Abstract:
The idea of a civilian Earth resources satellite was conceived in the Department of Interior in the mid-1960s. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) embarked on an initiative to develop and launch the first Earth monitoring satellite to meet the needs of resource managers and Earth scientists. The USGS entered into a ... partnership with NASA in the early 1970s to assume responsibility for the archive management and distribution of Landsat data products. On July 23, 1972, NASA launched the first in a series of satellites designed to provide repetitive global coverage of the Earth's land masses. Designated initially as the Earth Resources Technology Satellite-A (ERTS-A), it used a Nimbus-type platform that was modified to carry sensor systems and data relay equipment. When operational orbit was achieved, it was designated ERTS-1. The second in this series of Earth resources satellites (designated ERTS-B) was launched January 22, 1975. It was renamed Landsat 2 by NASA, which also renamed ERTS-1 to Landsat 1. Three additional Landsats were launched in 1978, 1982, and 1984 (Landsats 3, 4, and 5 respectively). Each successive satellite had improved sensor and communications capabilities. NASA was responsible for operation of the Landsats until the early 1980s. In January 1983 operations of the Landsat system were transferred to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The Landsat system was commercialized in 1985 and became the property of Space Imaging EOSAT (later, Space Imaging) who maintained responsibility until July 1, 200l when control was returned to the federal government.
Purpose:
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has managed the Landsat data archive since the launch of Landsat 1. This archive provides a rich collection of information about the Earth's land surface. Major characteristics and changes to the surface of the planet can be detected, measured, and analyzed using Landsat data. The effects of desertification, deforestation, pollution, ... cataclysmic volcanic activity, and other natural and anthropogenic events can be examined using data acquired from the Landsat series of Earth-observing satellites. The information obtainable from the historical and current Landsat data play a key role in studying changes to the Earths surface. Landsat data have been used by government, commercial, industrial, civilian, and educational communities in the U.S. and worldwide. They are being used to support a wide range of applications in such areas as global change research, agriculture, forestry, geology, resources management, geography, mapping, water quality, and oceanography. The types of changes that can be identified include agricultural development, deforestation, natural disasters, urbanization, and the development and degradation of water resources.
Supplemental_Information:
Landsat data are available from the USGS. In addition to its Landsat data management responsibility, the USGS investigates new methods of characterizing and studying changes on the land surface with Landsat data.
Description:
Query and order satellite images, aerial photographs, and cartographic products through the U.S. Geological Survey. Log in as a guest or as a registered user. Registered users have access to more features than guests do. If you plan on using EarthExplorer frequently, you may wish to register. Please note that this site uses Session Cookies and Java applets.
Use Constraints
There is no guarantee of warranty concerning the accuracy of these data. Users should be aware that temporal changes may have occurred since the data was collected and that some parts of these data may no longer represent actual surface conditions. Users should not use these data for critical applications without a full awareness of their limitations. Acknowledgement of the originating agencies would be appreciated in products derived from these data. Any user who modifies the data set is obligated to describe the types of modifications they perform. User specifically agrees not to misrepresent the data set, nor to imply that changes made were approved or endorsed by the U.S. Geological Survey. Please refer to http://www.usgs.gov/privacy.html for the USGS disclaimer.
Information Systems Management
U.S. Geological Survey
EROS Center
47914 252nd Street
City:
Sioux Falls
Province or State:
SD
Postal Code:
57198-0001
Country:
USA
Publications/References
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1984, Landsat data users notes: [Sioux Falls, S. Dak.], National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration [variously paged].
U.S. Geological Survey, [1996], Landsat data products supplement--National Landsat Archive Production System (NLAPS), [factsheet]: Sioux Falls, S. Dak., U.S. Geological Survey, EROS Data Center, 2 p.
U.S. Geological Survey and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1984, Landsat 4 data users handbook: [Washington, D.C.], U.S. Geological Survey and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration [variously paged].
