Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center

Introduction:

Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center is a remotely sensed data management, systems development, and research field center for the U.S. Geological Survey's(USGS) Climate and Land Use Change Mission Area. The USGS is a bureau of the U.S. Department of the Interior. EROS opened in the early 1970's with a handful of employees and the largest mainframe computer in the State of South Dakota. It currently houses one of the largest computer complexes in the Department of the Interior. EROS has approximately 600 government and contractor employees.

EROS is located in the country approximately 15 miles north of Sioux Falls, South Dakota (see Visitor Information), and one of the more common questions asked by people touring the facility is: "Why is EROS located here?" When the idea of EROS was conceived, it was decided that it needed to be centrally located for receiving data as Landsat satellites passed over the United States. The choice for the Center's location was narrowed to several States. Ultimately, South Dakota was selected as the site for the Center, due in part to the role played by the late S.D. Senator Karl Mundt.

This website showcases the EROS Science Center, its data, science, remote sensing, and publications which also includes an image gallery and video library.

Objectives:

Learn about EROS Science Center

Instructions:

Use this USGS information site to access the EROS Center website.