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Multimedia

Explore the USGS Multimedia for access to images, videos, podcasts, and webcams. All items are considered public domain unless otherwise noted.

Images

Landsat mosaic of Fort Peck Lake in Montana, showing an icy and snowy landscape.
Landsat Mosaic of Fort Peck Lake, Montana
Landsat Mosaic of Fort Peck Lake, Montana
Landsat Mosaic of Fort Peck Lake, Montana

Fort Peck Lake, a sprawling reservoir formed by the Fort Peck Dam on the Missouri River, lies in the eastern prairie region of Montana near the city of Glasgow. According to the U.S.

Fort Peck Lake, a sprawling reservoir formed by the Fort Peck Dam on the Missouri River, lies in the eastern prairie region of Montana near the city of Glasgow. According to the U.S.

False color Landsat 8 image of Mount Etna in Italy, showing the glowing lava flow
False Color Landsat 8 Image of Mount Etna
False Color Landsat 8 Image of Mount Etna
False Color Landsat 8 Image of Mount Etna

Mount Etna is Europe’s largest and most active volcano. Located on the eastern coast of Sicily, Italy, in the province of Catania, the active stratovolcano is known for its frequent and persistent eruptions. Activity can range from explosive eruptions to lava flows and ash emissions.

Mount Etna is Europe’s largest and most active volcano. Located on the eastern coast of Sicily, Italy, in the province of Catania, the active stratovolcano is known for its frequent and persistent eruptions. Activity can range from explosive eruptions to lava flows and ash emissions.

Natural color Landsat 8 image of Mount Etna in Italy, showing layers of ash on the snow-capped volcano
Natural Color Landsat 8 Image of Mount Etna
Natural Color Landsat 8 Image of Mount Etna
Natural Color Landsat 8 Image of Mount Etna

Mount Etna is Europe’s largest and most active volcano. Located on the eastern coast of Sicily, Italy, in the province of Catania, the active stratovolcano is known for its frequent and persistent eruptions. Activity can range from explosive eruptions to lava flows and ash emissions.

Mount Etna is Europe’s largest and most active volcano. Located on the eastern coast of Sicily, Italy, in the province of Catania, the active stratovolcano is known for its frequent and persistent eruptions. Activity can range from explosive eruptions to lava flows and ash emissions.

Number of Landsat Citations
Landsat Citations
Landsat Citations
Landsat Citations

This graphic below displays the number of Landsat-related publications (orange line) starting in 1970. While publications decreased during the Commercialization Era, research rebounded greatly after the USGS open data policy decision in 2008.

This graphic below displays the number of Landsat-related publications (orange line) starting in 1970. While publications decreased during the Commercialization Era, research rebounded greatly after the USGS open data policy decision in 2008.

Annual NLCD map of the Chesapeake Bay region, showing the extent of the Bay and major urban areas
Annual NLCD for the Chesapeake Bay Region
Annual NLCD for the Chesapeake Bay Region
Annual NLCD for the Chesapeake Bay Region

The Chesapeake Bay watershed has experienced substantial population growth over the last several decades. Since 1950, the population has more than doubled, and between 1980 and 2023, the number increased from 12.7 million to 18.6 million.

The Chesapeake Bay watershed has experienced substantial population growth over the last several decades. Since 1950, the population has more than doubled, and between 1980 and 2023, the number increased from 12.7 million to 18.6 million.

Greater Los Angeles Fires January 2025
Greater Los Angeles Fires January 2025
Greater Los Angeles Fires January 2025
Greater Los Angeles Fires January 2025

Fires swept across the greater Los Angeles area in early January, scarring more than 50,000 acres and destroying over 15,000 structures. Exceptionally dry conditions, coupled with strong Santa Ana winds, fueled the fires. 

Fires swept across the greater Los Angeles area in early January, scarring more than 50,000 acres and destroying over 15,000 structures. Exceptionally dry conditions, coupled with strong Santa Ana winds, fueled the fires. 

