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***The National Map***

######## **Land Remote Sensing Program** 

######## 

**5-Year Program** **Plan**

**September** **30, 2002**

**Program Team:**

Gary Fairgrieve Eastern Region Program Coordinator

Bruce Quirk Central Region Program Coordinator

Mark Shasby Western Region Program Coordinator

Terry Felkerson Mid-Continent Mapping Center Contact

Michael Hutt Rocky Mountain Mapping Center Contact

Contributors:

G Bryan Bailey

Wendy Budd

Ray Byrnes

Tina Pruett

Rea Mueller

Greg Snyder

Ted Saunders

R. J. Thompson

Table of Contents

> I. Executive Summary

# II. Introduction

> **III. Program Mission and Long-Term Goals**

# IV. Program 5-Year Goals

> **A. Major Program Objectives**

## **B. Partners and Customers**

# Program Review 

V.  **Capabilities and Expertise**

######### Facilities

######### 

######### 

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# 

I.  Executive Summary

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has made fundamental changes to the
Geography Discipline (formerly the National Mapping Program), including
redefining and renaming it as a new Budget Activity: Mapping, Remote
Sensing, and Geographic Investigations (MRSGI). These changes are
intended to achieve the following goals:

-   Provide current maps and digital data

-   Align programs with products

-   Make programs understandable

-   Meet customer, partner, and constituent expectations, and

-   Strengthen the scientific underpinnings of the programs.

A major new direction of the MRSGI activity is the creation and
maintenance of *The National Map*, which is a geographic data and
information base that scientifically describes, monitors, and assesses
the state of the earth's land surface. It comprises a dynamic vertically
and horizontally integrated topographic database, a remote sensing land
surface monitoring system, and an assessment of the status and trends of
the land surface.

This 5-year plan is prepared for the Geography Discipline's Land Remote
Sensing (LRS) Program. The LRS Program, through its goals, objectives,
and activities, will support USGS science directions and increasingly
contribute to objectives of national scope including assessment and
analysis of natural hazards, biological and natural resources, and
homeland security. The LRS Program goals are presented in the context of
the following: The Bureau's geospatial data requirements; LRS as a
bureauwide program that supports science activities across the
organization; the Bureau's scientifically invaluable data archives; and
the value of remotely sensed data to the Bureau's future science
programs and plans, cooperators, and customers. Each of the goals
applies to one of the components of LRS. Further, these goals are
directed toward the ultimate objective of improving the stature of the
USGS as a national and world leader in the acquisition, archiving, and
application of remotely sensed data and technology.

The LRS Program goals are as follows: (1) Define and direct the
acquisition of regional and global remotely sensed datasets from
Government, commercial, and international sources; (2) ensure the
preservation of and access to all of the Nation's remotely sensed data
assets through the National Satellite Land Remote Sensing Data Archive
(NSLRSDA) and (3) expand the understanding and applications of remotely
sensed data within the Bureau, the Department of the Interior (DOI), and
the scientific community at large.

The LRS Program will undertake its responsibilities through the
implementation of the three following components: (1) Satellite Mission
Operations (acquire), (2) Long-Term Data Preservation and Access
(preserve/distribute), and (3) Remote Sensing Research and Data
Utilization (use).

-   Satellite Mission Operations ensures that the archives of remotely
    sensed data are continuously refreshed through operating and
    maintaining on-orbit government satellites and through agreements
    with commercial and international partners. The USGS, through LRS,
    operates the Landsat 5 and Landsat 7 satellites, in partnership with
    NASA.

-   Long-term Data Preservation and Access improves the breadth and
    availability of the USGS remotely sensed data holdings to the
    Nation. Through this activity, archived data will be uniformly
    available and accessible to all users and data will be searchable on
    the Internet, with browse capability available in real time.

-   Remote Sensing Research and Data Utilization (use) ensures the
    scientific integrity of remotely sensed data while maintaining
    access to cost-effective information to support specific
    mission-related objectives of the user community. This includes
    fundamental sensor research that will focus on practical objectives
    designed to demonstrate the applicability of remotely sensed data to
    the solution of real earth and biological science problems.

