Landsat 9 Project Scientist Jeff Masek discusses the ways Landsat data is used and how important it is to have high quality data.
How can I tell the difference between Landsat Collections data and Landsat data I have downloaded in the past?
Data that is processed to meet Collections specifications has a Landsat Product Identifier, as opposed to the historical Landsat Scene ID. Along with information inherited from the Scene ID, the Landsat Product Identifier includes the processing level, processing date, collection number, and collection category (bolded below).
| Scene ID | Landsat Product Identifier |
|---|---|
| LXSPPPRRRYYYYDDDGSIVV | LXSS_LLL_PPPRRR_YYYYMMDD_yyyymmdd_CC_TX |
| L = Landsat X = Sensor S = Satellite PPP = WRS path RRR = WRS row YYYY = Year DDD = Julian day of year GSI = Ground station identifier VV = Archive version number |
L = Landsat X = Sensor (C=OLI?TIRS Combined, O=OLI-only, T=TIRS-only, E=ETM+, T=TM, M=MSS) SS = Satellite (07=Landsat 7, 08=Landsat 8) LLLL = Processing correction level (L1TP=Precision Terrain, L1GT=Systematic Terrain, L1GS=Systematic) PPP = WRS path RRR = WRS row YYYYMMDD = Acquisition year (YYYY)/Month (MM)/Day (DD) yyyymmdd = Processing year (yyyy)/Month (mm)/Day (dd) CC = Collection number (01, 02) TX = Collection category (RT = Real-Time, T1=Tier 1, or T2=Tier 2) |
| Examples: LC80290302015343LGN00 LE70160392004262EDC02 LT40170361982320XXX08 LM10170391976031AAA01 |
Examples: LC08_L1GT_029030_20151209_20160131_01_RT LE07_L1TP_016039_20040918_20160211_01_T1 LT04_L1TP_017036_19821116_20200918_02_T1 LM01_L1GS_017039_19760131_20160225_01_T2 |
The historical scene ID is listed in the metadata file (MTL.txt) delivered with the Level-1 data product, and is also visible and searchable (along with the Landsat Collection Product ID) in the online metadata on EarthExplorer.
Learn more: Landsat Collections
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After a Landsat scene is collected, when will it become available for search and download?
Landsat scenes directly downlinked to the USGS EROS Landsat Ground Station become available through EarthExplorer within 6 hours after acquisition, and then become visible in GloVis and the LandsatLook Viewe r within 24 hours. Scenes downlinked to other USGS Ground Stations can be available within 1 to 2 weeks. Scenes downlinked to International Ground Stations may become available in the USGS...
How does data from Sentinel-2A’s MultiSpectral Instrument compare to Landsat data?
The Sentinel-2A MultiSpectral Instrument (MSI) data has spectral bands very similar to Landsat 8 and 9 (excluding the thermal bands of Thermal Infrared Sensor (TIRS)). All Sentinel-2 data are freely available from the Copernicus Open Access Hub; therefore, users are encouraged to download the data via https://scihub.copernicus.eu/ . To learn more about Sentinel data access information please visit...
What are the processing levels for Landsat Level-1 data?
The table below shows the Landsat Collections Level-1 processing levels: Landsat Level-1 Processing Levels Processing Level Description Terrain Precision Correction (L1TP) Radiometrically calibrated and orthorectified using ground control points (GCPs) and digital elevation model (DEM) data to correct for relief displacement.The highest quality Level-1 products suitable for pixel-level time series...
Does Landsat Level-1 data processing include atmospheric correction?
Landsat Level-1 data are not corrected for atmospheric conditions; however, Landsat Science Products are atmospherically corrected. Learn more: L andsat Level-1 data Landsat U.S. Analysis Ready Data Landsat Level-2 and Level-3 Science Products Landsat Data Access
Why are two different file naming conventions used in distribution of 3D Elevation Program (3DEP) DEM products?
Updated digital elevation model (DEM) dataset files are now given a name that includes information about the resolution and format of the data. This prevents users from accidentally overwriting existing data that might have different resolutions and formats. For example: an older file: n44w071.zip would now have the name: USGS_13_n44w071.tif indicating 1/3 arc-second elevation data in geotiff...
