Watershed Management Council
Advancing the Art and Science of Watershed Management Since 1987

In response to the need for updated topographic maps, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has developed and made available a new national map series called the US Topo.

WASHINGTON, D.C.- The National Space Policy announced by the White House today recognizes and endorses the Department of the Interior’s expertise and accomplishments in land imaging and remote sensing to advance global climate change research and provide data for science and natural resource management.

After a major disaster, a satellite image or a collection of aerial photographs is frequently the fastest, most effective way to determine the scope and severity of the event. With that goal, the USGS operates the Hazard Data Distribution System (HDDS) to process and deliver satellite and aerial imagery in near-real time during natural or human-caused disasters.

The U.S. Geological Survey will receive nearly unlimited access to imagery collected by Spot Image satellites over the continental United States under a major data purchase agreement announced today.

Science requires perspective and objectivity. The U.S. Geological Survey provides both with data from the Landsat series of satellites. On Friday, March 26, 2010, the USGS will host a congressional briefing on how the Landsat program provides impartial, authoritative information about land conditions for use in agriculture, forestry, regional planning, education, and global change research.