A growing responsibility for LRS is to ensure timely access to and
management, distribution, and use of information derived from U.S.
classified remote sensing systems to address a broad spectrum of land
and resource management issues. LRS coordinates the Civil Applications
Committee (CAC), comprising 11 Federal civilian departments and
agencies, to advocate and oversee civil agency use of classified assets.
Much of this data is archived and maintained in the Global Fiducials
Library (GFL) which provides long-term access to classified data
routinely collected over environmentally sensitive sites throughout the
world. Since September 11, 2001, classified and unclassified data and
USGS scientific expertise have been used to support homeland security
activities.

# The LRS Program is supported by important existing capabilities and outstanding technical and scientific expertise, which, together with excellent facilities, bode well for the program's ability to accomplish its objectives and to achieve both its short-term and its long-term goals. In addition to the EROS Data Center in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, the program has activities that are supported by the USGS facility in Flagstaff, Arizona, the Alaska Science Center in Anchorage, Alaska, and the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, which currently hosts the Landsat 7 Mission Operation Center (MOC). 

# 

# The LRS Program will establish and maintain business policies and cooperative support structures that encourage and expand partnerships with Federal, commercial, academic, and international cooperators. The program will work with other DOI and USGS programs, NASA, the National Imagery and Mapping Agency (NIMA), the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), satellite business partners, commercial data providers, member agencies of the Committee on Earth Observing Satellites (CEOS), and international Landsat cooperators to expand the understanding and use of remotely sensed datasets. Long-term partnerships have been forged with critical members of the intelligence community, including NIMA, the National Reconnaissance Organization (NRO), and the Central Intelligence agency (CIA). These partnerships will be broadened where appropriate, and the relationships will be maintained. The LRS Program will evaluate customer needs and incorporate those needs into future program planning.

Introduction

As human population grows, we make use of our land in increasingly
complex and potentially conflicting ways and the value of our land
becomes more evident, it has become more important than ever that we
map, monitor, and understand the land surface and predict the outcomes
of things that may cause change. Likewise, as mapping and analytical
technologies have become more affordable and, therefore, nearly
ubiquitous, redundancy and fragmentation of data collection and analysis
have become the norm. Still the problems being addressed by these
geographic activities often transcend jurisdictional boundaries.

The strategic vision of the Mapping, Remote Sensing, and Geographic
Investigations (MRSGI) Activity of the USGS is to take the next logical
step in mapping, *The National Map*. It will provide flexible current
and historic digital geographic information to meet national needs.
Operated as a partnership it will be a dynamic evolving source of
national geographic information comprised of seamless, continually
maintained, nationally consistent, vertically and horizontally
integrated geospatial databases; a satellite land surface monitoring
system; and a geographic assessment of the status and trends of the
Earth's land surface.

*The National Map* will manifest itself in several ways. Firstly, *The
National Map* will be visible as a publicly accessible Internet portal
to a set of relevant, seamless, nationally consistent, integrated, and
documented geographic information that will provide a trusted source of
basic geographic information needed by government at all levels.
Secondly, *The National Map* will be visible as regularly published
scientific studies and analysis of these and other geographic
information, which will provide a deeper understanding of earth surface
changes and trends. Thirdly, *The National Map* will be visible as a
service that links this information and other geographic information to
validated services and applications, which will guide the proper use of
the information in government applications. And finally, *The National
Map* will be visible as a network of partnerships at all levels of
government to share selected geographic information and a network of
public-private partnerships for geographic information collection,
dissemination, and technology development.

The three programs of MRSGI contribute to *The National Map* in various
ways:

-   Cooperative Topographic Mapping (CTM) program will assemble,
    maintain, archive, and provide access to base layers of geospatial
    data (orthoimagery, elevation, hydrography, transportation,
    structures, boundaries, land cover, and geographic names). Applied
    geographic and cartographic research and development will be a
    support component of this program.

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-   Land Remote Sensing (LRS) will operate and maintain on-orbit
    government satellites; collect and archive national and global
    coverages of Landsat and other remotely sensed land data; provide
    remotely sensed geospatial data for *The National Map*; respond to
    the Nation's needs for current geographic information in support of
    homeland security; and advance our understanding and use of the
    science of remote sensing through research.

