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Landsat Imagery: A Unique Resource Active

By Fort Collins Science Center August 10, 2016

Uses and Benefits

of Landsat Imagery

Read Case Studies

The Landsat study is a project initiated by the U.S. Geological Survey’s Land Remote Sensing Program, the USGS Fort Collins Science Center’s Social and Economic Analysis (SEA) Branch is conducting a study to investigate the users, uses, and benefits of Landsat imagery. The goals of this study are to (1) identify and classify Landsat imagery users, (2) better understand the specific uses of the imagery as well as the extent to which it is used, and (3) determine the value of Landsat imagery to the users. The study has two main components: (1) Surveys of Landsat imagery users in the United States and around the world , (2) Case studies of the value of Landsat imagery. These investigations have so far demonstrated the myriad types of users and uses, as well as the substantial value of Landsat imagery to users. 

Landsat satellites provide high-quality, multi-spectral imagery of the surface of the Earth. These moderate-resolution, remotely sensed images are not just pictures, but contain many layers of data collected at different points along the visible and invisible light spectrum. These data can be manipulated to reveal what the Earth’s surface looks like, including what types of vegetation are present or how a natural disaster has impacted an area (Fig. 1).

Landsat images before (2007) and during (2008) flooding along the Wabash River along the Indiana-Illinois (USA) border.
Sources/Usage: Some content may have restrictions. View Media Details
Figure 1. Landsat images before (2007) and during (2008) flooding along the Wabash River along the Indiana-Illinois (USA) border (L: June 9, 2007, R: June 12, 2008).

Currently, there are two Landsat satellites producing imagery: Landsat 8, operational since early 2013, and Landsat 7, operational since 1999. While many other satellites provide imagery, Landsat images are unique in three ways:

  1. They provide global coverage on a regular basis.

  2. They are now available for free.

  3. Landsat’s image archive reaches back to 1972 (Fig. 2).

No other satellite imagery has that combination of attributes, which makes Landsat imagery of particular value to the global community. Understanding the value of the imagery provided by Landsat satellites is essential as future land-imaging initiatives move forward.

Figure 2. Landsat images of change in the Mississippi Delta, USA, over a 30-year time span (L-R: 1973, 1989, 2003).
Sources/Usage: Some content may have restrictions. View Media Details
Figure 2. Landsat images of change in the Mississippi Delta, USA, over a 30-year time span (L-R: 1973, 1989, 2003). 

Below are other science projects associated with this project.

link
Fjords in Iceland, Earth as art image.

Users, Uses, and Value of Landsat Imagery

Since 1972, Landsat satellites have been orbiting the Earth and capturing snapshots of our planet’s ever-changing surface.
By
Fort Collins Science Center
link

Users, Uses, and Value of Landsat Imagery

Since 1972, Landsat satellites have been orbiting the Earth and capturing snapshots of our planet’s ever-changing surface.
Learn More
link
Earth As Art image of Kazakhstan

Case Studies of Landsat Imagery Use

Having access to Landsat imagery provides the irreplaceable opportunity to observe landscape change on a long-term and global scale. These featured case studies demonstrate the value of Landsat imagery by providing specific examples of how people around the world are using the data to answer meaningful questions.
By
Fort Collins Science Center
link

Case Studies of Landsat Imagery Use

Having access to Landsat imagery provides the irreplaceable opportunity to observe landscape change on a long-term and global scale. These featured case studies demonstrate the value of Landsat imagery by providing specific examples of how people around the world are using the data to answer meaningful questions.
Learn More
link
Satellite differences in imagery.

Surveys of Landsat Users

Social scientists at the Fort Collins Science Center have conducted the following three surveys that identify the users of Landsat imagery, describe the variety of applications it’s used for, and gauge the value of the data.
By
Fort Collins Science Center
link

Surveys of Landsat Users

Social scientists at the Fort Collins Science Center have conducted the following three surveys that identify the users of Landsat imagery, describe the variety of applications it’s used for, and gauge the value of the data.
Learn More

Below are partners associated with this project.

