Skip to main content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Videos

Videos intro.
Filter Total Items: 216
WaterML2 Part 3: Surface Hydrology Features (HY_Features) Conceptual Model and the Mainstems Logistical Data Model Thumbnail WaterML2 Part 3: Surface Hydrology Features (HY_Features) Conceptual Model and the Mainstems Logistical Data Model
WaterML2 Part 3: Surface Hydrology Features (HY_Features) Conceptual Model and the Mainstems Logistical Data Model
WaterML2 Part 3: Surface Hydrology Features (HY_Features) Conceptual Model and the Mainstems Logistical Data Model

HY_Features is the international standard conceptual data model for surface hydrologic features which will be used as the basis for the 3DHP data model – the planned successor to the NHD.

HY_Features is the international standard conceptual data model for surface hydrologic features which will be used as the basis for the 3DHP data model – the planned successor to the NHD.

Graphic of Landsat Next Planned Orbits and Swath Coverage Landsat Next Planned Orbits and Swath Coverage
Landsat Next Planned Orbits and Swath Coverage
Landsat Next Planned Orbits and Swath Coverage

Landsat Next is the follow on mission to Landsat-9. Landsat Next which will provide data continuity to the decades long data record of the Earth’s land from space. It is still in the planning stages and is targeted for launch around 2030.

Landsat Next is the follow on mission to Landsat-9. Landsat Next which will provide data continuity to the decades long data record of the Earth’s land from space. It is still in the planning stages and is targeted for launch around 2030.

Logo with title and image of Earth on its axis Image of the Week - Landsat and Our Tilted Planet
Image of the Week - Landsat and Our Tilted Planet
Image of the Week - Landsat and Our Tilted Planet

We wouldn't have seasons here on Earth if not for the planet's 23.5 degree axial tilt. Axial tilt is also known as obliquity. Earth's obliquity and its relationship with the sun give us two solstice points and two equinox points. As we orbit through each solstice and equinox, the amount and angle of daylight change.

We wouldn't have seasons here on Earth if not for the planet's 23.5 degree axial tilt. Axial tilt is also known as obliquity. Earth's obliquity and its relationship with the sun give us two solstice points and two equinox points. As we orbit through each solstice and equinox, the amount and angle of daylight change.

Logo with title and image of Earth from space Image of the Week - World Cup in Qatar, 2022
Image of the Week - World Cup in Qatar, 2022
Image of the Week - World Cup in Qatar, 2022

While the best soccer players in the world show off their footwork skills, the best Earth observation satellite program in the world displays its skill at detecting change over time. Landsat images show the rapidly growing city of Doha in Qatar. It's the country's capital and the location of the 2022 men's World Cup.

While the best soccer players in the world show off their footwork skills, the best Earth observation satellite program in the world displays its skill at detecting change over time. Landsat images show the rapidly growing city of Doha in Qatar. It's the country's capital and the location of the 2022 men's World Cup.

Logo with title and image of Earth Image of the Week - Lake Powell and the Megadrought
Image of the Week - Lake Powell and the Megadrought
Image of the Week - Lake Powell and the Megadrought

Two decades of drought are contributing to low water levels in reservoirs along the Colorado River, including Lake Powell.

Lake Powell’s highest recorded water level was in 1983. In this 1984 Landsat 5 image, the lake’s elevation was 3,702 feet above sea level.

Two decades of drought are contributing to low water levels in reservoirs along the Colorado River, including Lake Powell.

Lake Powell’s highest recorded water level was in 1983. In this 1984 Landsat 5 image, the lake’s elevation was 3,702 feet above sea level.

Governance, Partnerships, and Data Acquisition to Support the 3D Hydrography Program  Thumbnail Governance, Partnerships, and Data Acquisition to Support the 3D Hydrography Program
Governance, Partnerships, and Data Acquisition to Support the 3D Hydrography Program
Governance, Partnerships, and Data Acquisition to Support the 3D Hydrography Program

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has developed a vision for the 3D National Topography Model (3DNTM), which will integrate USGS elevation and hydrography datasets to model the Nation's topography in 3D.

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has developed a vision for the 3D National Topography Model (3DNTM), which will integrate USGS elevation and hydrography datasets to model the Nation's topography in 3D.

Image of Earth, satellite image of Lake Mead, logo, title Image of the Week - Lake Mead and the Megadrought
Image of the Week - Lake Mead and the Megadrought
Image of the Week - Lake Mead and the Megadrought

Lake Mead and the Mega Drought.

Image of the Week.

Drought over the past 20 years in the Colorado River Basin, and a growing demand for water, have brought Lake Mead to historically low levels.

In 1972, the year Landsat 1 captured its first images, Lake Mead’s elevation was 1,155 above sea level.

Lake Mead and the Mega Drought.