Are all acquired Landsat scenes held in the USGS Landsat archive?
The USGS archive contains data acquired by the Landsat satellites from 1972 to present. Data is downlinked to various ground stations around the world. While each ground station in the International Cooperator (IC) network is the primary source for distributing the captured data in their area, copies of the data have also been made available to the USGS to place in the Landsat archive for...
I have a list of historical Landsat Level-1 Scene IDs; how can I determine the corresponding Landsat Collections Level-1 Product Identifier?
The historical Landsat Level-1 Scene ID is in the EarthExplorer metadata. After entering a search using the historical Scene ID, the Landsat Level-1 Collection 1 Product Identifier will be returned in the search results. The results can be exported from EarthExplorer in a variety of formats for metadata parsing. We also encourage use of the Bulk Metadata Service to download files that contain both...
What are Landsat Collection Tiers?
Landsat Collection Tiers are the inventory structure for Level-1 data products and are based on data quality and level of processing. The tier definition purpose is to support easier identification of suitable scenes for time-series pixel-level analysis, and provide temporary data that are processed immediately upon downlink to be dispensed quickly in emergency response situations with limited...
What are Landsat Collections?
In 2016, the USGS reorganized the Landsat archive into a tiered collection. This structure ensures that Landsat Level-1 products provide a consistent archive of known data quality to support time-series analyses and data “stacking”, while controlling continuous improvement of the archive and access to all data as they are acquired. Learn more: Landsat Collections Landsat Data Access
Landsat in Action - The Accuracy of Landsat with Jeff Masek
Landsat 9 Project Scientist Jeff Masek discusses the ways Landsat data is used and how important it is to have high quality data.
Landsat in Action - The Importance of Landsat with Curtis Woodcock
Boston University Professor Curtis Woodcock talks about the significance Landsat was had in science and what he hopes to see as the mission continues.
Boston University Professor Curtis Woodcock talks about the significance Landsat was had in science and what he hopes to see as the mission continues.
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Landsat Collections: Providing a Stable Environmental Record for Time Series Analysis
Landsat Collections: Providing a Stable Environmental Record for Time Series Analysis
Landsat Collections — What are Tiers?
This is the third video in a series describing the new U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Landsat Collection 1 inventory structure. Collection 1 required the reprocessing of all archived Landsat data to achieve radiometric and geometric consistency of Level-1 products through time and across all Landsat sensors.
This is the third video in a series describing the new U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Landsat Collection 1 inventory structure. Collection 1 required the reprocessing of all archived Landsat data to achieve radiometric and geometric consistency of Level-1 products through time and across all Landsat sensors.
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Oxbows in Bolivia
The Beni River in Bolivia resembles a blue ribbon as it meanders toward the Amazon River. Scattered along the river are numerous oxbow lakes, which are curved bodies of water that form when a meander from the main stem of a river is cut off, creating a freestanding body of water.
The Beni River in Bolivia resembles a blue ribbon as it meanders toward the Amazon River. Scattered along the river are numerous oxbow lakes, which are curved bodies of water that form when a meander from the main stem of a river is cut off, creating a freestanding body of water.
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- FAQ
After a Landsat scene is collected, when will it become available for search and download?
Landsat scenes directly downlinked to the USGS EROS Landsat Ground Station become available through EarthExplorer within 6 hours after acquisition, and then become visible in GloVis and the LandsatLook Viewe r within 24 hours. Scenes downlinked to other USGS Ground Stations can be available within 1 to 2 weeks. Scenes downlinked to International Ground Stations may become available in the USGS...
How does data from Sentinel-2A’s MultiSpectral Instrument compare to Landsat data?
The Sentinel-2A MultiSpectral Instrument (MSI) data has spectral bands very similar to Landsat 8 and 9 (excluding the thermal bands of Thermal Infrared Sensor (TIRS)). All Sentinel-2 data are freely available from the Copernicus Open Access Hub; therefore, users are encouraged to download the data via https://scihub.copernicus.eu/ . To learn more about Sentinel data access information please visit...