Videos

Title slide with illustration of satellite above the Earth and text alongside Landsat: Products & Services from the USGS - Webinar, September 2023
Landsat: Products & Services from the USGS - Webinar, September 2023
Landsat: Products & Services from the USGS - Webinar, September 2023

The USGS Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center maintains the largest civilian collection of images of the Earth’s land surface. At EROS we study land change and produce land change data products used by researchers, resource managers, and policymakers across the nation and around the world.

The USGS Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center maintains the largest civilian collection of images of the Earth’s land surface. At EROS we study land change and produce land change data products used by researchers, resource managers, and policymakers across the nation and around the world.

Graphic of Landsat Next Planned Orbits and Swath Coverage Landsat Next Planned Orbits and Swath Coverage
Landsat Next Planned Orbits and Swath Coverage
Landsat Next Planned Orbits and Swath Coverage

Landsat Next is the follow on mission to Landsat-9. Landsat Next which will provide data continuity to the decades long data record of the Earth’s land from space. It is still in the planning stages and is targeted for launch around 2030.

Landsat Next is the follow on mission to Landsat-9. Landsat Next which will provide data continuity to the decades long data record of the Earth’s land from space. It is still in the planning stages and is targeted for launch around 2030.

Landsat 1 First Light Image over Dallas, Texas Landsat Records 50 Years of Growth in Dallas-Fort Worth
Landsat Records 50 Years of Growth in Dallas-Fort Worth
Landsat Records 50 Years of Growth in Dallas-Fort Worth

Landsat 1 celebrated its 50th anniversary on July 23, 2022!

Landsat 1's first satellite image shared with the world was a view of Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas. Over the course of five decades, Landsat satellites have captured the Dallas-Fort Worth area 2033 times, compiled into individual scenes in the Landsat Archive.

Landsat 1 celebrated its 50th anniversary on July 23, 2022!

Landsat 1's first satellite image shared with the world was a view of Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas. Over the course of five decades, Landsat satellites have captured the Dallas-Fort Worth area 2033 times, compiled into individual scenes in the Landsat Archive.

Illustration of Landsat satellite generations over 50 years Landsat: Celebrating 50 Years
Landsat: Celebrating 50 Years
Landsat: Celebrating 50 Years

The Landsat program conceived of in the 1960s, has been running longer than any remote sensing program. The idea was simple: position a satellite in a nearly polar orbit fixed to the solar angle so that each daytime pass would cross the equator at roughly the same local time.

The Landsat program conceived of in the 1960s, has been running longer than any remote sensing program. The idea was simple: position a satellite in a nearly polar orbit fixed to the solar angle so that each daytime pass would cross the equator at roughly the same local time.

color thumbnail for USGS EROS Image of the Week - Landsat's 10 Millionth Scene Image of the Week - Landsat's 10 Millionth Scene
Image of the Week - Landsat's 10 Millionth Scene
Image of the Week - Landsat's 10 Millionth Scene

Landsat 7 had the honor of acquiring the satellite program’s 10 millionth scene in November 2021.

The scene captures changes to the Dead Sea, located in Southwest Asia. The Dead Sea is mainly fed by the Jordan River, which enters from the north. However, the water level of the Dead Sea has been falling due to irrigation projects and water use upstream.

Landsat 7 had the honor of acquiring the satellite program’s 10 millionth scene in November 2021.

The scene captures changes to the Dead Sea, located in Southwest Asia. The Dead Sea is mainly fed by the Jordan River, which enters from the north. However, the water level of the Dead Sea has been falling due to irrigation projects and water use upstream.

10 Millionth Landsat Image 10 Millionth Landsat Image
10 Millionth Landsat Image
10 Millionth Landsat Image

Since 1972, Landsat satellites have continually acquired data about the Earth’s land surface. On November 23, 2021, the Landsat Archive that stores this vital record added its ten millionth scene.

The history of the area on display in that milestone scene offers insight into the value of the Landsat Program’s longevity to the scientific community.

Since 1972, Landsat satellites have continually acquired data about the Earth’s land surface. On November 23, 2021, the Landsat Archive that stores this vital record added its ten millionth scene.

The history of the area on display in that milestone scene offers insight into the value of the Landsat Program’s longevity to the scientific community.

