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Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center

The U.S. Geological Survey's (USGS) Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, is a global leader in land imaging, using remotely sensed data to track how Earth is changing. EROS provides reliable, science-based information to help decision-makers understand how shifts in land use, cover, and condition affect people and the environment. 

This work is supported by an authoritative national archive of Earth observation data—housing more than 85 years of satellite and aerial records, including the complete Landsat collection. As the operational home of Landsat 8 and 9, EROS delivers daily observations that inform natural resource assessments, support national security, and help communities prepare for the future.

News

Latest in Landsat - February 2026 - Vol. 5 | Issue 2

Latest in Landsat - February 2026 - Vol. 5 | Issue 2

Using Landsat Data: More Helpful Tutorials Now Available

Using Landsat Data: More Helpful Tutorials Now Available

Latest in Landsat - January 2026 - Vol. 5 | Issue 1

Latest in Landsat - January 2026 - Vol. 5 | Issue 1

Publications

Large streamflow differences between forested and urbanized watersheds in the energy-limited eastern United States: The role of evapotranspiration and impervious surfaces Large streamflow differences between forested and urbanized watersheds in the energy-limited eastern United States: The role of evapotranspiration and impervious surfaces

Urban forests and other green infrastructures have been viewed as part of the “Nature-based Solutions” (NbS) to mitigate emerging urban environmental change. This study focuses on the role of evapotranspiration (ET) in regulating water balances of small watersheds in the eastern United States. We compared streamflow and ET patterns at daily, monthly and annual scales and linked these...
Authors
G. Sun, Z. Bian, K. Khand, P. V. Caldwell, J. Boggs, C. Wang, Y. Chen, N. Liu, Y. Zhang, X. Chen, Gabriel Senay, S. G. McNulty

Origins, evolutions, and future directions of Landsat science products for advancing global inland water and coastal ocean observations Origins, evolutions, and future directions of Landsat science products for advancing global inland water and coastal ocean observations

In April 2020, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center introduced a Level 2 provisional Aquatic Reflectance (AR) product for the Landsat 8 Operational Land Imager (OLI), marking the initial phase in developing a standardized global product for Landsat-derived surface water measurements. The goal of USGS EROS aquatic product research and...
Authors
Benjamin Page, Christopher J. Crawford, Saeed Arab, Gail Schmidt, Christopher Barnes, Danika F. Wellington

ECCOE Landsat Quarterly Calibration and Validation Report—Quarter 2, 2025 ECCOE Landsat Quarterly Calibration and Validation Report—Quarter 2, 2025

Executive Summary The U.S. Geological Survey Earth Resources Observation and Science Calibration and Validation (Cal/Val) Center of Excellence (ECCOE) focuses on improving the accuracy, precision, calibration, and product quality of remote- sensing data, leveraging years of multiscale optical system geometric and radiometric calibration and characterization experience. The ECCOE Landsat...
Authors
Md Obaidul Haque, Nahid Hasan, Ashish Shrestha, Rajagopalan Rengarajan, Mark Lubke, Daniel Steinwand, Paul Bresnahan, Jerad L. Shaw, Kathryn Ruslander, Esad Micijevic, Michael J. Choate, Cody Anderson, Jeff Clauson, Kurt Thome, Amit Angal, Raviv Levy, Jeff Miller, Leibo Ding, Cibele Teixeira Pinto

Science

EROS User Services

Your trusted resource for USGS EROS data and tools. As the primary contact point for the USGS Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) center, we help thousands of users each year access and understand our vast archive of remotely sensed imagery and science products. From technical assistance and tool support, to training and outreach, our team ensures you have the resources you need to make...
EROS User Services

EROS User Services

Your trusted resource for USGS EROS data and tools. As the primary contact point for the USGS Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) center, we help thousands of users each year access and understand our vast archive of remotely sensed imagery and science products. From technical assistance and tool support, to training and outreach, our team ensures you have the resources you need to make...
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USGS Sagebrush Science: Supporting Public Safety and Economic Decision Making Across the West

The sagebrush biome is one of the largest ecosystems in North America. Encompassing nearly one-third of the continental U.S., it provides critical resources for millions of Americans and a home for hundreds of plants and animal species in the West. Natural resource management in sagebrush ecosystems can be complex, and science can support management decisions by providing knowledge and tools to...
USGS Sagebrush Science: Supporting Public Safety and Economic Decision Making Across the West

USGS Sagebrush Science: Supporting Public Safety and Economic Decision Making Across the West

The sagebrush biome is one of the largest ecosystems in North America. Encompassing nearly one-third of the continental U.S., it provides critical resources for millions of Americans and a home for hundreds of plants and animal species in the West. Natural resource management in sagebrush ecosystems can be complex, and science can support management decisions by providing knowledge and tools to...
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Land Processes Distributed Active Archive Center

The Land Processes Distributed Active Archive Center (LP DAAC) operates as a partnership between the United States Geological Survey (USGS) and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) dedicated to enabling natural resource managers, disaster responders, academia, and industry to investigate, characterize, and monitor land surface processes.
Land Processes Distributed Active Archive Center

Land Processes Distributed Active Archive Center

The Land Processes Distributed Active Archive Center (LP DAAC) operates as a partnership between the United States Geological Survey (USGS) and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) dedicated to enabling natural resource managers, disaster responders, academia, and industry to investigate, characterize, and monitor land surface processes.
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