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Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center

The U.S. Geological Survey's (USGS) Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, is a global leader in land imaging, using remotely sensed data to track how Earth is changing. EROS provides reliable, science-based information to help decision-makers understand how shifts in land use, cover, and condition affect people and the environment. 

This work is supported by an authoritative national archive of Earth observation data—housing more than 85 years of satellite and aerial records, including the complete Landsat collection. As the operational home of Landsat 8 and 9, EROS delivers daily observations that inform natural resource assessments, support national security, and help communities prepare for the future.

News

America at 250, Seen from Space

America at 250, Seen from Space

Annual NLCD Collection 1.2 Now Available

Annual NLCD Collection 1.2 Now Available

Latest in Landsat June 2026 - Vol. 5 | Issue 6

Latest in Landsat June 2026 - Vol. 5 | Issue 6

Publications

Quantifying Landsat’s contributions to U.S. agricultural and forestry applications Quantifying Landsat’s contributions to U.S. agricultural and forestry applications

The Landsat program has provided over 54 years of multispectral imagery, contributing vital information for agricultural and forestry scientific research and operational activities. Freely available Landsat data have enabled scientists to analyze land use patterns, assess ecological impacts, and develop strategies for sustainable management. We explored Landsat’s pivotal role through the...
Authors
Ellen Wengert, Jordan Rowe, Shankar N. Ramaseri Chandra, Melanie K. Vanderhoof, Iris Garthwaite, Zhuoting Wu, Gregory Snyder, Kimberly A. Casey, Crista L. Straub, Daniel W. Opstal, Everett Hinkley

ECCOE Landsat quarterly calibration and validation report—Quarter 4, 2025 ECCOE Landsat quarterly calibration and validation report—Quarter 4, 2025

Executive Summary The U.S. Geological Survey Earth Resources Observation and Science Calibration and Validation (Cal/Val) Center of Excellence (ECCOE) focuses on improving the accuracy, precision, calibration, and product quality of remote-sensing data, leveraging years of multiscale optical system geometric and radiometric calibration and characterization experience. The ECCOE Landsat...
Authors
Md Obaidul Haque, Nahid Hasan, Ashish Shrestha, Rajagopalan Rengarajan, Mark Lubke, Daniel Steinwand, Paul Bresnahan, Jerad L. Shaw, Kathryn Ruslander, Esad Micijevic, Michael J. Choate, Cody Anderson, Jeff Clauson, Kurt Thome, Amit Angal, Raviv Levy, Jeff Miller, Cibele Teixeira Pinto

System characterization report on Tanager System characterization report on Tanager

Executive Summary This report addresses the system characterization of the Tanager satellite hyperspectral sensor created by Planet Labs PBC. and is part of a series of system characterization reports produced and delivered by the U.S. Geological Survey Earth Resources Observation and Science Cal/Val Center of Excellence. These reports present and detail the methodology and procedures...
Authors
Minsu Kim, Seonkyung Park, Jeff Clauson, Jim Vrabel, Ajit Sampath

Science

EROS User Services

Your trusted resource for USGS EROS data and tools. As the primary contact point for the USGS Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) center, we help thousands of users each year access and understand our vast archive of remotely sensed imagery and science products. From technical assistance and tool support, to training and outreach, our team ensures you have the resources you need to make...
EROS User Services

EROS User Services

Your trusted resource for USGS EROS data and tools. As the primary contact point for the USGS Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) center, we help thousands of users each year access and understand our vast archive of remotely sensed imagery and science products. From technical assistance and tool support, to training and outreach, our team ensures you have the resources you need to make...
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eVIIRS NDVI Data Dictionary

The Data Dictionaries are a set of information describing the contents, format, and structure of elements for EarthExplorer products.
eVIIRS NDVI Data Dictionary

eVIIRS NDVI Data Dictionary

The Data Dictionaries are a set of information describing the contents, format, and structure of elements for EarthExplorer products.
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USGS Sagebrush Science: Supporting Public Safety and Economic Decision Making Across the West

The sagebrush biome is one of the largest ecosystems in North America. Encompassing nearly one-third of the continental U.S., it provides critical resources for millions of Americans and a home for hundreds of plants and animal species in the West. Natural resource management in sagebrush ecosystems can be complex, and science can support management decisions by providing knowledge and tools to...
USGS Sagebrush Science: Supporting Public Safety and Economic Decision Making Across the West

USGS Sagebrush Science: Supporting Public Safety and Economic Decision Making Across the West

The sagebrush biome is one of the largest ecosystems in North America. Encompassing nearly one-third of the continental U.S., it provides critical resources for millions of Americans and a home for hundreds of plants and animal species in the West. Natural resource management in sagebrush ecosystems can be complex, and science can support management decisions by providing knowledge and tools to...
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