Audio

Thumbnail image for Eyes on Earth Episode 131 – Using AI in Geospatial Work, showing photos of the four guests
Thumbnail image for EoE Episode 131 – Using AI in Geospatial Work
Thumbnail image for EoE Episode 131 – Using AI in Geospatial Work
Eyes on Earth Episode 131 – Using AI in Geospatial Work
Eyes on Earth Episode 131 – Using AI in Geospatial Work
Thumbnail image for Eyes on Earth Episode 131 – Using AI in Geospatial Work, showing photos of the four guests
Thumbnail image for EoE Episode 131 – Using AI in Geospatial Work
Thumbnail image for EoE Episode 131 – Using AI in Geospatial Work
Eyes on Earth Episode 131 – Using AI in Geospatial Work

Eyes on Earth tackles artificial intelligence (AI) in a 2-part episode. AI is quickly becoming a necessary part of geospatial work at EROS, helping us efficiently do science to better manage our world. In Part 1, EROS Director Pete Doucette discusses AI and its current and upcoming impact on our work at EROS.

Eyes on Earth tackles artificial intelligence (AI) in a 2-part episode. AI is quickly becoming a necessary part of geospatial work at EROS, helping us efficiently do science to better manage our world. In Part 1, EROS Director Pete Doucette discusses AI and its current and upcoming impact on our work at EROS.

Thumbnail image for Eyes on Earth Episode 130 – NLCD Accuracy, showing photo of Jo Horton
Thumbnail image for EoE Episode 130 – NLCD Accuracy
Thumbnail image for EoE Episode 130 – NLCD Accuracy
Eyes on Earth Episode 130 – NLCD Accuracy
Eyes on Earth Episode 130 – NLCD Accuracy
Thumbnail image for Eyes on Earth Episode 130 – NLCD Accuracy, showing photo of Jo Horton
Thumbnail image for EoE Episode 130 – NLCD Accuracy
Thumbnail image for EoE Episode 130 – NLCD Accuracy
Eyes on Earth Episode 130 – NLCD Accuracy

Every pixel has a story. At least that’s how land remote sensing scientist Jo Horton sees it. The new Annual National Land Cover Database (NLCD) was just released in October 2024. NLCD is widely used for land cover and change research in the U.S.

Thumbnail image for Eyes on Earth Episode 130 – NLCD Accuracy, showing photo of Jo Horton
Thumbnail image for EoE Episode 130 – NLCD Accuracy
Thumbnail image for EoE Episode 130 – NLCD Accuracy

Every pixel has a story. At least that’s how land remote sensing scientist Jo Horton sees it. The new Annual National Land Cover Database (NLCD) was just released in October 2024. NLCD is widely used for land cover and change research in the U.S.

Thumbnail image for Eyes on Earth Episode 129 – What Happens During a Landsat Pass?, showing Aaron Hensley and Eric Gaspar
Thumbnail image for EoE Episode 129 – What Happens During a Landsat Pass?
Thumbnail image for EoE Episode 129 – What Happens During a Landsat Pass?
Eyes on Earth Episode 129 – What Happens During a Landsat Pass?
Eyes on Earth Episode 129 – What Happens During a Landsat Pass?
Thumbnail image for Eyes on Earth Episode 129 – What Happens During a Landsat Pass?, showing Aaron Hensley and Eric Gaspar
Thumbnail image for EoE Episode 129 – What Happens During a Landsat Pass?
Thumbnail image for EoE Episode 129 – What Happens During a Landsat Pass?
Eyes on Earth Episode 129 – What Happens During a Landsat Pass?

In this episode of Eyes on Earth, we talk to ground station technicians to find out how Landsat satellite data gets from the spacecraft to EROS and then to the archive. We see what it’s like in EROS’s Landsat operations room and what the technicians do before, during, and after a Landsat pass.

In this episode of Eyes on Earth, we talk to ground station technicians to find out how Landsat satellite data gets from the spacecraft to EROS and then to the archive. We see what it’s like in EROS’s Landsat operations room and what the technicians do before, during, and after a Landsat pass.

