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LP DAAC History

The Land Processes (LP) Distributed Active Archive Center (DAAC) was established as part of NASA's Earth Observing System (EOS) Data and Information System (EOSDIS) initiative to process, archive, and distribute land-related data collected by EOS sensors, thereby promoting the interdisciplinary study and understanding of the integrated Earth system. The LP DAAC role subsequently was expanded to include processing and distribution responsibilities related to Landsat 7 data.

Landsat 7 was launched successfully on April 15, 1999, and the EOS Terra satellite (formerly EOS AM-1) was launched on December 18, 1999. The Aqua satellite (formerly EOS PM-1) was launched on May 4, 2002. The Landsat 7 sensor is the Enhanced Thematic Mapper, Plus (ETM+). Terra carries two sensing systems for which the LP DAAC has data processing and/or distribution responsibilities. These are the Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) and the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS). In addition, the MODIS sensor on the Aqua spacecraft acquires data delivered to the LP DAAC for storage and distribution. Numerous ASTER and MODIS data products are available from LP DAAC. Landsat ETM+ products were distributed until these were discontinued in 2004.

Prior to the launch of Landsat 7, Terra and Aqua, the LP DAAC distributed a variety of prototype and precursor data and products commonly known as Version 0 Data and Products. Support for these data and products is transitioning to USGS from the LP DAAC, and most may be obtained through links provided at the EROS website.

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Earth Resources Observation and Science Center (EROS) initially operated in an office in downtown Sioux Falls, South Dakota that opened on September 28, 1971. The Karl E. Mundt Federal Building that is now used is located in the countryside about 15 miles northeast of Sioux Falls. Built to exclusively support the activities of EROS, the building was officially dedicated on August 7, 1973. NASA and USGS announced on August 28,1990 that EROS would process, archive and distribute land processes data received from EOS satellites, thus establishing a Distributed Active Archive Center, or DAAC. A 65,000 square-foot addition to the building was constructed to support this new role, and was dedicated on August 19, 1996.

The Land Processes DAAC Science Advisory Panel provides invaluable scientific insight and guidance to the DAAC in the development and implementation of its programs and activities.

This site is hosted by the USGS - NASA Distributed Active Archive Center U.S. Government: Public Information Exchange Resource NASA: Privacy Policy and Important Notices USGS: Privacy Statement, Disclaimer, Accessibility, FOIA DOI: Privacy Statement, Privacy Disclaimer, No FEAR Act, FOIA, Performance Plan, Children's Privacy URL: http://LPDAAC.usgs.gov/history.asp Technical Contact: LPDAAC@eos.nasa.gov Last Update: Tuesday, August 30, 2005 Download Adobe Acrobat Reader