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How do Landsat Collection 2 Level-2 products compare with products from Collection 1?

Landsat Collection 2 Level-2 Surface Reflectance and Surface Temperature science products are scene-based, produced within the standard processing system, and available to download directly from EarthExplorer. Collection 2 Level-2 products are available for Landsat 4-5 TM, Landsat 7 ETM+, and Landsat 8-9 OLI/TIRS data acquired from 1982 to present. Landsat MSS 1-5 data are not currently available as Level-2 products.

Landsat Collection 1 Level-2 products are only available via on-demand processing (Surface Reflectance, scene-based), or within Landsat Collection 1 U.S. Analysis Ready Data (ARD) (tile-based). Collection 1 Level-2 products are available from 1984 to December 31, 2021, when new Collection 1 processing ceased.

Landsat Collection 2 Level-2 products require Landsat Collection 2 Level-1 scenes that are processed to Tier 1 or Tier 2, as well as additional auxiliary data. The Landsat Collection 2 Generation Timeline shows the typical processing timeframe for each active satellite.

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Related Content

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Landsat Collection 2 product examples

How do I search and download Landsat Collection 2 data products?

Search Landsat Collection 2 Level-1 and Level-2 products using EarthExplorer, which is the primary portal used to search all data held in the USGS EROS archives. While Landsat Collection 2 products are processed and stored in the USGS Cloud Hosting Solution (CHS) environment, downloads are managed through EarthExplorer. The USGS Landsat no-cost open data policy remains intact since its inception...

link

How do I search and download Landsat Collection 2 data products?

Search Landsat Collection 2 Level-1 and Level-2 products using EarthExplorer, which is the primary portal used to search all data held in the USGS EROS archives. While Landsat Collection 2 products are processed and stored in the USGS Cloud Hosting Solution (CHS) environment, downloads are managed through EarthExplorer. The USGS Landsat no-cost open data policy remains intact since its inception...

Learn More
link
Landsat Collection 2 Generation Timeline

How long does it take to create Landsat Collection 2 Level-2 products after a Landsat scene is acquired?

Landsat Level-2 Surface Reflectance and Surface Temperature products require Landsat Collection 2 Level-1 scenes that are processed to Tier 1 or Tier 2, as well as additional auxiliary data. The Landsat Collection 2 Product Generation Timeline below gives a graphical view of this typical product generation timeframe.  

link

How long does it take to create Landsat Collection 2 Level-2 products after a Landsat scene is acquired?

Landsat Level-2 Surface Reflectance and Surface Temperature products require Landsat Collection 2 Level-1 scenes that are processed to Tier 1 or Tier 2, as well as additional auxiliary data. The Landsat Collection 2 Product Generation Timeline below gives a graphical view of this typical product generation timeframe.  

Learn More
link
L8 Collection 2 Full Resolution Browse Samples: Reflective, Thermal, and Quality Band

What are Landsat Collection 2 Full Resolution Browse Images?

Similar to Landsat Collection 1 LandsatLook Images, the Landsat Collection 2 Full Resolution Browse Images are .JPG and .TIF images with geographic referencing that are compressed and stretched to create an image optimized for image selection and visual interpretation. They are derived from Landsat Collection 2 Level-1 data and are available to download from EarthExplorer. Learn more: Landsat Full...

link

What are Landsat Collection 2 Full Resolution Browse Images?

Similar to Landsat Collection 1 LandsatLook Images, the Landsat Collection 2 Full Resolution Browse Images are .JPG and .TIF images with geographic referencing that are compressed and stretched to create an image optimized for image selection and visual interpretation. They are derived from Landsat Collection 2 Level-1 data and are available to download from EarthExplorer. Learn more: Landsat Full...

Learn More
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Landsat Collection 2 Sample Data Example

What is the naming convention for Landsat Collection 2 Level-1 and Level-2 scenes?

The naming convention for Landsat Collection 2 Level-1 products remains the same as in Collection 1. While most of Landsat Collection 2 scenes are produced to both Surface Reflectance (SR) and Surface Temperature (ST), a small number of scenes cannot be processed to ST due to missing auxiliary data. The naming convention of Landsat Collection 2 Level-2 products indicates the data included for each...

link

What is the naming convention for Landsat Collection 2 Level-1 and Level-2 scenes?

The naming convention for Landsat Collection 2 Level-1 products remains the same as in Collection 1. While most of Landsat Collection 2 scenes are produced to both Surface Reflectance (SR) and Surface Temperature (ST), a small number of scenes cannot be processed to ST due to missing auxiliary data. The naming convention of Landsat Collection 2 Level-2 products indicates the data included for each...

Learn More
link
Example of Landsat Collection 2 Surface Reflectance

What updates were made in Landsat Collection 2?

