USGS - science for a changing world

Science Topics

Maps, Imagery, and Publications Hazards Newsroom Education Jobs Partnerships Library About USGS Podcasts/RSS
You are here: Methods
Help
Remote sensing
The process of detecting and monitoring the physical characteristics of an area by measuring its reflected and emitted radiation at a distance from the targeted area. Remote sensing is used in this thesaurus to refer to methods that are solely or primarily deployed through air or space. Included in this concept are studies of biological populations using remote imaging techniques. Related methods which are used most frequently on the ground (e.g. photography), whether underwater, from airplanes or satellites, are not included in the term "remote sensing."
Subtopics:
Aeromagnetic surveying (9 items)
Aeroradiometric surveying (1 items)
Hyperspectral imaging (3 items)
IFSAR (4 items)
Infrared imaging (12 items)
LIDAR (3 items)
Microwave imaging (1 items)
Multispectral imaging (10 items)
Panchromatic imaging (1 items)
Radar imaging (2 items)
Thermal imaging (1 items)
Visible light imaging (1 items)

Satellite images (29 items)
Related topics:
Results 1 - 72 of 72 listed by similarity [list alphabetically]
Land Remote Sensing Program [New Window]
Land Remote Sensing Program (LRS) provides a primary source of remotely sensed data and applications of land remote sensing, nationally and internationally.
City of Flagstaff Project: ground water resource evaluation, remote sensing component [New Window]
Flagstaff atlas webpages including digital elevation model images, Landsat Thematic Mapper images, SPOT panchromatic stereo images, and digital photos of Flagstaff. Includes link to the original Open File Report OF-96-739.
Geologic studies of coral reef habitats: remote sensing applications to coral reef environments [New Window]
Use of remotely sensed images and spatial data to help map and study coral reef environments. Web page deals with the remote sensing work done for the Pacific Ocean component of the USGS coral reef project.
National Satellite Land Remote Sensing Data Archive [New Window]
USGS Archive for preservation and access for satellite remote sensing data and imagery (Landsat and AVHRR). Links to locating and ordering imagery, international collaborators, advisory committee, and Earthshots (satellite photos.).
Post-fire burn assessment by remote sensing on Federal lands [New Window]
Remote sensing and field sampling techniques to support national assessment of burned areas
Use of remote sensing to study and monitor wetland restoration at the Sonoma Baylands in San Francisco Bay [New Window]
Digital satellite images, digitized aerial photographs, and ground-based digital camera photographs monitoring the changes in wetland restoration.
Using remote sensing to detect active dust storms and map areas vulnerable to eolian erosion [New Window]
Links to remote sensing images monitoring dust storms and wind erosion.
Earthshots, satellite images of environmental change [New Window]
Satellite images of geographic areas of interest, cities, deserts, glaciers, geologic features, disaster areas, water bodies, and wildlife linked with articles, maps, and other images such as AVHRR, photographs, and special project images.
Global sea-surface temperature and sea-ice concentration: data display software [New Window]
Downloadable data with software showing composite average ocean characteristics (sea-surface temperature and sea-ice concentration). Includes documentation, source code, data, and executable programs for Linux and Microsoft Windows.
PDF Land use and land cover classification system for use with remote sensor data [New Window]
Framework of a national land use and land cover classification system for use with remote sensor data.
Satellite image map of Antarctica using Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR) images [New Window]
Satellite image map of Antarctica using Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR) images, including stereo images for use with red/blue glasses.
Use of remotely sensed image data to automatically map wind erosion vulnerability (eolian mapping) and rainfall mapping [New Window]
Links to remote sensing images monitoring wind erosion and rainfall in Arizona.
World Data Center for Remotely Sensed Land Data, Sioux Falls [New Window]
Description of the World Data Center for Remotely Sensed Land Data (WDC/RSLD), the world's largest collection of space and aircraft imagery. Includes aerial photography, DOQs, Landsat satellite imagery and photography and AVHRR imagery.
PDF Advancing migratory bird conservation and management by using radar: An interagency collaboration [New Window]
Doppler radar imaging is used for tracking the migration and behavior of bird populations. With the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and other agencies, USGS uses this technology to assist decision makers balance natural and industrial concerns
An interpretation of the 1977 Airborne Electromagnetic (AEM) survey, Fort Huachuca vicinity, Cochise County, Arizona [New Window]
Complex report on the interpretation of aeromagnetic data to study hydrogeology of the San Pedro basin, Cochise County, Arizona determining geologic structure, basin fill and depth to water. Online version of a CD-ROM publication.