What are the processing levels for Landsat Level-1 data?
The table below shows the Landsat Collections Level-1 processing levels: Landsat Level-1 Processing Levels Processing Level Description Terrain Precision Correction (L1TP) Radiometrically calibrated and orthorectified using ground control points (GCPs) and digital elevation model (DEM) data to correct for relief displacement.The highest quality Level-1 products suitable for pixel-level time series...
Does Landsat Level-1 data processing include atmospheric correction?
Landsat Level-1 data are not corrected for atmospheric conditions; however, Landsat Science Products are atmospherically corrected. Learn more: L andsat Level-1 data Landsat U.S. Analysis Ready Data Landsat Level-2 and Level-3 Science Products Landsat Data Access
Why are two different file naming conventions used in distribution of 3D Elevation Program (3DEP) DEM products?
Updated digital elevation model (DEM) dataset files are now given a name that includes information about the resolution and format of the data. This prevents users from accidentally overwriting existing data that might have different resolutions and formats. For example: an older file: n44w071.zip would now have the name: USGS_13_n44w071.tif indicating 1/3 arc-second elevation data in geotiff...
Are all acquired Landsat scenes held in the USGS Landsat archive?
The USGS archive contains data acquired by the Landsat satellites from 1972 to present. Data is downlinked to various ground stations around the world. While each ground station in the International Cooperator (IC) network is the primary source for distributing the captured data in their area, copies of the data have also been made available to the USGS to place in the Landsat archive for...
I have a list of historical Landsat Level-1 Scene IDs; how can I determine the corresponding Landsat Collections Level-1 Product Identifier?
The historical Landsat Level-1 Scene ID is in the EarthExplorer metadata. After entering a search using the historical Scene ID, the Landsat Level-1 Collection 1 Product Identifier will be returned in the search results. The results can be exported from EarthExplorer in a variety of formats for metadata parsing. We also encourage use of the Bulk Metadata Service to download files that contain both...
What are Landsat Collection Tiers?
Landsat Collection Tiers are the inventory structure for Level-1 data products and are based on data quality and level of processing. The tier definition purpose is to support easier identification of suitable scenes for time-series pixel-level analysis, and provide temporary data that are processed immediately upon downlink to be dispensed quickly in emergency response situations with limited...
What are Landsat Collections?
In 2016, the USGS reorganized the Landsat archive into a tiered collection. This structure ensures that Landsat Level-1 products provide a consistent archive of known data quality to support time-series analyses and data “stacking”, while controlling continuous improvement of the archive and access to all data as they are acquired. Learn more: Landsat Collections Landsat Data Access
- Multimedia
Landsat in Action - The Accuracy of Landsat with Jeff Masek
Landsat 9 Project Scientist Jeff Masek discusses the ways Landsat data is used and how important it is to have high quality data.
Landsat 9 Project Scientist Jeff Masek discusses the ways Landsat data is used and how important it is to have high quality data.
Landsat in Action - The Importance of Landsat with Curtis WoodcockBoston University Professor Curtis Woodcock talks about the significance Landsat was had in science and what he hopes to see as the mission continues.
Boston University Professor Curtis Woodcock talks about the significance Landsat was had in science and what he hopes to see as the mission continues.
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Landsat Collections: Providing a Stable Environmental Record for Time Series Analysis
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This is the third video in a series describing the new U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Landsat Collection 1 inventory structure. Collection 1 required the reprocessing of all archived Landsat data to achieve radiometric and geometric consistency of Level-1 products through time and across all Landsat sensors.
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Oxbows in BoliviaThe Beni River in Bolivia resembles a blue ribbon as it meanders toward the Amazon River. Scattered along the river are numerous oxbow lakes, which are curved bodies of water that form when a meander from the main stem of a river is cut off, creating a freestanding body of water.
The Beni River in Bolivia resembles a blue ribbon as it meanders toward the Amazon River. Scattered along the river are numerous oxbow lakes, which are curved bodies of water that form when a meander from the main stem of a river is cut off, creating a freestanding body of water.
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