Earth Observation User Case Study: Power of the Pixel Thumbnail

Social scientists at the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Fort Collins Science Center – in collaboration with the USGS National Land Imaging Program – conduct Earth observation user case studies using qualitative research methods. Using standard scientific methods, they are better able to understand the variety of Earth observation users, including how they use and value Earth observation data. This video guides you through a series of Earth observation users. Women have been key leaders in Landsat’s long legacy of technological innovation, Earth’s long term monitoring, and making a difference through applied science. The amazing thing about Landsat’s long-term catalog and open access data policy is that women from around the world and of all ages can make discoveries and contributions using cyber infrastructure and cloud data-processing platforms, whether at a local or global scale. Through its free and open data policy, Landsat Collection Products (Level 2 C1/C2), Landsat Science Products (Dynamic Surface Water Extent, Fractional Snow Covered Area, Burned Area, Provisional Actual Evapotranspiration) the USGS/NASA Landsat program helps break down barriers to entry for many Ladies of Landsat who were previously excluded from the field of remote sensing. With Analysis Ready Data at their fingertips, Ladies of Landsat no longer need to search or invest in heavy processing software and equipment and can educate themselves through an online community of learners and teachers. Ladies of Landsat demonstrate the power of the pixel and Landsat’s diverse applications in their work and how Landsat makes their work possible. Representation matters; young ladies going through their K-12 education (and beyond!) crave the ability to see women in positions of scientific power, able to make a difference with their work. Landsat is a joint USGS/NASA Program that provides the longest continuous space-based record of Earth’s land surface. Every day, Landsat satellites provide essential information to help land managers and policy makers make decisions about resources and the environment.