Process
Baseline Considerations for Land Imaging
- Continuity of the U.S. Landsat Data Record must be maintained
- Capabilities must meet or exceed current capabilities of Landsat (Landsat imagery cannot currently be replicated using any existing U.S. or international satellite system)
- But Landsat will not constrain future Land Imaging capabilities
- Examine alternatives to meet the minimal Landsat Data Continuity Standard plus additional U.S. needs for land imaging
- Greater spatial or spectral resolution
- Greater frequency of coverage and "steerable" imaging
- Multi-purpose Imaging Systems (Radar, Radar hybrids, Hyperspectral)
Needs Analysis - What are the Societal Benefits?
The Future of Land Imaging Working Group will inventory and assess the societal benefits of land imaging and how they can best be met.
Societal Benefits are a core feature of U.S. and International Earth Observation Initiatives - IEOS and GEOSS
- Weather
- Natural Disasters
- Ocean Resources
- Climate Variability and Change
- Agriculture and Forestry
- Human Health and Well-Being
- Ecological Forecasting
- Water Resource Management
- Energy Resource Management
There are other Societal Benefits of land imaging not captured by IEOS and GEOSS that are important to U.S. interests
- Land Use Planning and Management
- Public Lands Conservation / Management
- Homeland / National Security Operations
- Transportation Planning / Management
- Property Valuation
- Flood Plain Assessment
- Foreign Agricultural Assessment
- Infrastructure Planning / Management
The Vitality and Competitiveness of the U.S. Aerospace Industry is also a Primary Consideration
Options for Meeting U.S. Land Imaging Needs
Government-Owned Satellite |
The U.S. Government owns and operates a U.S. satellite and maintains an archive and distribution capability. |
Public-Private Partnership |
The U.S. Government shares responsibility with the private sector. Costs are shared in proportion to the value of the data. |
International Partnership |
The U.S. Government shares capabilities and data with foreign partners. |
Commercial Program |
The U.S. acquires all data from the private sector which retains rights to U.S. Land Imaging data. |
A Combination of Options |
A primary solution may be complemented or supplemented by a secondary solution. |
|