Satellite Imagery Aids in:
USDA Imagery Archive |
FAS serves as the repository and manager of the USDA Satellite Imagery Archive. Access is available to USDA subscribers only. The USDA Imagery Archive is the repository for all acquired USDA satellite imagery. The Archive was established in 2001 as a cost-sharing agreement among the various subscribers. Link: Archive Explorer (USDA subscribers only) FAS/PECAD is a member agency in the USDA Remote Sensing Coordination Committee Partnerships
Projects: USDA-FAS, in cooperation with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and the University of
Maryland (UMD), Earth System Science Interdisciplinary Center (ESSIC) are routinely monitoring lake and reservoir height variations for approximately 100 lakes located around the world. This project is unique, being the first of its kind to utilize near-real time radar altimeter data over inland water bodies in an operational manner.
See related article in Earth
Observation Magazine . MODIS Image Gallery For Global Agricultural Regions MODIS (or Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) is a key instrument aboard the Terra (EOS AM) and Aqua (EOS PM) satellites. Terra's orbit around the Earth is timed so that it passes from north to south across the equator in the morning, while Aqua passes south to north over the equator in the afternoon. Terra MODIS and Aqua MODIS are viewing the entire Earth's surface every 1 to 2 days, acquiring data in 36 spectral bands, or groups of wavelengths (see MODIS Technical Specifications). These data will improve our understanding of global dynamics and processes occurring on the land, in the oceans, and in the lower atmosphere. MODIS is playing a vital role in the development of validated, global, interactive Earth system models able to predict global change accurately enough to assist policy makers in making sound decisions concerning the protection of our environment.
(Source: MODIS
Web - About MODIS) Satellite Sensors and Image
Resolutions Vary |
|
Satellite Name | AVHRR/ NOAA | SPOT-Veg | MODIS on TERRA/AQUA |
Spatial Resolution | LAC (1-km) GAC (8-km) | 1-km |
250-m 500-m 1-km |
Swath width | 2400-km | 2250-km | 2330-km |
Repeat Cycle | Daily | Daily | 16-day |
Year Launched |
-N (1978) -16 (2000) |
1998 | 2000 |
Satellite Name |
SPOT 4 & 5 | Landsat | IKONOS |
Spatial Resolution | 20-m | 30-m | 1-m |
Swath width | 60-km | 185-km | 11-km |
Repeat Cycle | 26-days | 16-days | 3-days |
Year Launched |
Spot 4 – 1998 |
-7 (2000) | 1999 |
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