Availability of USGS geospatial data and aerial photography products [New Window]
Website to search and locate United States digital cartographic data (U.S. GeoData and Digital Raster Graphics) and aerial photography of the National Aerial Photography Program (NAPP). Files can be downloaded in HTML or PDF format.
Hurricane and extreme storm impact studies: coastal and nearshore mapping with scanning airborne laser (LIDAR) [New Window]
Airborne scanning laser surveys (LIDAR) are used to obtaining data to investigate the magnitude and causes of coastal changes that occur during severe storms. Links to examples of coastal mapping during specific hurricanes.
International Program at the Earth Resources Observation Systems (EROS) Data Center - environmental monitoring and information systems [New Window]
Overview of the environmental monitoring component of the international program at the EROS Data Center using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology, with links to data, partners, publications, and workshops.
Lake Tahoe Data Clearinghouse [New Window]
This website is a gateway to information and data on Lake Tahoe with links to Lake Tahoe Initiative, geography, history, lake facts, GIS Data, DEM, DOQ, DLG imagery, bathymetry, satellite imagery, land cover, census, soils, pictures, and general maps.
Landsat Data Continuity Mission [New Window]
Brief introduction to the Landsat Data Continuity Mission (LDCM) of the USGS and NASA to continue providing satellite remote sensing information to the world. Includes links to RFP, images, applicable laws, workshops, and feedback.
Landsat Thematic Mapper (TM) images (1982 to present) [New Window]
Links to Landsat Thematic Mapper images used in mapping regional and local eolian erosion vulnerability in Southwestern U.S.
Map and database of Quaternary faults and folds in Colombia and its offshore regions [New Window]
PDF file of map of Quaternary faults and folds in Columbia prepared as part of the World Map of Major Active Faults with locations, ages, and activity rates of major earthquake-related features accompanied by database of description and activity.
Planetary Data Systems (PDS) Mars Global Surveyor Mars Orbiter Camera (MOC) image collection [New Window]
Planetary Data Systems (PDS) Mars Global Surveyor Mars Orbiter Camera (MOC) image collection with available images in decompressed JPEG format, raw data available by FTP access, web graphical images, and link to NASA's Map-a-Planet.
San Francisco Bay change detection and mapping: use of Landsat Thematic Mapper Multitemporal images to detect and map changes in the San Francisco Bay area [New Window]
Remote sensing images of San Francisco Bay and Delta region.
Satellite imagery: Lake Pontchartrain Basin and Gulf of Mexico [New Window]
Report on satellite imagery collected by the NOAA Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR) on NOAA polar-orbiting weather satellites. Links are provided to imagery of north-central Gulf of Mexico and of the Lake Pontchartrain.
Satellite technologies detect uplift in the Yellowstone Caldera [New Window]
Explanation of uplift in the land surface of the northern part of the Yellowstone caldera (12cm, about ~5 inches) that occurred between 1997 and 2003, including the scientific methods by which it was detected and analyzed.
Seamless geographic data distribution system [New Window]
Online map system providing downloadable geospatial data, primarily NSDI framework themes (that is, general geographic data such as transportation, boundaries, hydrography, orthoimagery, land cover, and elevation).
Washington aeromagnetic maps and data [New Window]
Colored geomagnetic and gravity maps and related data and graphical plots for the state of Washington.
PDF A volcano rekindled; the renewed eruption of Mount St. Helens, 2004-2006 [New Window]
Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR) [New Window]
Coverage, characteristics, and availability of AVHRR data from a broad-band scanner sensing in the visible, near-infrared, and thermal infrared portions of the electromagnetic spectrum.
Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR) sensor characteristics [New Window]
Description of datasets of AVHRR data available from the EROS Data Center in Sioux Falls, SD in three formats: High Resolution Picture Transmission (HRPT), Local Area Coverage (LAC), and Global Area Coverage (GAC).
Aircraft scanners [New Window]
Technical information on the Aircraft Scanners data set at the USGS EROS Data Center containing digital imagery acquired from several multispectral scanners collected over conterminous United States, Alaska, and NASA aircraft and how to order.
Alaska Geographic Science Office [New Window]
Webpage of the Alaska Geographic Sciences Office with links to the Bureau level programs it is responsible for managing: Geographic Analysis and Monitoring (GAM), Land Remote Sensing (LRS), and Cooperative Topographic Mapping (CTM).
