http://geography.usgs.gov/ News, Articles, Publications released by The USGS Geography Discipline. http://www.usgs.gov/newsroom/article.asp?ID=1931 In dangerous and remote areas, such as polar regions, volcanic islands, and expansive deserts, remote-controlled unmanned aircraft can provide more detailed, more timely data about the status of natural resources and environmental conditions than would be feasible by any other means. 2008-05-08 http://www.usgs.gov/newsroom/article.asp?ID=1929 RESTON, VA—The United States Geological Survey (USGS) announced the award of three multi-year acquisition contracts for high and moderate-resolution satellite imagery to GeoEye of Dulles, VA, DigitalGlobe of Longmont, CO and SPOT Image Corporation of Chantilly, VA. 2008-05-08 http://remotesensing.usgs.gov/pecora.php The William T. Pecora Award is presented annually to recognize outstanding contributions by individuals or groups toward understanding the Earth by means of remote sensing. Any individual or group (domestic or international) working in the field of remote sensing of the Earth is eligible to receive the William T. Pecora Award. 2008-05-06 http://landsat.usgs.gov/images/squares/USGS_Landsat_Imagery_Release.pdf By February 2009, any Landsat archive scene selected by a user will be processed, at no charge, automatically to a standard product recipe and staged for electronic retrieval. Users will have access to global scenes dating back to Landsat 1. 2008-05-06 http://www.usgs.gov/newsroom/article.asp?ID=1913 USGS Maps Integrated Science at World’s Largest Geography Conference 2008-05-05 http://www.usgs.gov/newsroom/article.asp?ID=1933&from=rss_home USGS is providing Landsat satellite imagery to aid rescue and recovery efforts in Myanmar in the aftermath of Cyclone Nargis's landfall on May 3. 2008-05-04 http://www.asprs.org/Pecora17 The Pecora 17 Conference will be held Monday through Thursday, November 17 to 20, 2008 at the Adams Mark Hotel in Denver, Colorado. Full details of this conference and abstract guidelines may be found at http://www.asprs.org/Pecora17 2008-03-05 http://www.usgs.gov/newsroom/article.asp?ID=1881 The earth imaging satellite Landsat 5 is once again collecting and downlinking land-image data. The satellite was temporarily taken out of service in October 2007 following a cell failure within one of the satellite's two operating on-board batteries. 2008-02-29 http://www.spot.com/web/SICORP/1561-spot-image-partners-with-americaview.php LRS Administered AmericaView partners with SPOT to expand access to high-resolution satellite imagery for U. S. colleges and universities through the web via www.americaview.org. 'This program will make high quality, high resolution satellite imagery available to colleges and universities, providing a higher level of practical training to the next generation of remote sensing data users,' said Bruce Ogden, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for SPOT Image. 2008-02-01 http://rockyitr.cr.usgs.gov/lrs_symposium/ The USGS Geography Discipline Land Remote Sensing (LRS) Program is hosting the 4th Annual Land Remote Sensing Science Symposium titled 'Meeting Tomorrows Challenges Today' on March 11-12, 2008, in the USGS Flagstaff facility in Arizona. The purpose of the conference is to showcase remote sensing research activities being conducted across the USGS. 2008-01-24 http://www.usgs.gov/newsroom/article.asp?ID=1837 The prestigious 2007 William T. Pecora Award has been presented to scientists who have achieved significant accomplishments in Earth Observation Research. 2007-12-12 http://www.doi.gov/news/07_News_Releases/071130a.html 2007-12-11 http://www.doi.gov/news/07_News_Releases/071129.html 2007-12-10 http://www.usgs.gov/corecast/details.asp?ID=50 Learn what the USGS is doing in space, land remote sensing, the future of Landsat, and more with Barbara Ryan, USGS Associate Director for Geography. 2007-12-04 http://www.usgs.gov/newsroom/article.asp?ID=1823 Joint Project Embodies Spirit of International Polar Year 2007-11-29 http://landsat.usgs.gov/project_facts/project_news/Landsat_5_experienced_an_issue_2007.php#topic_481 On October 6, 2007, Landsat 5 experienced an issue with its onboard batteries, leading to concerns about power balance. Imaging will be suspended while the flight operations team analyzes the problem. The Landsat team expects the investigation will last from 2 to 3 weeks. Further announcements will be made as needed. 2007-10-29 http://www.peoplelandandwater.gov/scienceandstewardship/oco_white-house-plan.cfm The White House announced on August 14 the release of a plan for a national land-imaging program. The plan will serve as the framework for continuing the collection of moderate resolution multispectral remote-sensing data for the globe. The new program will be established at the U.S. Department of the Interior and will provide focused leadership and management for the nation’s land-imaging efforts. 