Landsat data continue to be freely available through traditional USGS tools such as EarthExplorer, but if you prefer to access the data in the cloud, an Amazon Web Services (AWS) account is required.
Landsat data are available in the cloud via the AWS Oregon us-west-2 region. There is no charge for the Landsat data, but charges from the cloud vendor might apply for any storage, processing, and egress when using the direct access capability. These charges might depend on the type of account that you have. Contact Amazon with specific questions on cost.
Learn More: Landsat Commercial Cloud Data Access
Related Content
What are Cloud Optimized GeoTIFFs (COGs)?
A Cloud Optimized GeoTIFF (COG) is a GeoTIFF file with an internal organization that enables more efficient workflows in the cloud environment. It does this by leveraging the ability of clients issuing HTTP GET range requests to ask for just the parts of a file they need.Learn more: Landsat COG Data Format Control Book USGS Digital Elevation Models (DEM) Switching to New Distribution Format
Are Landsat data in the cloud still considered to be within the public domain?
Yes. Regardless of how it is accessed, Landsat data are controlled by the USGS and considered to be an official USGS record in the public domain. Permission is not required for use. We do request that you acknowledge the USGS as the source. Learn More: USGS Copyrights and Credits statement Landsat Commercial Cloud Data Access
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...
Can Landsat satellite acquisition requests be made for a specific date and location?
The Landsat 8 and Landsat 9 satellites together acquire approximately 1,500 scenes daily. These scenes are available for download within 6 hours of acquisition. Landsat satellite acquisitions are managed as a system, known as a satellite constellation. Long-Term Acquisition Plans (LTAPs) direct and optimize the daily acquisitions of each active Landsat satellite. Special requests for future...
How do I open Landsat satellite data files?
Many image processing programs (ERDAS IMAGINE®, PCI Geomatica®, ENVI®, IDRISI®, etc.)* can import a variety of image formats, including the GeoTIFF files of Landsat data. Free Multispec software that is included with the USGS lesson plan Tracking Change Over Time can be used for limited spectral analysis. To view Landsat scenes without using specialized software, download the LandsatLook images (...
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.
How do I search for and download Landsat data?
Landsat data products held in the USGS archives can be searched and downloaded at no charge from a variety of sources. Visit Landsat Data Access for information about how Landsat data products can be downloaded individually or in bulk. Landsat imagery not found in the USGS archive might have been collected by one of the USGS International Cooperator ground stations, each of which are the primary...
Related Content
- FAQ
What are Cloud Optimized GeoTIFFs (COGs)?
A Cloud Optimized GeoTIFF (COG) is a GeoTIFF file with an internal organization that enables more efficient workflows in the cloud environment. It does this by leveraging the ability of clients issuing HTTP GET range requests to ask for just the parts of a file they need.Learn more: Landsat COG Data Format Control Book USGS Digital Elevation Models (DEM) Switching to New Distribution Format
Are Landsat data in the cloud still considered to be within the public domain?
Yes. Regardless of how it is accessed, Landsat data are controlled by the USGS and considered to be an official USGS record in the public domain. Permission is not required for use. We do request that you acknowledge the USGS as the source. Learn More: USGS Copyrights and Credits statement Landsat Commercial Cloud Data Access
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...
Can Landsat satellite acquisition requests be made for a specific date and location?
The Landsat 8 and Landsat 9 satellites together acquire approximately 1,500 scenes daily. These scenes are available for download within 6 hours of acquisition. Landsat satellite acquisitions are managed as a system, known as a satellite constellation. Long-Term Acquisition Plans (LTAPs) direct and optimize the daily acquisitions of each active Landsat satellite. Special requests for future...
How do I open Landsat satellite data files?
Many image processing programs (ERDAS IMAGINE®, PCI Geomatica®, ENVI®, IDRISI®, etc.)* can import a variety of image formats, including the GeoTIFF files of Landsat data. Free Multispec software that is included with the USGS lesson plan Tracking Change Over Time can be used for limited spectral analysis. To view Landsat scenes without using specialized software, download the LandsatLook images (...
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.
How do I search for and download Landsat data?
Landsat data products held in the USGS archives can be searched and downloaded at no charge from a variety of sources. Visit Landsat Data Access for information about how Landsat data products can be downloaded individually or in bulk. Landsat imagery not found in the USGS archive might have been collected by one of the USGS International Cooperator ground stations, each of which are the primary...
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