat Collections 

Access Data

Landsat Collection 1 no longer available.

Data Citation History

The preferred citation for this dataset was revised in 2024 to improve accuracy and alignment with USGS Fundamental Science Practices. The dataset digital object identifier (DOI) and version did not change. 

Please cite this dataset in the following manner: 

Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center. (2017). Landsat 4-5 Thematic Mapper Level-1, Collection 1 [dataset]. U.S. Geological Survey. https://doi.org/10.5066/F7N015TQ

The previously used citation shown below is provided here for historical reference only:
Earth Resources Observation And Science (EROS) Center. (2017). Collection-1 Landsat 4-5 Thematic Mapper (TM) Level-1 Data Products [dataset]. U.S. Geological Survey. https://doi.org/10.5066/F7N015TQ


Landsat Collection 1 U.S. Landsat Analysis Ready Data Digital Object Identifier (DOI) number:  /10.5066/F7319TSJ
Landsat Collection 1 Level-3 Dynamic Surface Water Extent (DWSE) Science Product Digital Object Identifier (DOI) number:  /10.5066/F7445KQK
Landsat Collection 1 Level-3 Fractional Snow Covered Area (fSCA) Science Product Landsat 4-5 Digital Object Identifier (DOI) number:  /10.5066/F7XK8DS5
Landsat Collection 1 Level-3 Burned Area (BA) Science Product Digital Object Identifier (DOI) number:  10.5066/F77W6BDJ