-------- Original Message --------
Subject:        USGS Pilot Project Makes High-Quality Landsat Data Available
Through Web
Date:   Fri, 25 May 2007 13:17:53 -0400
From:   Denver Makle <[log in to unmask]>
To:     maps-L

Technical Announcement

May 25, 2007          Ronald Beck               703-648-6168
[log in to unmask]


USGS Pilot Project Makes High-Quality Landsat Data Available Through Web


As of June 4, 2007, the USGS will be releasing selected Landsat 7 image
data of the United States through the Web (glovis.usgs.gov or
earthexplorer.usgs.gov). These data are of high quality with limited cloud
cover.

This Web-enabled distribution of new and recently acquired data is a pilot
project for the Landsat Data Continuity Mission (LDCM), currently projected
for launch in 2011. The project will allow the Landsat data user community
to help refine the distribution system planned for the upcoming LDCM. Each
scene will be registered to the terrain, or “ortho-rectified,” prior to
being placed on the Web. Copies of these data will also be available on CD
or DVD at the cost of reproduction.

Landsat data have proven useful for a wide range of applications. From
disaster monitoring after Hurricane Katrina and the Indonesian tsunami to
global crop condition analysis, Landsat data are being used by scientists
around the world. The Web-based distribution system will allow the user
community easier access to Landsat 7 data.

The pilot project will be carefully examined. Customer response will be
evaluated and their insight will influence the future distribution system.


                           * * *www.usgs.gov* * *