Landsat Data Distributed from USGS 1972 -2008

This graph displays the quantity and type of media of Landsat Level-1 data distributed by the USGS before data became available to download at no charge in 2008.

The shift from hard copy photographs of satellite images to physical media began with floppy disks, followed by CD-ROMs, and later DVD’s in the early 2000’s. These physical media were retired in 2008 with the shift to fully online digital data distribution. 

Other interesting statistics can be found on the Landsat Project Statistics webpage.