Astrogeology Research Program [New Window]
Primary homepage for the Astrogeology Research Program with links to solar system, space missions, technology, data & information, research programs for geology, remote sensing, and ice & polar, hot topics, photo gallery, and Astro Kids.
Atlas of Antarctic research [New Window]
Entry to the Atlas of Antarctic Research giving a common base map for displaying research results, data, and descriptions of projects. Layers can be viewed or downloaded as Digital Elevation Models (DEMs), digital aerial photos, and satellite images.
Browse the Solar system [New Window]
Images of planets of the solar system.
Carolina slate belt gold deposits in Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia [New Window]
Report of research on the Carolina slate belt and gold deposits in Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia with geologic mapping, mineralogic, geochemical, and fluid evolution studies, radiogenic dating, and stable isotope studies.
Central California /San Francisco Bay Earthquake Hazards Project [New Window]
Information on earthquakes in central California and the San Francisco region with links to four types of field studies, deep seismic investigations, geotechnical investigations, shallow seismic imaging, and airborne geophysical surveys.
Coastal storms and tsunamis [New Window]
USGS responses to and studies of the hazards and impact of major hurricanes, tsunamis, and El Nino storms. Includes links to oblique aerial photography and LIDAR surveys recording coastal changes and other effects of storms and waves.
Deserts, geology and resources [New Window]
Online edition of booklet describing desert geology and mineral resources.
Detection and analysis of open space change in Yavapai and Southern Mohave Counties, Arizona [New Window]
Digital image maps documenting the amount of change in open space between 1984 and 1997 within the study area and document where these changes have occurred in order to effectively evaluate change in big game habitat.
Detection and measurement of land subsidence using Global Positioning System surveying and interferometric synthetic aperture radar, Coachella Valley, California, 1996-2005 [New Window]
Detailed measurements of elevation help to understand the extent and severity of subsidence. Study asks if subsidence indicates the aquifer system is compacting temporarily or permanently, and are the changes human-induced or tectonic.
Digital Orthophoto Quadrangles (DOQs) [New Window]
Description of what Digital Orthophoto Quadrangles are and how to obtain them plus information on the DOQ program, points of contact, DOQ status graphic, examples of DOQs, and free data viewer software.
Earth Resources Observation & Science (EROS) [New Window]
Access to products archived at the EROS Data Center, Sioux Falls, SD, including aerial photography, remote sensing data, satellite imagery, maps, and elevation data with product search retrieval and ordering information.
EarthExplorer [New Window]
Query and order satellite images, aerial photographs, and cartographic products through the U.S. Geological Survey. Log in as a guest or as a registered user with more privileges. Uses Java Script or Applet Versions for PC, MacIntosh, and Unix programs.
Edwards Aquifer online resources [New Window]
Recharge and discharge summaries and other data, aeromagnetic survey map, and publications on Edwards Aquifer, Texas.
Environmental studies of the World Trade Center area after the September 11, 2001 attack [New Window]
Report describing the results of an interdisciplinary environmental study of the World Trade Center (WTC) area after the attack on September 11, 2001. The investigations included imaging spectroscopy mapping and laboratory analysis.
Front Range Infrastructure Resources Project (FRIRP) [New Window]
Home page for the Front Range Infrastructure Resources Project, a demonstration study of the northern Colorado Front Range urban corridor and the entire Rocky Mountain Front Range urban corridor with links to projects, datasets, and publications.
Geography research programs in Alaska [New Window]
Descriptions, results, and data on research projects using geographic analysis and monitoring and remote sensing to study ecosystems and land processes in the Arctic region.
Geologic framework and process of the Lake Pontchartrain Basin [New Window]
Field methods, topics of investigation, shoreline changes, publications, and satellite imagery related to geologic and hydrologic processes affecting Lake Pontchartrain and adjacent lakes which form a large estuary in the Gulf Coast region.
Geophysical products [New Window]
Links to products of magnetic, gravity, magnetotelluric, and multi-discipline reports and surveys of regions in the U.S. and Antarctica plus geophysical software tools. Some products are in PDF format.
Global Geographic Information Systems (GIS) [New Window]
Access to downloadable GIS databases including the Global Digital Elevation Model (DEM), remotely sensed products, data on world energy and mineral deposits, biodiversity, and geologic hazards for use with ArcView or free software.