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-   Geographic Analysis and Monitoring (GAM) will provide reports on the
    Status and Trends of the nation's land resources, produce a land use
    and land cover database for the periodically updated Geographic Face
    of the Nation, conduct research leading to improved understanding
    and knowledge about geographic processes, and develop new
    applications capabilities with which the data from the CTM and LRS
    programs can be used.

Remote sensing technology embodies an assortment of data, products, and
tools that can significantly complement scientific observation and
analysis of the Earth\'s land surface, including coastal and near-shore
environments. Remotely sensed data and derived products are sources of
information from which interpretations about the Earth\'s biologic
conditions and resources, geologic and hydrologic processes and
resources, topographic and geographic features, and human dynamics can
be derived.

The USGS has received, processed, archived, and distributed Landsat and
other satellite and airborne remotely sensed data and products to a
global user community for three decades. Remotely sensed imagery
acquired by airborne instruments has been fundamental to USGS mapping
and monitoring activities for more than half a century. In 1966, then
USGS Director William T. Pecora promoted a major initiative in land
remote sensing from space as a cooperative effort between NASA and USGS.
That initiative resulted in the Landsat Program. Also, in 1969, the USGS
began a program to utilize U.S. National Technical Means data sources to
further advance the use of remotely sensed data in support of Bureau and
civil agency programs. Scientists from the USGS and other DOI Bureaus
have used Landsat and other civil and classified remotely sensed data in
earth science research projects and applications, modeling, and
operational analyses to support the mission objectives of the USGS and
the DOI. Remotely sensed data are also used extensively in map revision
and in updating map data bases.

During the next 5 years (2003-2007), the emphasis of the LRS Program
will be to broaden the use of remote sensing products and capabilities
by the USGS, its customers, partners, and cooperators and to contribute
to the information and data content of *The National Map*. The program
will define and direct the acquisition of remotely sensed datasets;
ensure the preservation of and access to remotely sensed datasets;
improve access and distribution systems to ensure timely availability of
remotely sensed data and products; place increased emphasis on research,
education, and awareness of the benefits of remote sensing technology
and products; promote the development of data analysis tools and
techniques; promote expanded and enhanced use of remotely sensed data;
and prepare to take advantage of advancements in remote sensing
instrument technology.

**Program Authority**

Founded on the Bureau's commitment to the use of remote sensing
technology, the LRS Program became operational in fiscal year 2002. The
following are the components of the Land Remote Sensing Program as
identified in the Bureau's "Budget Justification and Annual Performance
Plan" document:

-   Satellite mission operations (acquire)

-   Long-term data preservation and access (preserve/distribute)

-   Remote sensing research and data utilization (use)

Legislative authorizations for the program, beyond the basic
authorizations for the USGS, include:

-   The Land Remote Sensing Policy Act of 1992, which assigns
    responsibility for NSLRSDA to DOI

-   43 U.S. Code 45, which provides for the production and sale of
    copies of photographs and records and the disposition of receipts.

    In addition to funds appropriated to USGS programs, LRS derives
    reimbursable income from the distribution of remotely sensed data
    products, cost-share agreements executed with international Landsat
    cooperators, and cooperative science projects.

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II. Program Mission and Long-term Goal

**Mission:** The LRS Program will provide and encourage the use of
historical, current, and future remotely sensed data and derived
scientific information:

-   To facilitate monitoring, scientific description, and understanding
    of the Earth and its natural and human-induced processes

-   To minimize loss of life and property from natural disasters

-   To manage water, biological, energy, and mineral resources and

-   To protect and enhance the quality of life for U.S. citizens.

**Long-term Goal:** The USGS will be recognized as a primary source of
remotely sensed data and applications; and USGS will be a leader in
defining the future of land remote sensing, nationally and
internationally.

The program will evaluate sources of remotely sensed data that are
applicable to the land management activities of the DOI, its partners,
customers, and cooperators. The LRS Program will acquire these data
through cost-effective means, preserve data collections for long-term
analysis and future use, distribute products to all users consistent
with applicable guidelines and policies, and encourage use of these data
in land science applications through research, education, and user
assistance.

