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Hawaiian Islands National Wildlife Refuge

After a major disaster, a satellite image or a collection of aerial photography is frequently the fastest, most effective way to determine the scope and severity of the event. With that goal, the USGS operates the Hazards Data Distribution System (HDDS) to process and deliver satellite and aerial imagery in near-real time during natural or human-caused disasters (e.g., hurricanes or oil spills).  For example, after Hurricane Katrina struck New Orleans, Louisiana, in 2005, Landsat images showed when and where the floodwaters drained.