Annual NLCD showing growth in urban areas across the United States

By Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center November 25, 2025

A map of the United States with a black background and colorful spots scattered throughout, 2 zoomed in areas and a legend

Altered Content -

Annual NLCD uses AI methods to process and produce its satellite-derived products.

Detailed Description

This map, produced with Annual National Land Cover Database (NLCD) Collection 1.1 data from 1985 to 2024, shows the growth in urban areas (development) across the United States. Various colors represent the year that new growth occurred in a particular spot. Annual NLCD is produced primarily using Landsat satellite imagery at the USGS Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center. Learn more about Annual NLCD.

Sources/Usage

Public Domain.