Users, Uses, and Value of Landsat Imagery

To help assess the applications and value of Landsat imagery, social scientists at the USGS Policy Analysis and Science Assistance Branch of the Fort Collins Science Center in Colorado are leading a long-term study that includes surveys and case studies of Landsat imagery users. The surveys provide longitudinal data on how the users and uses of the imagery are changing over time in response to changes in the provision of the imagery, which allows analysts to assess the value of the imagery. In 2014, a third survey of over 11,000 current Landsat users was conducted with a focus on Landsat 8 users and uses. Also, multiple case studies focusing on the use of Landsat imagery in agriculture and private sector technological applications were completed. These case studies provide an in-depth look at the use of Landsat imagery by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and farmers in the Upper Midwest, as well as tech start-up companies that rely heavily on Landsat. These efforts document the widespread and increasing use and value of Landsat imagery.