2007-08-28 http://erg.usgs.gov/isb/pubs/factsheets/fs20053010.html The CRSDC directly support the President's Commercial Remote Sensing Space Policy, signed in 2003, by providing a centralized mechanism for civil agencies to acquire commercial remote sensing products to support their mission needs in an efficient and coordinated way. 2007-08-17 http://www.usgs.gov/newsroom/article.asp?ID=1712 The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center has provided satellite imagery in the rehabilitation effort of Alabaugh Canyon following the most destructive fire in Black Hills recent history. 2007-07-27 http://www.usgs.gov/newsroom/article.asp?ID=1711 The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), in cooperation with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), is pleased to announce the release of the TerraLook data product. A TerraLook product is a user-specified collection of JPEG images created from Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) images from the NASA Land Processes Distributed Active Archive Center, and Tri-Decadal Global Landsat Orthorectified images from the USGS archive. 2007-07-25 http://www.usgs.gov/newsroom/article.asp?ID=1676 As of June 4, 2007, the USGS will be releasing selected Landsat 7 image data of the United States through the Web (glovis.usgs.gov or earthexplorer.usgs.gov). These data are of high quality with limited cloud cover. 2007-05-30 http://www.usgs.gov/newsroom/article.asp?ID=1653 At the Association of American Geographers 2007 annual meeting, USGS scientists gave over 80 professional presentations on topics that ranged from food security in Afghanistan to spatial analysis of risk management, from commercial remote sensing policy to historical land use studies. 2007-05-21 http://geography.usgs.gov/newsroom/ On March 1, 2007, the Landsat 5 satellite began 24 years in orbit.(http://landsat.usgs.gov/index.php) This milestone is particularly impressive considering its operational lifespan was thought to be no more than three years. On April 15, 2007, Landsat 7 will complete its eighth year of operation. Landsat data is a vital component of an incredible array of research that includes wildfire mapping, crop identification, timber harvesting, desertification, climate change, habitat suitability and urban expansion. Data gathered by Landsat 5 and Landsat 7 continue to form the backbone of the 35-year-old global Landsat archive (http://glovis.usgs.gov/), which contains millions of images of Earth's terrestrial environment and is maintained at the USGS Center for Earth Resources Observation and Science. 2007-05-01 http://www.usgs.gov/newsroom/article.asp?ID=1648 Today the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) announced the launch of the new USGS Land Cover Visualization and Analysis Tool, which allows users to analyze, in specific detail, how land cover has changed over time. 2007-04-12 http://www.usgs.gov/newsroom/article.asp?ID=1647 For people caught in the throes of natural or technological disasters, rapid and accurate assessments of conditions on the ground are critical to saving lives and protecting property. Making such assessments just got easier. 2007-04-12 http://www.usgs.gov/newsroom/article.asp?ID=1630 The U. S. Geological Survey (USGS) in collaboration with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) is developing a unique and versatile map of Antarctica using satellite imagery. 2007-03-07 http://www.doi.gov/news/07_News_Releases/070131.html The U.S. Geological Survey and Natural Resources Canada have launched a high-tech satellite mapping initiative that can better monitor changes in the combined land cover of two of the world’s largest nations. 2007-02-01 http://www.usgs.gov/newsroom/article.asp?ID=1598 Over 300 million Americans have to live somewhere. And, of course, we do. Nearly 80 percent of the growing U.S. population resides in urban areas while the land area dedicated to urban use continues to expand. 2007-01-02 http://www.usgs.gov/newsroom/article.asp?ID=1587 The Department of the Interior (DOI) and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) have announced the winners of the 2006 William T. Pecora Award, a prestigious federal award given to individuals and groups to recognize significant achievements in remote sensing. The 2006 Pecora Group Award was presented to the Total Ozone Mapping Spectrometer (TOMS) Team for developing innovative techniques for providing unique atmospheric ozone, sulfur dioxide, and aerosol data for more than 25 years. The presentation took place at the American Geophysical Union Fall Meeting on December 13, 2006, in San Francisco. 