Image of the Week.

Drought over the past 20 years in the Colorado River Basin, and a growing demand for water, have brought Lake Mead to historically low levels.

In 1972, the year Landsat 1 captured its first images, Lake Mead’s elevation was 1,155 above sea level.

Variations of satellite image maps Hermits Peak Fire, HLS (2022)
Hermits Peak Fire, HLS (2022)
Hermits Peak Fire, HLS (2022)

This Harmonized Landsat Sentinel-2 (HLS) data animation shows the development of the Hermits Peak Fire which began on April 6, 2022, in the U.S. Forest Service Santa Fe National Forest. This video shows the fire as it spreads across the landscape from April 4, 2022, to August 2, 2022.

This Harmonized Landsat Sentinel-2 (HLS) data animation shows the development of the Hermits Peak Fire which began on April 6, 2022, in the U.S. Forest Service Santa Fe National Forest. This video shows the fire as it spreads across the landscape from April 4, 2022, to August 2, 2022.

Illustration of part of Antarctica Image of the Week - Rifts & Rumples in Antarctica
Image of the Week - Rifts & Rumples in Antarctica
Image of the Week - Rifts & Rumples in Antarctica

Landsat satellites have watched the Brunt Ice Shelf for nearly five decades. And now, Landsat 9 has joined in observing the changing surface.

Landsat satellites have watched the Brunt Ice Shelf for nearly five decades. And now, Landsat 9 has joined in observing the changing surface.

3D Hydrography Program Transition Timelines Video Thumbnail 3D Hydrography Program Transition Timelines
3D Hydrography Program Transition Timelines
3D Hydrography Program Transition Timelines

The USGS is developing the 3D Hydrography Program (3DHP) as the surface water mapping component of the new 3D National Topography Model (3DNTM.) The 3DHP will provide critical data to support a broad range of national, regional, and local applications such as flood forecasting and response, agricultural planning, infrastructure design, stream ecology research a

The USGS is developing the 3D Hydrography Program (3DHP) as the surface water mapping component of the new 3D National Topography Model (3DNTM.) The 3DHP will provide critical data to support a broad range of national, regional, and local applications such as flood forecasting and response, agricultural planning, infrastructure design, stream ecology research a

Cartoon portrays how installing natural infrastructure can impact the water and carbon budgets of dryland streams and watersheds. Aridland Water Harvesting Study Animation
Aridland Water Harvesting Study Animation
Aridland Water Harvesting Study Animation

Informative video portraying natural infrastructure in dryland streams (NIDS) in a watershed and descriptions of their documented climate-smart practices, graphic illustrated by Heartwood Visuals; animated by Hans J. Huth (Supplementary video 1; Norman et al. 2022).

Informative video portraying natural infrastructure in dryland streams (NIDS) in a watershed and descriptions of their documented climate-smart practices, graphic illustrated by Heartwood Visuals; animated by Hans J. Huth (Supplementary video 1; Norman et al. 2022).

UAS carrying the methane sensor (left) and a smaller UAS used to collect videos and photos (right) in Alaska Measuring natural methane emissions from bogs using drones in Alaska B-Roll
Measuring natural methane emissions from bogs using drones in Alaska B-Roll
Measuring natural methane emissions from bogs using drones in Alaska B-Roll

Permafrost is ground that has been frozen for at least two years. With the warming climate, permafrost across Alaska is thawing and greenhouse gases such as methane are released as a result. Ecologist Kristen Manies of the U.S.

Permafrost is ground that has been frozen for at least two years. With the warming climate, permafrost across Alaska is thawing and greenhouse gases such as methane are released as a result. Ecologist Kristen Manies of the U.S.

Title Slide from Fiscal Year 2023 Broad Agency Announcement Presentation 3DEP FY23 Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) Instructional Webinar
3DEP FY23 Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) Instructional Webinar
3DEP FY23 Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) Instructional Webinar

This webinar provides an overview of the Federal Fiscal Year (FY) 23 3D Elevation Program (3DEP) Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) solicitation and application process.

This webinar provides an overview of the Federal Fiscal Year (FY) 23 3D Elevation Program (3DEP) Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) solicitation and application process.

Landsat 1 First Light Image over Dallas, Texas Landsat Records 50 Years of Growth in Dallas-Fort Worth
Landsat Records 50 Years of Growth in Dallas-Fort Worth
Landsat Records 50 Years of Growth in Dallas-Fort Worth

Landsat 1 celebrated its 50th anniversary on July 23, 2022!

Landsat 1's first satellite image shared with the world was a view of Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas. Over the course of five decades, Landsat satellites have captured the Dallas-Fort Worth area 2033 times, compiled into individual scenes in the Landsat Archive.

Landsat 1 celebrated its 50th anniversary on July 23, 2022!

