USGS Geography confronts some of the most pressing natural resource and environmental issues of our Nation. Observing the Earth with remote sensing satellites, USGS geographers monitor and analyze changes on the land, study connections between people and the land, and provide society with relevant science information to inform public decisions.

  Land Remote Sensing

Land Remote Sensing (LRS) is the Nation's portal to the largest archive of remotely sensed land data in the world. Working with NASA, NOAA, commercial satellite companies, State and local governments, and international programs, the LRS Program collects, maintains, and distributes millions of images acquired from satellite and aircraft sensors. From such images scientists and land managers, both public and private, derive information about natural resources, hazards, and long-term changes to the landscape. Through advancements in data archive and processing technology and through the operation and maintenance of satellites such as Landsats 5 and 7, the LRS Program provides continuous access to worldwide land images that can be used in mankind's effort to sustain the ever-changing Earth. Close Window

  Geographic Analysis and Monitoring

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Cyclone Nargis — Landsat satellite imagery, acquired shortly before and after Cyclone Nargis hit the coastal region of Myanamr on May 3, 2008, illustrate the flooding and destruction caused by the cyclone. The delta region, which is home to one fourth of Myanmar’s 57 million people, is a major agricultural area and its lowlands make it especially susceptible to flooding. The cyclone created a 3.6 meter storm surge which devastated the area. At least 22,000 deaths have been reported, with 41,000 listed as missing. Over 1 million are homeless. Learn More

A Fiery Legacy: USGS Assesses 26 Years of Wildland Fires — The USGS-USDA Monitoring Trends in Burn Severity project is mapping and analyzing the destructive impact of major U.S.wildfires from 1984 to 2010. The project is part of a Wildland Fire Leadership Council strategy to monitor the effectiveness of the National Fire Plan and the Healthy Forests Initiative.
Article    Research

Visualizing the Beyond—Roadless Space Takes on New Dimensions—A new method for evaluating the land that lies between and beyond roads shows roadless space in three dimensions. USGS scientists have calculated the remoteness (distance from road) of millions of points across the lower 48 States. After that huge quantity of data is converted into simulated altitudes the resulting map shows mathematical peaks and plains of remoteness. This visualization technique will help inform land management, wilderness preservation, and urban planning.  Learn More