Maintaining an aggressive program in land remote sensing allows the USGS
to influence and prioritize data acquisition resources to support the
mitigation and/or analysis of natural disasters and other time-critical
applications. In addition, the scientifically selected earth
observations compiled over time are and will continue to be an important
source for analyzing, monitoring, characterizing, and reporting on our
nation's water, biological, energy, and mineral resources, and for
providing data useful to emergency response planners and analyses
related to global environmental changes over time.

III. Program 5-Year Goals

The LRS Program will increasingly contribute to the programs, projects
and activities of the USGS by providing essential data and related
services, including research and technology applications that enhance
the capabilities of USGS scientists and the scientific community at
large. LRS data and capabilities will increasingly contribute to issues
of national scope, including homeland security.

Each of the following goals addresses one of the LRS Program components.
The goals are directed toward the ultimate objective of improving the
stature of the USGS as a national and world leader in the acquisition,
archiving, and application of remotely sensed data and technology.

**Goal 1.** The LRS Program will define and direct the acquisition of
regional and global remotely sensed datasets from Government,
commercial, and international sources. By FY 2007, the program will have
made a transition from the current predominant focus on Landsat
satellite operations and data acquisition to one of acquiring remotely
sensed data from a variety of multi-mission and multi-sensor data
sources representing a broad spectrum of remote sensing technologies.
(Satellite Mission Operations-FY 2002 funding level: \$8 million)

**Goal 2.** The LRS Program will ensure the preservation of and access
to all of the Nation's remotely sensed data assets through the NSLRSDA.
By FY 2007, the USGS will be the primary national repository of land
remote sensing data, and will be a key source of remotely sensed data
products that are critical to national and international earth science,
national security, and national mapping objectives. (Long-term Data
Preservation and Access- FY 2002 funding level: \$13.6 million)

Goal 3. The LRS Program will expand the understanding and applications
of remotely sensed data within the Bureau, the DOI, and the scientific
community at large. By FY 2007, the program will provide and carry out a
robust agenda for conducting research and development, assessing
applicable technologies, promoting the access to and application of
remotely sensed data, and evaluating customer requirements. (Remote
Sensing Research and Data Utilization-FY 2002 funding level: \$14.2
million)

The goals and products of the LRS Program directly complement many USGS
science programs. The program provides continually updated national and
global geospatial data for further analysis by the GAM Program and for
supporting revision of the geographic features maintained by the CTM
Program. The GAM Program develops new understanding of and tests the
content provided by CTM and LRS. The LRS Program will continue to work
with the CTM and GAM Programs to meet remote sensing data requirements
for *The National Map.* Data acquired by LRS, including real-time
acquisition of Landsat images, contribute visual content and context to
*The National Map* by providing an image reference layer, source
material for data revision, and multispectral data for analysis and
application. In cooperation with our Federal, State, and private sector
colleagues, LRS will develop partnerships and policies that promote the
use of remotely sensed data through *The National Map*, USGS research
projects, and operational applications. Through interdisciplinary
science support, LRS will work to expand the understanding and use of
remotely sensed data by the USGS and other scientists in the Federal,
State, and local government sectors and in academia. Among the USGS
programs with which LRS will collaborate are National Cooperative
Geologic Mapping, Mineral Resources, National Water Quality Assessment,
Invasive Species, Biological Resources Status and Trends,
Bioinformatics, Earth Surface Dynamics, Coastal and Marine Geology,
Volcanoe Hazards, Earthquake Hazards, Ecosystems, and Wildlife.

**A. Major Program Objectives**

1.  **Satellite Mission Operations:** The objective of this activity is
    to ensure that the archives of remotely sensed data are continuously
    refreshed through operating and maintaining on-orbit government
    satellites and through agreements with commercial and international
    partners. The USGS, through LRS, operates the Landsat 5 and Landsat
    7 satellites, in partnership with NASA.

