Using Landsat 7 Data

All Landsat 7 scenes collected since May of 2003 have data gaps. Although the scenes have only 78 percent of their pixels, these data are still some of the most geometrically and radiometrically accurate of all civilian satellite data in the world.

A number of methods have been developed to fill the gaps of Landsat 7 data. This page is a compilation of useful tools, documents and other items to assist users in creating a usable filled final image.

General Information

What is Landsat 7 SLC-off data?

How do Landsat 7 ETM+ SLC-off data products compare to previous Landsat 7 data?

SLC-off Gap Mask Files
These files help users identify the location of the pixels affected by the original data gaps in the primary SLC-off scene.

Usability Assessments are available. These documents evaluate the scientific usability of Landsat 7 SLC-off data products.

Which images will work best to fill in the gaps?

Gap Phase Estimator
This tool allows users to enter the Gap Phase Statistic from two Landsat 7 scenes (found in the scene metadata) to calculate the approximate area that will be filled if the selected scenes are combined.

Filling the Gaps - Approaches and Data Sources

There are methods available that allow users to fill the gaps of Landsat 7 data to create an aesthetic nice-looking image. There are also methods that better maintain the integrity of the data, to create an image better suited for scientific interpretation and analysis. Other methods may also be available; those listed on these pages have proven useful and are provided for informational purposes only. Many image-processing packages may have capabilities such as those described on these pages.

(NOTE: References to non-USGS products do not constitute endorsement by the U.S. Government.)

Filling the Gaps for Display

Filling the Gaps to use in Scientific Analysis