News, Articles, Publications released by The USGS Geography Discipline.
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New Findings about Indian Ocean Tsunamis Offer Lessons for Pacific Northwest
Released: 10/31/2008 12:00 AM
The Indian Ocean tsunami that claimed a quarter million lives was not the first nor last of its kind, according to reports in the October 30 issue of the scientific journal Nature.
AAG call for papers DEADLINE Oct 31!
Released: 10/15/2008 12:00 AM
No registration fee. USGS register here http://www.aag.org/annualmeetings/usgs/.
A Conference on Ecosystem Services (ACES)December 8-10, 2008
Released: 10/08/2008 12:00 AM
A Conference on Ecosystem Services (ACES) is being held December 8-11,2008 in Naples FL. Early registration ends Oct 10.
Bidding Farewell to Barb Ryan [PODCAST]
Released: 09/26/2008 12:00 AM
After 34 years with the USGS, Barb Ryan, Associate Director for Geography, is moving on to lead the World Meterological Organization's Space Programme in Geneva, Switzerland.
Wireless Sensor Networks Workshop Sept. 16-17
Released: 08/27/2008 12:00 AM
The USGS Geography Discipline is hosting a two-day Wireless Sensor Network workshop at the Winter Park Lodge, Winter Park Colorado on September 16th and 17th, 2008.
RFI: Landsat Raw Data Products
Released: 08/14/2008 12:00 AM
RFI: Landsat Raw Data Products
The US Geological Survey seeks information to determine if there is interest by one or more commercial or non-profit vendors in offering Landsat products beyond those available from the US Geological Survey (USGS). The USGS has available Landsat TM and ETM+ data in a raw, uncorrected format (Level-0R) so that these data could be processed to user specifications (projection, datum, and resampling method). Responses are due by September 12, 2008. Details can be found at FedBizOpps.
DOI Secretary Kempthorne Showcases Free Public Availability of Landsat Image Archive at ESRI Conference
Released: 08/05/2008 12:00 AM
With the click of a mouse, scientists, government officials and land managers will be able to see the changes in the earth’s landscape at any point in the past three and a half decades,” Kempthorne told the audience on Saturday.
USGS Accelerates Access to Satellite Data
Released: 07/01/2008 12:00 AM
Federal and state agencies that need satellite imagery from commercial sources will find it much easier to acquire the data through a streamlined process managed by the U.S. Geological Survey.
National Treasure Expands: National Archives to Include Earth Imagery
Released: 06/13/2008 12:00 AM
The story of the Nation's land during the last 75 years can be told impartially through records of earth observation - aerial photographs dating from the 1930s and satellite images dating from the 1960s. Preserving important records of the Nation's history while providing convenient public access to them is a vital responsibility of government. To meet this responsibility, NARA and USGS have signed an agreement creating a cooperative framework for how the two Federal agencies will ensure the preservation and access of the massive earth imagery and geospatial data resources currently archived by the USGS at EROS.
Boldly Going Where No Man (or Woman) Goes: USGS Unmanned Aircraft
Released: 05/08/2008 12:00 AM
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.
USGS Awards Satellite Imagery Contracts: Enhancing Access to Users
Released: 05/08/2008 12:00 AM
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.
EXTENDED! to May 15, 2008 — William T. Pecora Award Nominations deadline.
Released: 05/06/2008 12:00 AM
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.
Imagery for Everyone
Released: 05/06/2008 12:00 AM
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.
USGS Maps Integrated Science at World’s Largest Geography Conference
Released: 05/05/2008 12:00 AM
USGS Maps Integrated Science at World’s Largest Geography Conference
Landsat Satellite Imagery Used to Assess the Impact of Myanmar’s Cyclone Nargis
Released: 05/04/2008 12:00 AM
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.
Pecora 17 Call for Abstracts -- DEADLINE April 11, 2008
Released: 03/05/2008 12:00 AM
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
Landsat 5 Satellite Back in Action
Released: 02/29/2008 12:00 AM
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.
LRS Administered AmericaView partners with SPOT
Released: 02/01/2008 12:00 AM
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.
Abstract Deadline 2/15/2008- 4th Annual LRS Science Symposium
Released: 01/24/2008 12:00 AM
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.
Excellence in Earth Observation Honored
Released: 12/12/2007 12:00 AM
The prestigious 2007 William T. Pecora Award has been presented to scientists who have achieved significant accomplishments in Earth Observation Research.
Kempthorne-Led U.S. Group on Earth Observations Announces Scientific Initiatives
Released: 12/11/2007 12:00 AM
Secretary Kempthorne Leads U.S. Delegation to International Earth Observation Summit in South Africa
Released: 12/10/2007 12:00 AM
Taking the Long View From Space
Released: 12/04/2007 12:00 AM
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.