> Satellite Mission Operations is the source for remotely sensed land
> data from Government, commercial, and international assets. The
> operation and maintenance activities of existing resources (Landsat 5
> and 7) include the following: satellite orbit determination and orbit
> maintenance maneuvers, satellite and payload health and safety
> monitoring and trending, satellite command and control, daily
> instrument scheduling, daily data acquisition and transmission;
> interface coordination with national and international ground
> receiving stations, analysis and trending of acquired data quality,
> calibration file generation and distribution, development and
> maintenance of the overall data acquisition strategy and algorithms,
> interfacing with other U.S. and foreign government agencies that
> acquire and apply the data, and interfacing with NASA for access to
> infrastructure elements and networks unique to NASA.
>
> **Near-Term (1-2 Year)** **Goals:**

-   Maintain the orbital characteristics of Landsat satellites to
    provide remotely sensed data that are radiometrically and
    geometrically consistent with previously collected data.

-   Refine the data acquisition strategy of the missions to provide
    maximum utility in acquiring data, while minimizing impact on the
    satellite platform and instruments*.*

-   Provide or maintain the necessary system security and redundancy to
    ensure uninterrupted operation in the face of unforeseen changes in
    the operational environment (that is, infrastructure failures or
    damage).

-   Develop end-of-mission plans (decommissioning) for Landsats 5 and 7,
    and coordinate the development of decommissioning plans with the
    appropriate Government agencies.

-   Identify and support development efforts for follow-on and new
    missions.

> **Long-Term** **(3-5 Year)** **Goals:**

-   Develop and streamline acquisition request processes for research
    and operational applications including *The National Map*.

-   Execute end-of-mission plans for Landsat satellites as required.

-   Continue successful operation of existing on-orbit assets.

-   Evaluate instrument characteristics against research and operational
    application requirements to determine the optimal data-acquisition
    approach for a given application.

-   Support new mission development activities, such as the Landsat Data
    Continuity Mission (LDCM) and an interferometric satellite aperture
    radar mission.

-   Investigate and implement mechanisms for acquiring radar, lidar, and
    hyperspectral data into the NSLRSDA.

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## 

## 

-   Investigate new acquisition strategies and technologies to meet
    evolving research and operational data requirements.

## Develop backup mission support capabilities and evaluate mission safety threats in light of national security concerns. 

## Operate an international ground receiving station network through agreements with international remote sensing organizations to ensure the population of global archives with relevant data holdings and access to those holdings by the U.S. Government. 

## 

## 

## Establish innovative partnerships for joint operations (space and ground) and data applications (research and operational) with international cooperators and the commercial sector.

## 

## 

## 

> **Expected products and outcomes:**

-   Annual global mapping strategy for Landsat observations is
    successfully implemented.

-   Mechanisms for the acquisition of radar, lidar, and hyperspectral
    remotely sensed data are successfully implemented.

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-   Current remotely sensed data, which are radiometrically and
    geometrically consistent with previously collected data, are
    available for use in research and mapping activities.

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-   End-of-mission plans for Landsat satellites are successfully
    implemented, if required.

-   The successful operation of existing on-orbit assets is continued
    without interruption.

-   Mechanisms for moving radar, lidar, and hyperspectral data into the
    NSLRSDA are developed and successfully implemented.

-   The international ground receiving station network is fully
    operational through agreements with international remote sensing
    organizations.

-   Innovative partnerships for joint operations (space and ground) and
    data applications (research and operational) with international
    cooperators and the commercial sector are expanded.

**2.** **Data Archiving, Production, and Distribution**: The objective
of this activity is to improve the breadth and availability of the USGS
remotely sensed data holdings to the Nation; archived data will be
uniformly available and accessible to all users. All data will be
searchable on the Internet, with browse capability available in real
time. All archives will be maintained near-line, to improve service,
reduce distribution cost, and reduce archive migration cost. Newly
acquired data will be available to users within hours to benefit hazard
and emergency response managers. Data can be searched for and ordered
through *The National Map* online systems, Business Partners,
AmericaView members, and affiliate archives. Increased numbers of data
users will be supported through educational outreach and user assistance
tool development. Customer requirements, archive requirements related to
filling historical data gaps, access, cost, and types of products will
be determined .

