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

Dust In the Wind — Is African Dust Affecting Our Health and the Environment? Our earth is indeed a “small world after all.” Each land has the ability to affect another — for better or for worse. For example, in Africa, hundreds of millions of tons aerosolized desert soils (referred to as 'dust') are transported each year to the Caribbean and the United States. This dust is thought to be responsible for an increased occurrence of asthma in humans, the decline of coral reefs and other environmental hazards. The dust comes from the expanding Sahara/Sahel desert region and carries a wide variety of bacteria and fungi. Learn More

Famine Early Warning System Network in Africa: Learn how the USGS is working to prevent the future occurrence of drought-induced famine that has devastated Africa in the past. For more information on the Famine Early Warning System Network (FEWS), a network designed to distribute information that enables timely measures to be taken to prevent food-insecure conditions in 22 countries, visit Early Warning and Monitoring Program and FEWS NET.

Science Centers Earth Resources Observation & Science (EROS) Center Eastern Geographic Science Center (EGSC) Mid-Continent Geographic Science Center (MCGSC) Rocky Mountain Geographic Science Center (RMGSC) Western Geographic Science Center (WGSC) Alaska Science Center