Landsat Collection 2 marks the second major reprocessing event of the USGS Landsat archive. Continuing the tiered collection management structure implemented in Landsat Collection 1, Landsat Collection 2 introduces several advancements in data processing, algorithm development, as well as data access and distribution capabilities, including: Improved per-pixel geodetic accuracy by incorporating...

link

What updates were made in Landsat Collection 2?

Landsat Collection 2 marks the second major reprocessing event of the USGS Landsat archive. Continuing the tiered collection management structure implemented in Landsat Collection 1, Landsat Collection 2 introduces several advancements in data processing, algorithm development, as well as data access and distribution capabilities, including: Improved per-pixel geodetic accuracy by incorporating...

Learn More
link
Example of Landsat Collection 2

Why are the fill values and scaling factors of Landsat Collection 2 Level-2 products different from those products in Collection 1?

The fill values and scale factors of Landsat Collection 2 Level-2 products were updated to be consistent with that of Landsat Collection 2 Level-1 data, while using the unsigned integer data type more efficiently. As shown in the table below, the fill value of the Surface Reflectance and Surface Temperature bands were changed from “-9999” in Collection 1, to “0” in Collection 2 to be consistent...

link

Why are the fill values and scaling factors of Landsat Collection 2 Level-2 products different from those products in Collection 1?

The fill values and scale factors of Landsat Collection 2 Level-2 products were updated to be consistent with that of Landsat Collection 2 Level-1 data, while using the unsigned integer data type more efficiently. As shown in the table below, the fill value of the Surface Reflectance and Surface Temperature bands were changed from “-9999” in Collection 1, to “0” in Collection 2 to be consistent...

Learn More
Example of the Landsat 7 ETM+ Collection 2 level-2 science products
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Example of the Landsat 8 Collection 2 products
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Example of the Landsat Collection 2 products
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Example of Landsat Collection 2 Surface Temperature
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Landsat Collection 2 Level-1 and Level-2 examples
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Example of the Landsat 4-5 TM Collection 2 level-2 science products
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Example of Landsat Collection 2 Surface Reflectance
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L8 Collection 2 Full Resolution Browse Samples: Reflective, Thermal, and Quality Band
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Landsat collection 2

Landsat Collections ensure that all Landsat Level-1 data are consistently calibrated and processed and retain traceability of data quality provenance. Landsat Collection 2 introduces improvements that harness recent advancements in data processing, algorithm development, data access, and distribution capabilities. Collection 2 includes Landsat Level-1 data for all sensors since 1972 and global Lev
By
Earth Resources Observation and Science Center, National Land Imaging Program, Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center , EROS CalVal Center of Excellence (ECCOE), Landsat Missions

Landsat 9

Landsat 9 is a partnership between the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and the U.S. Geological Survey that will continue the Landsat program’s critical role of repeat global observations for monitoring, understanding, and managing Earth’s natural resources. Since 1972, Landsat data have provided a unique resource for those who work in agriculture, geology, forestry, regional planning
By
Earth Resources Observation and Science Center, National Land Imaging Program, Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center , Landsat Missions

Landsat benefiting society for fifty years

Since 1972, data acquired by the Landsat series of satellites have become integral to land management for both government and the private sector, providing scientists and decision makers with key information about agricultural productivity, ice sheet dynamics, urban growth, forest monitoring, natural resource management, water quality, and supporting disaster response. Landsat 9 continues the miss
By
Earth Resources Observation and Science Center, National Land Imaging Program, Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center , Landsat Missions

U.S. Landsat Analysis Ready Data

U.S. Landsat Analysis Ready Data (ARD) are a revolutionary new U.S. Geological Survey science product that allows the Landsat archive to be more accessible and easier to analyze and reduces the amount of time users spend on data processing for monitoring and assessing landscape change. U.S. Landsat ARD are Level-2 products derived from Landsat Collections Level-1 precision and terrain-corrected sc
By
Earth Resources Observation and Science Center, Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center , Landsat Missions

Landsat Collections

In 2016, the U.S. Geological Survey reorganized the Landsat archive into a tiered collection structure, which 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. Landsat Collection 1 required the reprocessing o
By
Earth Resources Observation and Science Center, Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center , Landsat Missions

Landsat—Earth observation satellites

Since 1972, Landsat satellites have continuously acquired space-based images of the Earth’s land surface, providing data that serve as valuable resources for land use/land change research. The data are useful to a number of applications including forestry, agriculture, geology, regional planning, and education. Landsat is a joint effort of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and the National Aeronau
By
Earth Resources Observation and Science Center, Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center
link

EROS Releases Collection 2, Boosting Cloud Access, Accuracy, Value of Landsat Archive

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center is pleased to announce the December release of Landsat...