> **Near-Term (1-2 Year) Goals:**

-   Archive worldwide seasonal land-image datasets from Landsat 7.

-   Generate and maintain a status and requirements matrix of all the
    remote sensing datasets archived now and planned in the future.

-   Complete a study of new data distribution methods and upgrade
    datasets to meet the new archival and user requirements.

-   Review NSLRSDA for expansion to encompass additional datasets.

-   Develop and implement plans to transfer added remote sensing data,
    such as NASA EOS data (MODIS, ASTER) and declassified NTM data, to
    the NSLRSDA.

## Review support systems for distributors, such as The National Map and Business Partners, and implement any identified improvements.

-   Develop and implement a plan for upgrading systems to access data.

> **Long-term** **(3-5 Year) Goals:**

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## 

-   Enhance user access to USGS remotely sensed data on the basis of
    priorities and available funding.

-   Develop the transfer and archive systems for Government, commercial,
    and international datasets.

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-   Generate a plan to fulfill unmet data requirements and begin actions
    to fill those requirements (for example, data buy, new sensor, and
    others)

-   Improve mechanisms to ensure the USGS is fully able to support the
    Nation's geospatial data needs in times of a local disaster.

-   Investigate alternative storage options to ensure preservation and
    continuous availability of archived data in the event of
    catastrophic loss of NSLRSDA assets.

-   Develop and begin operation of the new archive, production, and
    distribution systems to bring all datasets up to access
    requirements.

> **Expected products and outcomes:**

-   Plans to transfer new remote sensing data such as NASA EOS data
    (MODIS, ASTER) and declassified NTM data, to the NSLRSDA are fully
    and successfully implemented.

-   The NSLRSDA is expanded to encompass additional datasets available
    from multiple remote sensing data sources.

-   The transfer and archive systems for Government, commercial, and
    international datasets are developed and implemented.

-   A final plan to fulfill unmet data requirements is developed and
    actions to fill those requirements such as data buys and new sensors
    are begun.

-   All NSLRSDA data are available when needed to support the Nation's
    geospatial data requirements in times of a local disaster.

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-   The new archive, production, and distribution systems are in
    operation, enabling the USGS to bring all datasets up to access
    requirements.

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-   a.  

**3.** **National Civil Applications Program:** The objective of this
activity is to ensure timely access to and management, acquisition,
distribution, and use of information derived from U.S. classified remote
sensing systems to address land and resource management, environmental,
socioeconomic, hazards, disasters, and other scientific and policy
issues, including homeland security. The USGS Director chairs the Civil
Applications Committee (CAC), comprising 11 Federal civilian departments
and agencies to advocate and oversee the use of classified assets by the
civil community. In February 2002, an Executive Steering Group of CAC,
made up of senior officials at the cabinet level, was formed to develop
policies and strategies and to direct budget issues. Much of the data
collected by NCAP is archived in the Global Fiducials Library (GFL)
established in 1998, which provides long-term access to classified data
routinely collected over environmentally sensitive sites throughout the
world that have been identified by CAC member agencies. Since September
11, 2001, classified and unclassified data and USGS scientific expertise
have been used to support homeland security activities. Requests for
USGS support have been received by all USGS disciplines to protect
critical U.S. natural resources and infrastructure and to build
high-resolution databases in metropolitan areas. The recent proposal to
form the Department of Homeland Security will offer a challenge and an
opportunity for the USGS and NCAP to enhance the understanding of the
valuable USGS contributions to the homeland security mission.

> **Near-Term** **(1-2 Years)** **Goals:**

-   Contribute to *The National Map* by providing timely, accurate, and
    complete geospatial information derived wholly or in part from
    classified sources.

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-   Develop applications incorporating classified data in analysis,
    modeling, prediction, and monitoring in real time and near real time
    with emphasis on issues involving land and resources management,
    ecosystems, environmental impact studies, hazards, disasters,
    homeland security, and emergency response.

-   Link all USGS classified facilities electronically to take advantage
    of new capabilities.

