Stories of Change on our Landscape
USGS land cover information based on Landsat satellite data serves as a vital resource across the United States.
Scientists, private industry and all levels of government have relied on the definitive National Land Cover Database (NLCD) for years to detail what can be found on the ground, from grassland and cropland to forests and wetlands. Thanks to Landsat's continuous record, Annual NLCD allows people to see 40 years of change, with updates added each year.
This collection of land cover stories spotlights specific changes on the landscape and explains how Annual NLCD helps us understand them.
Phosphate Mining and Land Cover Change
Phosphate Mining and Land Cover Change
California Woodland and Forest Change
California Woodland and Forest Change
When Crops Take a Break
When Crops Take a Break
Plenty of Water in Prairie Potholes
Plenty of Water in Prairie Potholes
Watching the 'Wood Basket' of the U.S.
Watching the 'Wood Basket' of the U.S.
A View of Vigorous Growth: Williston, North Dakota
A View of Vigorous Growth: Williston, North Dakota
Related
Annual National Land Cover Database
Land cover is foundational information for land managers, scientists, and the general public. Many types of scientific studies have applied annual land cover information including projecting future land use, documenting forest fragmentation or conservation practices, modeling wildfire hazards, tracking water quality and quantity, and understanding change in wildlife habitat and ecosystem...
Related
Annual National Land Cover Database
Land cover is foundational information for land managers, scientists, and the general public. Many types of scientific studies have applied annual land cover information including projecting future land use, documenting forest fragmentation or conservation practices, modeling wildfire hazards, tracking water quality and quantity, and understanding change in wildlife habitat and ecosystem...