National Aeronautics & Space Administration (NASA)

  • Overview

    The Landsat study is a project initiated by the U.S. Geological Survey’s Land Remote Sensing Program, the USGS Fort Collins Science Center’s Social and Economic Analysis (SEA) Branch is conducting a study to investigate the users, uses, and benefits of Landsat imagery. The goals of this study are to (1) identify and classify Landsat imagery users, (2) better understand the specific uses of the imagery as well as the extent to which it is used, and (3) determine the value of Landsat imagery to the users. The study has two main components: (1) Surveys of Landsat imagery users in the United States and around the world , (2) Case studies of the value of Landsat imagery. These investigations have so far demonstrated the myriad types of users and uses, as well as the substantial value of Landsat imagery to users. 

    Landsat satellites provide high-quality, multi-spectral imagery of the surface of the Earth. These moderate-resolution, remotely sensed images are not just pictures, but contain many layers of data collected at different points along the visible and invisible light spectrum. These data can be manipulated to reveal what the Earth’s surface looks like, including what types of vegetation are present or how a natural disaster has impacted an area (Fig. 1).

    Landsat images before (2007) and during (2008) flooding along the Wabash River along the Indiana-Illinois (USA) border.
    Sources/Usage: Some content may have restrictions. View Media Details
    Figure 1. Landsat images before (2007) and during (2008) flooding along the Wabash River along the Indiana-Illinois (USA) border (L: June 9, 2007, R: June 12, 2008).

    Currently, there are two Landsat satellites producing imagery: Landsat 8, operational since early 2013, and Landsat 7, operational since 1999. While many other satellites provide imagery, Landsat images are unique in three ways:

    1. They provide global coverage on a regular basis.

    2. They are now available for free.

    3. Landsat’s image archive reaches back to 1972 (Fig. 2).

    No other satellite imagery has that combination of attributes, which makes Landsat imagery of particular value to the global community. Understanding the value of the imagery provided by Landsat satellites is essential as future land-imaging initiatives move forward.

    Figure 2. Landsat images of change in the Mississippi Delta, USA, over a 30-year time span (L-R: 1973, 1989, 2003).
    Sources/Usage: Some content may have restrictions. View Media Details
    Figure 2. Landsat images of change in the Mississippi Delta, USA, over a 30-year time span (L-R: 1973, 1989, 2003). 
  • Science

    Below are other science projects associated with this project.

    link
    Fjords in Iceland, Earth as art image.

    Users, Uses, and Value of Landsat Imagery

    Since 1972, Landsat satellites have been orbiting the Earth and capturing snapshots of our planet’s ever-changing surface.
    By
    Fort Collins Science Center
    link

    Users, Uses, and Value of Landsat Imagery

    Since 1972, Landsat satellites have been orbiting the Earth and capturing snapshots of our planet’s ever-changing surface.
    Learn More
    link
    Earth As Art image of Kazakhstan

    Case Studies of Landsat Imagery Use

    Having access to Landsat imagery provides the irreplaceable opportunity to observe landscape change on a long-term and global scale. These featured case studies demonstrate the value of Landsat imagery by providing specific examples of how people around the world are using the data to answer meaningful questions.
    By
    Fort Collins Science Center
    link

    Case Studies of Landsat Imagery Use

    Having access to Landsat imagery provides the irreplaceable opportunity to observe landscape change on a long-term and global scale. These featured case studies demonstrate the value of Landsat imagery by providing specific examples of how people around the world are using the data to answer meaningful questions.
    Learn More
    link
    Satellite differences in imagery.

    Surveys of Landsat Users

    Social scientists at the Fort Collins Science Center have conducted the following three surveys that identify the users of Landsat imagery, describe the variety of applications it’s used for, and gauge the value of the data.
    By
    Fort Collins Science Center
    link

    Surveys of Landsat Users

    Social scientists at the Fort Collins Science Center have conducted the following three surveys that identify the users of Landsat imagery, describe the variety of applications it’s used for, and gauge the value of the data.
    Learn More
  • Partners

    Below are partners associated with this project.

    National Aeronautics & Space Administration (NASA)