-   Maintain both softcopy and hardcopy archive of classified materials
    and data, especially for use in environmental monitoring and change
    detection.

-   Plan, guide, and coordinate user requirements for classified data
    and products.

-   Provide source archive and management, product distribution,
    photoinspection, and production of literal Imagery Derived Products.

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> **Long-Term** **(3-5 Year) Goals:**

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> During the next 5 years, the intelligence community will implement a
> future imagery architecture. This new architecture will expand civil
> access to new sensors and source materials, enhance the integration of
> assets, and provide softcopy delivery of all data. NCAP will do the
> following:

-   Upgrade the infrastructure to keep pace with available technology.

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-   Integrate classified and unclassified remotely sensed data into
    programs of the USGS as well as the civil community.

-   Integrate classified and unclassified sources and tools, including
    commercial data, to enhance both scientific and data production
    applications at local, regional, national, and global scales.

-   Develop and implement a robust archive strategy that complements
    archive policies in the intelligence community and ensures
    preservation of and access to these valuable data by civil agency
    scientists.

-   Expand and populate the GFL on the basis of civil community
    identified needs.

-   Provide a mechanism to receive customer feedback and assessments of
    relevance, responsiveness, and quality of NCAP products and
    services.

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-   a.  

    b.  i.  
        ii. 
        iii. 
        iv. 
        v.  
        vi. 
        vii. 
        viii. 
        ix. 

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    c.  

**Expected products and outcomes:**

-   Expanded use of classified assets by civil agencies to address
    critical mission areas of hazard and disaster response and land and
    resource management.

-   Increased customer satisfaction with NCAP products and services.

-   Increased integration of classified and unclassified data for
    scientific investigations.

-   Modernized NCAP infrastructure with full network connectivity.

-   Expanded and populated GFL for long-term environmental monitoring of
    sensitive sites both within and outside the United States.

**4. Future Missions and Technology Investigations:** The objective of
this activity is to investigate and evaluate potential benefits of
Bureau participation in domestic and international land remote sensing
activities; formulate strategies for developing and supporting
interagency, commercial, and international partnerships and cooperative
activities in land remote sensing missions; and investigate and evaluate
alternative data sources, future missions, and evolving technologies.

> **Near-Term (1-2 Year)** **Goals:**

-   Provide reliable, well-calibrated, before-and-after data records to
    scientists and land managers that can be used to detect and address
    land surface or shallow-area coastal changes.

-   

-   Participate in satellite missions where opportunities are presented
    to capture data for archiving.

-   Coordinate interagency support for the establishment of State and
    local associations dedicated to furthering the availability of
    remotely sensed data and technology through the *AmericaView*
    consortium.

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-   Identify, select, and promote USGS participation in new domestic and
    international opportunities for obtaining relevant scientific
    datasets captured by remote sensing satellites (or aircraft).

-   Provide useful data or information products to USGS scientists and
    DOI land managers through adoption of new remote sensing data
    sources or advanced technology.

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-   **Long-Term** **(3-5** **Year)** **Goals:**

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-   Implement the LDCM to extend the continuous 30-year Landsat data
    stream through a multi-year data buy from a commercial satellite
    owner/operator.

-   Acquire, archive, and distribute synthetic aperture radar data in
    partnership with NASA.

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2.  

3.  

4.  Establishian international consortium to develop and manage mutually
    beneficial future satellite missions to minimize duplication ofr
    remte sensing systems worldwide.

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-   Obtain, archive, and distribute scientifically relevant land
    datasets from NASA's new Earth Observation System satellite sensors.

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-   Acquire, archive, process, and distribute land data from the
    USGS/NASA Earth Observing 1 Mission.

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> **Expected products** **and** **outcomes:**

-   An expanded archive with new data and information products available
    to meet the requirements of USGS/DOI scientists and land managers in
    addition to users within the worldwide remote sensing community.