2006-12-14 http://www.gisday.com/ On Nov. 15, geographic information system (GIS) users and vendors around the world are asked to open their doors to schools, businesses and the general public to showcase realworld applications of this important technology. GIS has many applications such as locating businesses, routing school buses and mapping a favorite campsite. To find an event near you, visit http://www.gisday.com/. 2006-11-14 http://earthnow.usgs.gov/earthnow_app.html?sessionId=2cd2d95d480b0711e35eb2fbcbf0600074438 The EarthNow! image viewer went live on Nov. 2, at the USGS Center for Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS). EarthNow! displays data received from the Landsat 5 and Landsat 7 satellites as they pass over the United States. When a Landsat satellite passes within range of the ground station at the USGS EROS center, image data are downlinked and displayed in near-real time. When Landsat 5 and 7 are not in range, the most recent pass is displayed. EarthNow! was created as an outreach tool by the Landsat project at the EROS center, and a version was installed on Nov. 11, at the Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C. 2006-11-14 http://www.usgs.gov/newsroom/article.asp?ID=1571 The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), in cooperation with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), announces the selection of the Landsat Data Continuity Mission (LDCM) Science Team. These scientists and engineers will advise the USGS and NASA on issues critical to the success of the LDCM. Expected to launch soon after 2010, the LDCM is designed to supply Landsat-like data from the next generation of Earth observing satellites. 2006-11-09 http://www.earthfromspace.si.edu/default.asp LRS is the principle sponsor of the new Earth from Space traveling exhibition for the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum. The exhibition and complimentary website celebrate the contributions satellites have made in understanding our planet. 2006-10-13 http://www.espace.gc.ca/asc/eng/scientific/ao/2006-geo.asp Innovative research and development into the application of RADARSAT-1 interferometric data for subsidence mapping in New Orleans 2006-10-04 http://geography.usgs.gov/nalc_conference.php USGS, in partnership with the Association of American Geographers and the National Academy of Sciences, is hosting a three-day summit on land cover designed to advance international and interagency collaboration in this field. 2006-08-25 http://geography.usgs.gov/quirk.php Dr. Bruce Quirk has accepted the position as the Associate Program Coordinator for the Land Remote Sensing (LRS) Program. Bruce comes to this position with more than thirty years of experience managing remote sensing investigations and applications for natural resources in both the United States and abroad. 2006-08-09 http://eros.usgs.gov/LT/coverpage.html The USGS first Land Cover Status and Trends report is now available live on the web. The report contains both the details and a synthesis of land cover changes in the forested Eastern United States, 1973 - 2000. 2006-06-30 http://www.landimaging.gov/Flyer_LandimagingWorkshop.pdf Presentations by the Future of Land Imaging Interagency Working Group, industry, the user community, and government representatives. Attendees will be given an opportunity to express views and perspectives on future land imaging needs and capabilities. 2006-06-29 http://eo1.usgs.gov/Hyp_Sys_Terrain_press_release.php The USGS Center for Earth Resources Observation and Science, in cooperation with NASA, is pleased to announce the release of a new Systematic Terrain-Corrected (Level 1Gst) data product from the Earth Observing-1 (EO-1) Hyperion sensor. This new processing option provides increased quality and improved geometric accuracy for the Hyperion data product. The new Hyperion product is available for $500 per scene, and may be searched and ordered through Earth Explorer or the USGS Global Visualization Viewer. For more information, please visit the EO-1 website: http://eo1.usgs.gov 2006-05-31 http://www.landimaging.gov/charter.html The White House has initiated a year-long study called The Future of Land Imaging to explore options for United States operational use of satellites to better serve society. The USGS serves on the leadership team of this Federal interagency working group. For more information visit www.landimaging.gov 2006-05-11 http://www.usgs.gov/newsroom/article.asp?ID=1495 The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has named Kenneth (Bruce) Jones as the new chief scientist for Geography. He will assume his new position on May 1. 