May 2023 - Vol. 2 | Issue 5
Fifteen years of Open Data Allows Advancements in Landsat Use and Research
On this day in 2008, the USGS announced their plan to ‘open’ the USGS EROS Landsat archives, making all Landsat data available to download at no charge, to all users worldwide. Fifteen years later, in the “Year of Open Science”, Landsat continues to lead how Earth Observation data is utilized, and how Landsat data is used to support science and research efforts.
Landsat Update — Final Issue, May 2023
Since 2000, Landsat Updates have provided important and timely updates about the USGS Landsat project.
Recently we launched a new outlet to share news about Landsat. With this change, the May 2023 issue will be the final Landsat Update.
Landsat 9 Reprocessing Campaign Update
The effort to reprocess all Landsat 9 Collection 2 data held in the USGS archives began in early March 2023 to take advantage of calibration updates identified by the USGS/NASA Calibration/Validation team.
Opening the Landsat Archive Helped Realize Its True Value
In 2008, the USGS made a decision that changed the entire remote sensing realm. April 21, 2023, marks the 15th anniversary of the USGS announcement setting a timeline to release, at no charge, all Landsat data from the archive.
Pecora Nominations Deadline Extended to June 15
The deadline for Pecora Award nominations has been extended to June 15, 2023.
Landsat Spectral Characteristics Viewer Updated
Originally released in 2006, the Landsat Spectral Characteristics Viewer provides a visual method for users of Landsat and other Earth Observation data to evaluate satellite sensor bands and determine those bands that may be best suited for application research related to the available targets.
Landsat 8 Level-1 Product Processing Resumes
The processing of Landsat 8 Level-1 products has resumed, following a brief pause due to an error that occurred during a standard calibration collect by the satellite’s Thermal Infrared Sensor (TIRS) on Friday April 21, 2023.
Landsat Project Statistics
How much Landsat data is available, and how much is downloaded? Who downloads Landsat products and what do they use it for?
We answer these questions and more on this page.
Eyes on Earth Episode 19 – 100 Million Landsat Downloads
Eyes on Earth is a podcast on remote sensing, Earth observation, land change and science, brought to you by the USGS Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center. In this episode, we celebrate the 100 millionth scene downloaded and discuss the open data policy that made the milestone possible.
Landsat Collection 2 DEM Source Products Available
Several digital elevation model (DEM) sources are used in the processing of Landsat Collection 2 Level-1 products. These sources are based on specific geographic regions and contribute to improved vertical accuracy in Collection 2 when compared to data processed in the past. Together, these sources are all known as the Landsat Collection 2 DEM.