The Societal Benefits of Multi-Spectral, Moderate-Resolution Land Imagery: A National Survey of Users and Uses

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Research Task: 9848CPD.2.0
Task Manager: Natalie Sexton

Understanding the societal benefits of the imagery provided by moderate-resolution satellites such as Landsat is essential as a new initiative for a National Land Imaging Program hosted by U.S. Department of the Interior moves forward (see White House report, A Plan for a U.S. National Land Imaging Program). The current Landsat satellites provide high-quality, multi-spectral, moderate-resolution imagery of urban, rural, and remote lands for all areas of the world. The utility of this imagery in global climate research, agricultural forecasting, and environmental management is documented; but there is little understanding of how American industry, nonprofit organizations, tribes, and State and local governments use and value the availability of Federally sponsored, moderate-resolution land imaging in decision making. An even larger unknown involves “secondary users” who develop or use spatial data and other products derived from moderate-resolution imagery, but who may not recognize that this imagery underlies their products and decision-making. In collaboration with the USGS Western Geography Science Center, FORT’s Policy Analysis and Science Assistance (PASA) Branch is conducting an extensive survey of the uses and benefits of moderate-resolution land imagery. This study, initiated by the USGS Land Remote Sensing Program and National Land Imaging Program of the Department of the Interior, seeks to (1) identify and classify the users of multi-spectral, moderate-resolution land imagery by sector of activity, geographic location, geographic scale, and application area; (2) better understand the uses of this imagery, including the range and types of products that are derived from it (including uses that have previously not been captured or detailed); and (3) measure how and why this imagery is important to users in decision making. In the first phase, FORT social scientists will identify and characterize users (objective 1) beginning with a set of 21,000 potential users and 55 user groups as a seed population. In the second phase, the research team will survey this user base to meet objectives 2 and 3.

For more information contact Natalie Sexton