2006-05-08 http://landsat.usgs.gov/project_facts/project_news/Landsat_5_Update_April_2006.php#topic_344 The Landsat Project is pleased to announce that Landsat 5 has returned to full operations. On March 17, 2006, Landsat 5 experienced a problem with its radio transmitter, preventing transmission of science data to ground receiving stations. The team expects reliable operations of data transmission for the foreseeable future. 2006-04-04 http://remotesensing.usgs.gov/pecora.html Call for Nominations for 2006 William T. Pecora Award; Deadline: April 30, 2006: The William T. Pecora Award is presented annually to individuals or groups that have made outstanding contributions toward understanding the Earth by means of remote sensing. The Department of the Interior (DOI) and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) jointly sponsor the award. Instructions for preparing a nomination and other information about the award can be found on the Pecora Award web site: http://remotesensing.usgs.gov/pecora.html 2006-04-03 http://landsat.usgs.gov/project_facts/project_news/Landsat_5_Update_March_2006.php#topic_343 An unexpected problem has occurred in Landsat 5s ability to transmit data, causing an interruption in acquisitions. Engineers are studying the problem and testing is underway. Updates will be posted as more detailed information becomes available. 2006-03-24 http://remotesensing.usgs.gov/workshopsconference.html SCIENCE FAIR April 4-6, 2006 - The USGS Geography Land Remote Sensing (LRS) Program is hosting a USGS Remote Sensing Science Fair on April 04-06, 2006, in the USGS auditorium, Building 810, the Denver Federal Center in Lakewood, Colorado. The purpose of the conference is to showcase the Remote Sensing research activities within the U.S. Geological Survey. The event will highlight current and potential remote sensing science and activities in both commercial and classified arenas. 2006-03-01 http://www.usgs.gov/homepage/science_features/muchoney.asp Dr. Douglas M. Muchoney, coordinator for the USGS Geographic Analysis and Monitoring Program, has accepted a one-year appointment as a science expert for the Group on Earth Observations (GEO) in Geneva, Switzerland. One of six international scientists to be selected for the GEO Secretariat staff, Dr. Muchoney will provide expertise in the fields of ecosystems and biodiversity monitoring and terrestrial observation of Earth. 2006-02-24 http://landsat.usgs.gov/project_facts/project_news/January_Press_Release_2006.php#topic_334 USGS and NASA engineers successfully adjusted the solar array enabling data acquisition operations to resume. 2006-01-27 http://ldcm.usgs.gov/documents/OSTP_Landsat_memo_12-23-2005.pdf The Administration has directed NASA and the USGS to team up on development, launch, and operation of a free-flyer Landsat Data Continuity Mission, wherein NASA will procure an on-orbit data acquisition capability and then turn it over to the USGS to operate in order to ingest, archive, process, and distribute Landsat-type data products. (Visit the LDCM Documents page at http://ldcm.usgs.gov/documents.php.) 2006-01-13 http://www.usgs.gov/newsroom/article.asp?ID=1425 Free Orthorectified Landsat data is now available for download from the US Geological Survey. In response to the USGS initiative to make more Landsat data readily available, the USGS is pleased to announce that Orthorectified Landsat data is now available for free download from the Global Visualization Viewer (GloVis) at http://glovis.usgs.gov and Earth Explorer at http://earthexplorer.usgs.gov. 2005-12-29 http://www.usgs.gov/newsroom/article.asp?ID=1419 On November 26, 2005, the back-up solar array drive on Landsat 5 began exhibiting unusual behavior. As a result of this current situation, imaging operations will be suspended for at least the next two weeks or until attempts to solve the problem have been resolved. 2005-11-30 http://eros.usgs.gov/katrina In the aftermath of Katrina, USGS research on hurricanes and natural hazards is no longer just a scientific endeavor it is a matter of public safety. 2005-09-01 http://geography.usgs.gov/feature_scienceplan.php A Science Strategy for the Geographic Research of the U.S. Geological Survey, 2005-2015. The common thread running through the vision, mission, and science goals presented in this plan is that USGS geographers will provide international leadership to understand coupled human-environmental systems in the face of land change and will deliver pertinent information to decisionmakers on the vulnerability and resilience of these systems. The science goals and strategic actions presented in the plan are consistent with national science priorities and the Department of Interior and USGS missions, take advantage of existing expertise, and lead to the strengthening of critical geographic research capacities that do not exist in other USGS disciplines. 2004-03-03