Hurricane and extreme storm impact studies [New Window]
Homepage for programs of the Center for Coastal Geology on hurricanes and extreme storms with links to technology, related aerial photography, hurricanes, El Nino, northeasters, and specific storms.
Integrated software for imagers and spectrometers (ISIS) [New Window]
Integrated Software for Imagery and Spectrometers (ISIS) is a comprehensive, user-friendly, portable tool for processing, analyzing, and displaying remotely sensed image data. Homepage provides documentation, acquisition, user feedback, and FAQs.
PDF Introduction to potential fields: Magnetics [New Window]
Explanation of the Earth's magnetic field and how USGS measures it. Defines magnetic anomaly, induced and remanent magnetism in rocks, and describes magnetic anomaly maps.
Landsat Project [New Window]
Home page for the Land Remote Sensing Satellite Program (Landsat) used to gather information about land surface features of the earth. Includes images, links to general and technical information, ordering of data, and partners.
Measuring human-induced land subsidence from space [New Window]
Examples of the use of Satellite Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar to measure and map changes on the Earth's surface as an aid to understanding how ground-water pumping, hydrocarbon production, or other human activities cause land subsidence.
Measuring land subsidence from space [New Window]
Describes the use of satellite-borne Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) to precisely measure, monitor, and assess small changes in land surface elevation resulting from human-induced or naturally occuring land subsidence.
Mini Image Processing System (MIPS) [New Window]
Mini Image Processing system (MIPS) is a digital image processing software package complete with online documentation, ported for the Digital UNIX and Open VMS operating systems on the DEC Alpha platform.
Multibeam mapping of the West Florida Shelf, Gulf of Mexico [New Window]
Georeferenced high-resolution mapping of bathymetry of the West Florida Shelf, Gulf of Mexico of areas suspected to be critical benthic habitats for fisheries. Includes links to images, data, metadata, and TIFF image files.
National Mapping Program standards [New Window]
Links to standards prepared under the National Mapping Program to produce and maintain top quality mapping and geospatial data products. Documents may be viewed and downloaded in PDF and HTML formats with links to related information.
National land cover characterization [New Window]
Homepage for the National Land Cover Data (NLCD), a land cover classification scheme, for the United States based on data derived from Landsat Thematic Mapper satellite data. Includes links to description, products, accuracy, and program partners.
Our dynamic desert landscape [New Window]
Overview of studies of fragile and active landscape of the American Southwest deserts, including projects on geologic mapping, surface processes, remote sensing research, ecological processes, and earthquake hazard applications.
Overview of the greenness of the conterminous U.S. [New Window]
Site to learn about, view, and order digital image vegetation condition (greenness) maps of the conterminous U.S. based on the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) with imagery from Advanced High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR).
Platte River Program, a USGS Place-Based Studies Program [New Window]
Site for the Platte River Program in Nebraska an area that is a critical staging area for migratory waterbirds of the Central Flyway. Includes links to color-infrared aerial photos, 1938 historic aerial photos, and Cottonwood Ranch research site.
San Francisco Bay: Central Bay region multibeam backscatter and bathymetry mosaics [New Window]
Landsat TM and bathymetry mosaic images of sediment and pollutant transport in central San Francisco Bay.
South Florida Information Access (SOFIA) projects by region [New Window]
Listing of South Florida Information Access (SOFIA) projects by region
Spectroscopy Lab [New Window]
Links to Spectroscopy Lab projects to identify and map materials through spectroscopic remote sensing (imaging spectroscopy, hyperspectral imaging, imaging spectrometry, ultraspectral imaging, etc) on the Earth and in space.
Spectroscopy of rocks and minerals, and principles of spectroscopy [New Window]
Technical review of the principles of spectroscopy and its use in identifying minerals and other materials.
TerraWeb [New Window]
Terrestrial remote sensing program with links to coastal and marine, arid and semi-arid, other land environmental data and digital image products plus software Mini Image Processing Sensing System (MIPS).
TerraWeb for kids [New Window]
Satellite images of Earth geared to children.
Water resources maps and geographic information systems (GIS) information [New Window]
Portal for links to United State water resources maps and geographic information systems (GIS) data for the United States for viewing or downloading.


Alphabetical Index of Topics a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z

Accessibility FOIA Privacy Policies and Notices

Take Pride in America logo USA.gov logo U.S. Department of the Interior | U.S. Geological Survey
URL: http://www.usgs.gov/science//science/science.php?term=981&n=72
Page Contact Information: Ask USGS