Read Article
link

Landsat Data Moving to Public Cloud in Early 2020

The USGS is placing a copy of its consolidated Landsat global data inventory into a commercial cloud in early 2020.

Read Article
link

New “Landsat Collections” Help Facilitate Land Change Science

Access to consistent high-quality images to study changes on Earth’s surface is getting easier. The USGS Landsat standard (Level-1) product inventory...

Read Article

Related Content

  • FAQ
    link
    Landsat Collection 2 product examples

    How do I search and download Landsat Collection 2 data products?

    Search Landsat Collection 2 Level-1 and Level-2 products using EarthExplorer, which is the primary portal used to search all data held in the USGS EROS archives. While Landsat Collection 2 products are processed and stored in the USGS Cloud Hosting Solution (CHS) environment, downloads are managed through EarthExplorer. The USGS Landsat no-cost open data policy remains intact since its inception...

    link

    How do I search and download Landsat Collection 2 data products?

    Search Landsat Collection 2 Level-1 and Level-2 products using EarthExplorer, which is the primary portal used to search all data held in the USGS EROS archives. While Landsat Collection 2 products are processed and stored in the USGS Cloud Hosting Solution (CHS) environment, downloads are managed through EarthExplorer. The USGS Landsat no-cost open data policy remains intact since its inception...

    Learn More
    link
    Landsat Collection 2 Generation Timeline

    How long does it take to create Landsat Collection 2 Level-2 products after a Landsat scene is acquired?

    Landsat Level-2 Surface Reflectance and Surface Temperature products require Landsat Collection 2 Level-1 scenes that are processed to Tier 1 or Tier 2, as well as additional auxiliary data. The Landsat Collection 2 Product Generation Timeline below gives a graphical view of this typical product generation timeframe.  

    link

    How long does it take to create Landsat Collection 2 Level-2 products after a Landsat scene is acquired?

    Landsat Level-2 Surface Reflectance and Surface Temperature products require Landsat Collection 2 Level-1 scenes that are processed to Tier 1 or Tier 2, as well as additional auxiliary data. The Landsat Collection 2 Product Generation Timeline below gives a graphical view of this typical product generation timeframe.  

    Learn More
    link
    L8 Collection 2 Full Resolution Browse Samples: Reflective, Thermal, and Quality Band

    What are Landsat Collection 2 Full Resolution Browse Images?

    Similar to Landsat Collection 1 LandsatLook Images, the Landsat Collection 2 Full Resolution Browse Images are .JPG and .TIF images with geographic referencing that are compressed and stretched to create an image optimized for image selection and visual interpretation. They are derived from Landsat Collection 2 Level-1 data and are available to download from EarthExplorer. Learn more: Landsat Full...

    link

    What are Landsat Collection 2 Full Resolution Browse Images?

    Similar to Landsat Collection 1 LandsatLook Images, the Landsat Collection 2 Full Resolution Browse Images are .JPG and .TIF images with geographic referencing that are compressed and stretched to create an image optimized for image selection and visual interpretation. They are derived from Landsat Collection 2 Level-1 data and are available to download from EarthExplorer. Learn more: Landsat Full...

    Learn More
    link
    Landsat Collection 2 Sample Data Example

    What is the naming convention for Landsat Collection 2 Level-1 and Level-2 scenes?

    The naming convention for Landsat Collection 2 Level-1 products remains the same as in Collection 1. While most of Landsat Collection 2 scenes are produced to both Surface Reflectance (SR) and Surface Temperature (ST), a small number of scenes cannot be processed to ST due to missing auxiliary data. The naming convention of Landsat Collection 2 Level-2 products indicates the data included for each...

    link

    What is the naming convention for Landsat Collection 2 Level-1 and Level-2 scenes?

    The naming convention for Landsat Collection 2 Level-1 products remains the same as in Collection 1. While most of Landsat Collection 2 scenes are produced to both Surface Reflectance (SR) and Surface Temperature (ST), a small number of scenes cannot be processed to ST due to missing auxiliary data. The naming convention of Landsat Collection 2 Level-2 products indicates the data included for each...

    Learn More
    link
    Example of Landsat Collection 2 Surface Reflectance

    What updates were made in Landsat Collection 2?

    Landsat Collection 2 marks the second major reprocessing event of the USGS Landsat archive. Continuing the tiered collection management structure implemented in Landsat Collection 1, Landsat Collection 2 introduces several advancements in data processing, algorithm development, as well as data access and distribution capabilities, including: Improved per-pixel geodetic accuracy by incorporating...

    link

    What updates were made in Landsat Collection 2?

    Landsat Collection 2 marks the second major reprocessing event of the USGS Landsat archive. Continuing the tiered collection management structure implemented in Landsat Collection 1, Landsat Collection 2 introduces several advancements in data processing, algorithm development, as well as data access and distribution capabilities, including: Improved per-pixel geodetic accuracy by incorporating...

