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| Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) |
The Center for Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) is a data management, systems development, and research field center for the U.S. Geological Survey's (USGS) Geography Discipline. Organizationally, the USGS is a bureau of the U.S. Department of the Interior. EROS opened in the early 1970's with a handful of employees and the largest mainframe computer in the State of South Dakota and now houses one of the largest computer complexes in the Department of the Interior. Today EROS has approximately 600 government and contractor employees.
EROS is located in the country approximately 15 miles north of Sioux Falls, South Dakota (see Visitor Information), and one of the more popular questions asked by people touring the facility is:
"Why is EROS located here?"
Part of the answer to this question is technical and part of the answer is political. When the idea of EROS was conceived, it was decided that it needed to be centrally located for receiving data over the United States. The choice for the Center's location was narrowed to several States. Ultimately, South Dakota was selected as the site for the Center, due in part to the role played by Karl Mundt, the State's distinguished Senator, for whom the Karl E. Mundt Federal Building is named.
EROS' country location is the result of a belief in the early 1960's that having the Center in a city would interfere with the facility's receipt of satellite data transmissions. And since the primary mission at the time was going to be direct receipt of these transmissions from Earth orbiting satellites, using a large satellite dish, a country location was an important factor in placing EROS where it is today.
Lots of people. You might have an aerial photograph from our archives hanging in your home or displayed in your office or know of someone who does. Scientists, managers, and technical users from around the world, including the scientific and technical staff at EROS, use data from the archives for a variety of data applications and research programs. Data from our archives have been used in studying both natural and man-made disasters. The eruption of Mount St. Helens. The Valdez oil spill. Flooding on the Missouri River. The Three Mile Island and Chernobyl nuclear reactor accidents. Hurricane Mitch. Desert Storm. And the list could go on and on.
Data searching and ordering may be performed through a variety of information management systems and interfaces, including:
USGS Global Visualization Viewer
Some distribution restrictions may apply. Questions regarding data availability are directed to Customer Services.
EROS is staffed by USGS employees and employees from private industry that are working under contract to support the EROS mission.
For more information about the Center for Earth Resources Observation and Science, take our virtual tour. On-site guided tours are available Monday through Friday at 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., central time. To book a guided tour, call 605-594-6511. Abbreviated self-guided tours may be taken anytime between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., central time.
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For further assistance, please contact: Customer Services U.S. Geological Survey Center for Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) 47914 252nd Street Sioux Falls, SD 57198-0001 Tel: 800-252-4547 Tel: 605-594-6151 Fax: 605-594-6589 Email: custserv@usgs.gov Business Hours: Monday thru Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., central time |
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