New Satellite Map of Antarctica Is a Unique Tool for Scientists, Educators and the Public
Released: 11/29/2007 12:00 AM
Joint Project Embodies Spirit of International Polar Year
Landsat 5 experienced an issue with its onboard batteries
Released: 10/29/2007 12:00 AM
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.
White House Plan Calls for Interior to Host New Program for Nation's Land Imaging Efforts
Released: 08/28/2007 12:00 AM
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 nationÂ’s land-imaging efforts.
Commerical Remote Sensing Data Contract (CRSDC)
Released: 08/17/2007 12:00 AM
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.
USGS Provides Compelling Images of Alabaugh Canyon Fire
Released: 07/27/2007 12:00 AM
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.
TerraLook
Released: 07/25/2007 12:00 AM
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.
USGS Pilot Project Makes High-Quality Landsat Data Available Through Web
Released: 05/30/2007 12:00 AM
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.
USGS Plays Pivotal Role at AAG
Released: 05/21/2007 12:00 AM
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.
Landsat In Orbit...It Keeps Going and Going
Released: 05/01/2007 12:00 AM
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.
USGS Launches Land Cover Data Web Tool
Released: 04/12/2007 12:00 AM
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.
Commercial Satellite Imagery Companies Partner with the U.S. Geological Survey in Support of the International Charter 'Space and Major Disasters'
Released: 04/12/2007 12:00 AM
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.
USGS Collaborates on Unique, Comprehensive View of Antarctica
Released: 03/07/2007 12:00 AM
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.
U.S.-Canadian Science Pact to Improve Monitoring of Land Cover, Biodiversity, Climate Change
Released: 02/01/2007 12:00 AM
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 worldÂ’s largest nations.
As Population Grows, So Do Urban Areas New Perspectives on Urban Land Use Change
Released: 01/02/2007 12:00 AM
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.
DOI and NASA Honor Achievements in Remote Sensing
Released: 12/14/2006 12:00 AM
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.
GIS Day — Discovering the World (Nov 15)
Released: 11/14/2006 12:00 AM
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/.
EarthNow! Goes Live
Released: 11/14/2006 12:00 AM
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.
USGS and NASA Select Landsat Science Team
Released: 11/09/2006 12:00 AM
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.
USGS goes Smithsonian
Released: 10/13/2006 12:00 AM
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.
New Orleans RADARSAT-1 Subsidence Final Announcement of Opportunity (Deadline Oct. 20)
Released: 10/04/2006 12:00 AM
Innovative research and development into the application of RADARSAT-1 interferometric data for subsidence mapping in New Orleans
North America Land Cover Summit - Sept. 20-22
Released: 08/25/2006 12:00 AM
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.
Bruce Quirk to Lead USGS Land Remote Sensing Program
Released: 08/09/2006 12:00 AM
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.
Just Released - Status & Trends of Eastern U.S. Land Cover
Released: 06/30/2006 12:00 AM
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.
Future of Land Imaging Workshop - July 26
Released: 06/29/2006 12:00 AM
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.
Hyperion Systematic Terrain-Corrected (Level 1Gst) Data Product
Released: 05/31/2006 12:00 AM
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
The Future of Land Imaging
Released: 05/11/2006 12:00 AM
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
Jones Named Chief Scientist for Geography
Released: 05/08/2006 12:00 AM
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.
Landsat 5 has returned to full operations
Released: 04/04/2006 12:00 AM
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.
Call for Nominations for 2006 William T. Pecora Award
Released: 04/03/2006 12:00 AM
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
Interruption of Landsat 5 Acquisitions
Released: 03/24/2006 12:00 AM
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.
SCIENCE FAIR April 4-6, 2006
Released: 03/01/2006 12:00 AM
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.
Muchoney to Serve on GEO in Switzerland
Released: 02/24/2006 12:00 AM
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.
Landsat 5 Resumes Operations
Released: 01/27/2006 12:00 AM
USGS and NASA engineers successfully adjusted the solar array enabling data acquisition operations to resume.
Landsat Data Continuity Mission
Released: 01/13/2006 12:00 AM
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.)
Free Orthorectified Landsat data
Released: 12/29/2005 12:00 AM
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.
Landsat 5 Experiencing Technical Difficulties
Released: 11/30/2005 12:00 AM
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.
Hurricane Katrina Response
Released: 09/01/2005 12:00 AM
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.
Geography for a Changing World
Released: 03/03/2004 12:00 AM
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.
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