    Learn More
    link
    Example of Landsat Collection 2

    Why are the fill values and scaling factors of Landsat Collection 2 Level-2 products different from those products in Collection 1?

    The fill values and scale factors of Landsat Collection 2 Level-2 products were updated to be consistent with that of Landsat Collection 2 Level-1 data, while using the unsigned integer data type more efficiently. As shown in the table below, the fill value of the Surface Reflectance and Surface Temperature bands were changed from “-9999” in Collection 1, to “0” in Collection 2 to be consistent...

    link

    Why are the fill values and scaling factors of Landsat Collection 2 Level-2 products different from those products in Collection 1?

    The fill values and scale factors of Landsat Collection 2 Level-2 products were updated to be consistent with that of Landsat Collection 2 Level-1 data, while using the unsigned integer data type more efficiently. As shown in the table below, the fill value of the Surface Reflectance and Surface Temperature bands were changed from “-9999” in Collection 1, to “0” in Collection 2 to be consistent...

    Learn More
  • Multimedia
    Example of the Landsat 7 ETM+ Collection 2 level-2 science products
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    Example of the Landsat 8 Collection 2 products
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    Example of the Landsat Collection 2 products
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    Example of Landsat Collection 2 Surface Temperature
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    Landsat Collection 2 Level-1 and Level-2 examples
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    Example of the Landsat 4-5 TM Collection 2 level-2 science products
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    Example of Landsat Collection 2 Surface Reflectance
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    L8 Collection 2 Full Resolution Browse Samples: Reflective, Thermal, and Quality Band
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  • Publications

    Landsat collection 2

    Landsat Collections ensure that all Landsat Level-1 data are consistently calibrated and processed and retain traceability of data quality provenance. Landsat Collection 2 introduces improvements that harness recent advancements in data processing, algorithm development, data access, and distribution capabilities. Collection 2 includes Landsat Level-1 data for all sensors since 1972 and global Lev
    By
    Earth Resources Observation and Science Center, National Land Imaging Program, Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center , EROS CalVal Center of Excellence (ECCOE), Landsat Missions

    Landsat 9

    Landsat 9 is a partnership between the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and the U.S. Geological Survey that will continue the Landsat program’s critical role of repeat global observations for monitoring, understanding, and managing Earth’s natural resources. Since 1972, Landsat data have provided a unique resource for those who work in agriculture, geology, forestry, regional planning
    By
    Earth Resources Observation and Science Center, National Land Imaging Program, Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center , Landsat Missions

    Landsat benefiting society for fifty years

    Since 1972, data acquired by the Landsat series of satellites have become integral to land management for both government and the private sector, providing scientists and decision makers with key information about agricultural productivity, ice sheet dynamics, urban growth, forest monitoring, natural resource management, water quality, and supporting disaster response. Landsat 9 continues the miss
    By
    Earth Resources Observation and Science Center, National Land Imaging Program, Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center , Landsat Missions

    U.S. Landsat Analysis Ready Data

    U.S. Landsat Analysis Ready Data (ARD) are a revolutionary new U.S. Geological Survey science product that allows the Landsat archive to be more accessible and easier to analyze and reduces the amount of time users spend on data processing for monitoring and assessing landscape change. U.S. Landsat ARD are Level-2 products derived from Landsat Collections Level-1 precision and terrain-corrected sc
    By
    Earth Resources Observation and Science Center, Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center , Landsat Missions

    Landsat Collections

    In 2016, the U.S. Geological Survey reorganized the Landsat archive into a tiered collection structure, which 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. Landsat Collection 1 required the reprocessing o
    By
    Earth Resources Observation and Science Center, Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center , Landsat Missions

    Landsat—Earth observation satellites

    Since 1972, Landsat satellites have continuously acquired space-based images of the Earth’s land surface, providing data that serve as valuable resources for land use/land change research. The data are useful to a number of applications including forestry, agriculture, geology, regional planning, and education. Landsat is a joint effort of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and the National Aeronau
    By
    Earth Resources Observation and Science Center, Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center
  • News
    link

    EROS Releases Collection 2, Boosting Cloud Access, Accuracy, Value of Landsat Archive

    The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center is pleased to announce the December release of Landsat...

    Read Article
    link

    Landsat Data Moving to Public Cloud in Early 2020

    The USGS is placing a copy of its consolidated Landsat global data inventory into a commercial cloud in early 2020.

    Read Article
    link

    New “Landsat Collections” Help Facilitate Land Change Science

    Access to consistent high-quality images to study changes on Earth’s surface is getting easier. The USGS Landsat standard (Level-1) product inventory...

    Read Article