Thumbnail image for Eyes on Earth Episode 127 – The Historic Landsat 7 Mission, showing photos of several EROS employees
Thumbnail image for EoE Episode 127 – The Historic Landsat 7 Mission
Thumbnail image for EoE Episode 127 – The Historic Landsat 7 Mission
Eyes on Earth Episode 127 – The Historic Landsat 7 Mission
Eyes on Earth Episode 127 – The Historic Landsat 7 Mission
Thumbnail image for Eyes on Earth Episode 127 – The Historic Landsat 7 Mission, showing photos of several EROS employees
Thumbnail image for EoE Episode 127 – The Historic Landsat 7 Mission
Thumbnail image for EoE Episode 127 – The Historic Landsat 7 Mission
Eyes on Earth Episode 127 – The Historic Landsat 7 Mission

In this episode of Eyes on Earth, we talk about the incredible career of Landsat 7, which collected science imagery of the Earth for nearly 25 years. The Flight Operations Team at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center and engineers at EROS work together to collect imagery, send commands to the satellite, and keep it healthy.

In this episode of Eyes on Earth, we talk about the incredible career of Landsat 7, which collected science imagery of the Earth for nearly 25 years. The Flight Operations Team at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center and engineers at EROS work together to collect imagery, send commands to the satellite, and keep it healthy.

Thumbnail image for Eyes on Earth Episode 124 – Mapping Fires in Utah, showing a photo of Jim Lutz
Thumbnail image for EoE Episode 124 – Mapping Fires in Utah
Thumbnail image for EoE Episode 124 – Mapping Fires in Utah
Eyes on Earth Episode 124 – Mapping Fires in Utah
Eyes on Earth Episode 124 – Mapping Fires in Utah
Thumbnail image for Eyes on Earth Episode 124 – Mapping Fires in Utah, showing a photo of Jim Lutz
Thumbnail image for EoE Episode 124 – Mapping Fires in Utah
Thumbnail image for EoE Episode 124 – Mapping Fires in Utah
Eyes on Earth Episode 124 – Mapping Fires in Utah

In this episode of Eyes on Earth, we talk to forest ecologist Jim Lutz about the effort to map fires in Utah. Fire research in the West is dominated by the study of large fires, but the forests in Utah are different. Utah typically does not have a lot of large fires as other western states do.

Thumbnail image for Eyes on Earth Episode 124 – Mapping Fires in Utah, showing a photo of Jim Lutz
Thumbnail image for EoE Episode 124 – Mapping Fires in Utah
Thumbnail image for EoE Episode 124 – Mapping Fires in Utah

In this episode of Eyes on Earth, we talk to forest ecologist Jim Lutz about the effort to map fires in Utah. Fire research in the West is dominated by the study of large fires, but the forests in Utah are different. Utah typically does not have a lot of large fires as other western states do.

Thumbnail image for Eyes on Earth Episode 123 – Bathymetry Mapping, showing a photo of Jeff Danielson
Thumbnail image for EoE Episode 123 – Bathymetry Mapping
Thumbnail image for EoE Episode 123 – Bathymetry Mapping
Eyes on Earth Episode 123 – Bathymetry Mapping
Eyes on Earth Episode 123 – Bathymetry Mapping
Thumbnail image for Eyes on Earth Episode 123 – Bathymetry Mapping, showing a photo of Jeff Danielson
Thumbnail image for EoE Episode 123 – Bathymetry Mapping
Thumbnail image for EoE Episode 123 – Bathymetry Mapping
Eyes on Earth Episode 123 – Bathymetry Mapping

This Eyes on Earth episode is the third in our series on using Landsat for coastal studies. We talk to physical geographer Jeff Danielson about bathymetry and how it is critical for coastal modeling. Bathymetry captures the shape of underwater topography, and satellite-derived bathymetry helps fill in areas where there are data gaps.

Thumbnail image for Eyes on Earth Episode 123 – Bathymetry Mapping, showing a photo of Jeff Danielson
Thumbnail image for EoE Episode 123 – Bathymetry Mapping
Thumbnail image for EoE Episode 123 – Bathymetry Mapping

This Eyes on Earth episode is the third in our series on using Landsat for coastal studies. We talk to physical geographer Jeff Danielson about bathymetry and how it is critical for coastal modeling. Bathymetry captures the shape of underwater topography, and satellite-derived bathymetry helps fill in areas where there are data gaps.

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