Land Satellite

CONTENTS
1. ABSTRACT
2. INTRODUCTION
3. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION
4. HISTORY
5. DATA COLLECTION AND PROCESSING
6. APPLICATIONS
7. CONCLUSION REFERENCES
ABSTRACT
The Landsat program has been a cornerstone in Earth observation since its
inception in 1972, providing continuous data for various applications such as land
use planning, agriculture, forestry, and environmental monitoring. Landsat 8, also
known as the Landsat Data Continuity Mission (LDCM), represents the latest
advancement in this program. Launched in February 2013, Landsat 8 carries
advanced sensors including the Operational Land Imager (OLI) and the Thermal
Infrared Sensor (TIRS), which capture multispectral imagery with high spatial
resolution. This abstract explores the technical specifications, data collection,
processing methods, and applications of Landsat 8 imagery. The satellite's
contributions to land use planning, agriculture, forestry, and environmental
monitoring are highlighted, emphasizing its role in scientific research, resource
management, and policy formulation. Landsat 8 continues to be an invaluable
asset in understanding and monitoring the dynamic changes occurring on Earth's
surface, ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come.
INTRODUCTION
The Landsat program has been instrumental in providing valuable data for Earth
observation since its inception in 1972. Landsat satellites have continuously
monitored the Earth's surface, facilitating various applications such as land use
planning, agriculture, forestry, and environmental monitoring. Landsat 8, also
known as the Landsat Data Continuity Mission (LDCM), is one of the latest
additions to this program, launched in February 2013. This report delves into the
technical aspects of Landsat 8 and its contributions to Earth observation.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS:
Landsat 8 carries two main instruments: the Operational Land Imager (OLI) and
the Thermal Infrared Sensor (TIRS). The OLI captures imagery in nine spectral
bands, including visible, near-infrared, and short-wave infrared bands, at a spatial
resolution of 30 meters for most bands. Additionally, it provides a panchromatic
band at a higher spatial resolution of 15 meters. The TIRS sensor measures
thermal infrared radiation in two bands with a spatial resolution of 100 meters.
LANDSAT DATA CONTINUITY MISSION
HISTORY
The Landsat program has a rich history dating back to the early 1970s. Here's an
overview of the key milestones in the history of this mission:
• Landsat 1 (ERTS-1): Launched on July 23, 1972, Landsat 1, originally

named the Earth Resources Technology Satellite (ERTS-1), marked the
beginning of the Landsat program. It carried two multispectral scanners and
collected imagery of Earth's surface, revolutionizing our ability to monitor
and manage natural resources.
• Expansion of the Program: Over the following decades, additional Landsat

satellites were launched, each introducing improvements in sensor
technology and data collection capabilities. Landsat 2 and Landsat 3
followed in 1975 and 1978, respectively, further enhancing our
understanding of Earth's environment.
• Privatization and Commercialization: In the 1980s, there was a shift

towards privatization and commercialization of Landsat operations. This
led to the launch of Landsat 6 in 1993, which unfortunately failed to reach
orbit due to a launch vehicle malfunction.
• 6. Landsat Data Continuity Mission (Landsat): To ensure the continuity of

Landsat data and to address the aging Landsat 5 and 7 satellites, NASA and
the USGS launched Landsat 8, also known as the Landsat Data Continuity
Mission (LDCM), on February 11, 2013. Landsat 8 carries the Operational
Land Imager (OLI) and the Thermal Infrared Sensor (TIRS), providing
enhanced capabilities for Earth observation and resource monitoring.
• Future of the Landsat Program: As of the latest available information, the

Landsat program continues to evolve with plans for future missions and
technological advancements. Landsat data remains a vital resource for
researchers, policymakers, and various industries worldwide, contributing
to our understanding and management of Earth's environment.
DATA COLLECTION AND PROCESSING:
Landsat 8 orbits the Earth in a sun-synchronous orbit, crossing the equator at

approximately 10:00 AM local time. This orbit ensures consistent lighting
conditions for imagery acquisition. The satellite collects data in a pushbroom
scanning mode, where it scans the Earth's surface line by line. Once collected, the
raw data undergoes radiometric and geometric correction to produce calibrated
and georeferenced imagery suitable for analysis.
APPLICATIONS:
The imagery captured by Landsat 8 has numerous applications across various
sectors:
• Land Use Planning: Landsat 8 imagery aids in identifying changes in land

cover and land use patterns over time, supporting urban planning, resource
management, and infrastructure development.
• Agriculture: The multispectral data from Landsat 8 enables monitoring crop
health, estimating crop yield, and detecting agricultural practices such as
irrigation and crop rotation.
• Forestry: Landsat 8 imagery assists in forest monitoring, including
deforestation detection, forest health assessment, and forest inventory
management.
• Environmental Monitoring: The satellite helps monitor environmental
parameters such as water quality, vegetation dynamics, and natural disaster
response, facilitating informed decision-making for environmental
conservation and disaster management.
CONCLUSION
Landsat 8, with its advanced sensors and continuous data acquisition, plays a
vital role in Earth observation and remote sensing applications. Its rich dataset
contributes to scientific research, resource management, and policy formulation
across the globe. As the Landsat program continues to evolve, with future
missions and technological advancements, it remains a cornerstone in
understanding and monitoring our dynamic planet.
REFERENCES
1. U.S. Geological Survey. Landsat 8 (LDCM) Data Users Handbook. Available

online:[https://landsat.usgs.gov/sites/default/files/documents/Landsat8DataUs
ersHandbook.pdf](https://landsat.usgs.gov/sites/default/files/documents/Lands
at8DataUsersHandbook.pdf)
2. NASA:[https://landsat.gsfc.nasa.gov/landsatmissions/](https://landsat.gsfc.nas
a.gov/landsat-missions/)
3. "Landsat: Continuing to Improve Everyday Life" by U.S. Geological Survey
(USGS): This publication provides an overview of the Landsat program's
history, missions, and contributions to various fields.
a. Available online: [https://www.usgs.gov/media/files/landsat-
continuingimprove-everyday-life](https://www.usgs.gov/media/files/
landsatcontinuing-improve-everyday-life)
4. NASA:[https://landsat.gsfc.nasa.gov/history-of-the-landsatprogram/](https://
landsat.gsfc.nasa.gov/history-of-the-landsat-program/)
5. "TheLandsatProgram:[https://www.springer.com/gp/book/9783319915833](htt
ps//www.springer.com/gp/book/9783319915833)

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CONTENTS

• Landsat 1 (ERTS-1): Launched on July 23, 1972, Landsat 1, originally

• Expansion of the Program: Over the following decades, additional Landsat

• Privatization and Commercialization: In the 1980s, there was a shift

• 6. Landsat Data Continuity Mission (Landsat): To ensure the continuity of

• Future of the Landsat Program: As of the latest available information, the

Landsat 8 orbits the Earth in a sun-synchronous orbit, crossing the equator at

• Land Use Planning: Landsat 8 imagery aids in identifying changes in land

1. U.S. Geological Survey. Landsat 8 (LDCM) Data Users Handbook. Available

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