Landsat 1's first satellite image shared with the world was a view of Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas. Over the course of five decades, Landsat satellites have captured the Dallas-Fort Worth area 2033 times, compiled into individual scenes in the Landsat Archive.

Illustration of Landsat satellite generations over 50 years Landsat: Celebrating 50 Years (Extended Edition)
Landsat: Celebrating 50 Years (Extended Edition)
Landsat: Celebrating 50 Years (Extended Edition)

50 years of teamwork. 50 years of innovation. 50 years of resilience. In 1966, Secretary of the Interior Stewart Udall announced his vision to create a program aimed at gathering facts about the natural resources of the Earth from Earth orbiting satellites. It was a bold proclamation. It was also an idea that worked and continues to work 50 years on.

50 years of teamwork. 50 years of innovation. 50 years of resilience. In 1966, Secretary of the Interior Stewart Udall announced his vision to create a program aimed at gathering facts about the natural resources of the Earth from Earth orbiting satellites. It was a bold proclamation. It was also an idea that worked and continues to work 50 years on.

Color thumbnail image for USGS EROS video "Catfish Ponds in Missississippi" Image of the Week - Catfish Ponds in Mississippi
Image of the Week - Catfish Ponds in Mississippi
Image of the Week - Catfish Ponds in Mississippi

Mississippi leads the U.S. in catfish production. The blue tinted shapes in these Landsat images mark ponds where catfish are raised.

Mississippi leads the U.S. in catfish production. The blue tinted shapes in these Landsat images mark ponds where catfish are raised.

Historical photo of the entrance to a library with tall doors and the words U.S. Geological Survey on the window above the door. The USGS Library
The USGS Library
The USGS Library

To build and organize a collection of scientific materials focused on the earth sciences. Preserving historical collections for future scientists.

To build and organize a collection of scientific materials focused on the earth sciences. Preserving historical collections for future scientists.

Illustration of Landsat satellite generations over 50 years Landsat: Celebrating 50 Years
Landsat: Celebrating 50 Years
Landsat: Celebrating 50 Years

The Landsat program conceived of in the 1960s, has been running longer than any remote sensing program. The idea was simple: position a satellite in a nearly polar orbit fixed to the solar angle so that each daytime pass would cross the equator at roughly the same local time.

The Landsat program conceived of in the 1960s, has been running longer than any remote sensing program. The idea was simple: position a satellite in a nearly polar orbit fixed to the solar angle so that each daytime pass would cross the equator at roughly the same local time.

Color thumbnail for USGS EROS Center Image of the Week - Flooding in Tweed Heads Australia Image of the Week - Flooding in Tweed Heads, Australia
Image of the Week - Flooding in Tweed Heads, Australia
Image of the Week - Flooding in Tweed Heads, Australia

Europe's Copernicus Sentinel-2 satellites revealed flooding at Tweed Heads, New South Wales. Heavy rain that persisted for days in late February 2022 caused widespread flooding on Australia's east coast.

Europe's Copernicus Sentinel-2 satellites revealed flooding at Tweed Heads, New South Wales. Heavy rain that persisted for days in late February 2022 caused widespread flooding on Australia's east coast.

color thumbnail of USGS EROS Image of the Week - Olympic Skiing in Bejing Image of the Week - Olympic Skiing in Beijing
Image of the Week - Olympic Skiing in Beijing
Image of the Week - Olympic Skiing in Beijing

A satellite image of the mountains that will host Olympic skiing events should display a snowy landscape, right? But the National Alpine Ski Centre and Sliding Centre 45 miles northwest of Beijing, China doesn't get much snowfall. Instead, the steep slopes are lined with manmade snow.

A satellite image of the mountains that will host Olympic skiing events should display a snowy landscape, right? But the National Alpine Ski Centre and Sliding Centre 45 miles northwest of Beijing, China doesn't get much snowfall. Instead, the steep slopes are lined with manmade snow.

color thumbnail for USGS EROS Image of the Week - Landsat's 10 Millionth Scene Image of the Week - Landsat's 10 Millionth Scene
Image of the Week - Landsat's 10 Millionth Scene
Image of the Week - Landsat's 10 Millionth Scene

Landsat 7 had the honor of acquiring the satellite program’s 10 millionth scene in November 2021.

The scene captures changes to the Dead Sea, located in Southwest Asia. The Dead Sea is mainly fed by the Jordan River, which enters from the north. However, the water level of the Dead Sea has been falling due to irrigation projects and water use upstream.

Landsat 7 had the honor of acquiring the satellite program’s 10 millionth scene in November 2021.

The scene captures changes to the Dead Sea, located in Southwest Asia. The Dead Sea is mainly fed by the Jordan River, which enters from the north. However, the water level of the Dead Sea has been falling due to irrigation projects and water use upstream.