**5.** **Remote Sensing Research and Applications Development:** A
program of research and development is essential to meeting the goals of
the Land Remote Sensing program. The research and development activities
required range from fundamental through applied to technology transfer.
Applications of remote sensing technologies are advancing at an
ever-increasing rate as new sensor platforms come online, user awareness
of the systems' capabilities increases, and the costs associated with
processing capacity continues to fall. Sensor technology is expected to
provide data at unprecedented rates with continually improving spatial
and spectral resolution. The remote sensing research and data
utilization component supported by LRS will include fundamental sensor
research that will focus on practical objectives designed to demonstrate
the applicability of remotely sensed data to the solution of real earth
and biological science problems. The LRS program will accomplish the
research program through direct support of USGS scientists,
collaboration with scientists from other federal agencies as well as
grants to academic researchers. Goals for this activity include the
following:

**Near-Term** **(1-2 Years) Goals:**

-   Develop and publish a research vision and agenda.

-   Establish the procedures to accomplish the research agenda.

-   Solicit and support principal investigator proposals for systems and
    sensor technology research, instrument and data
    calibration/validation, radiometric and geometric accuracy
    assessment, data characterization, and algorithm development.

-   Support research in algorithm refinement, potential improvements in
    calibration procedures, and validation of information extraction
    capabilities from imagery for current missions or instrument
    technologies.

-   Develop new mechanisms for distributing existing data products;
    design and develop data indexing, retrieval, and delivery schemes
    for new types of land remotely sensed data, such as data from lidar
    and radar technologies.

> **Long-Term** **(3-5 Years) Goals:**

-   Advance sensor technology, analysis and interpretation
    methodologies, and our understanding of the science of remote
    sensing.

-   Develop an understanding of the time-dependent content of remotely
    sensed data as it describes processes affecting the Earth\'s land
    surface.

-   Develop an understanding of the information requirements of remotely
    sensed data users and improve mechanisms to respond to these
    requirements.

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-   Develop and apply methodologies/technologies for the analysis,
    presentation and visualization of remotely sensed data.

-   Develop an understanding of potential future remote sensing
    technologies and their implications as critical mission-related
    applications evolve.

-   Develop and execute a data grant program that would provide access
    to remotely sensed data products for scientific research and
    applications development.

-   Develop an understanding of the spectral, spatial, radiometric, and
    stereographic content of remotely sensed data as it describes
    materials, composite structures, and topographic features on the
    Earth\'s land surface.

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5.  
6.  

**6.** **Commercial Imagery:** The objective of this activity is to use
increased amounts of commercial remotely sensed imagery, extend the
traditional role of the USGS to include commercial imagery archiving,
access, and data management services, and provide Federal civil
community leadership in the review and development of commercial imagery
and space policy in the national interest. The continued global growth
of a competitive and capable commercial remote sensing industry
significantly augments the Nation's operational capacity to collect and
use remotely sensed data. The USGS will expand its capability to provide
selected data and technical services in support of USGS and civil
community operational needs and will participate in developing civil
community commercial remote sensing and space policy, including national
remote sensing strategies for earth science applications.

**Near-Term** **(1-2 Years) Goals:**

-   Establish and administer data access contracts and negotiate
    licenses to ensure that they serve the broadest range of civil
    community requirements.

-   Establish precedents and identify needs for a new Bureau imagery
    policy.

-   Establish interagency agreements for data validation between the
    management and engineering staffs of Government and vendor
    organizations.

-   Maintain a network of facilities to ensure proper and accurate
    calibration of the Nation's aerial photography assets.

> **Long-term** **(3-5 Years) Goals**

-   Increase the availability of remotely sensed imagery from all
    sources through cooperative agreements, partnerships, and data
    purchases.

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-   Coordinate with other agencies in operational interfaces, and
    develop joint commercial and civil agency strategies and
    initiatives.

-   Increase USGS leadership in the review and/or development of
    national space policies and initiatives, Executive Branch Circulars,
    Presidential Decision Directives, Public Laws, and licensing of new
    commercial systems.

-   Organize the network of laboratories, in-situ sites, test fields,
    and methodologies for data validation and sensor calibration.

-   Support the development of a next-generation camera calibrator that
    can handle large- and small-format aerial and digital sensors.

> **Expected products and outcomes:**

-   Cost-effective commercial imagery services in support of *The
    National Map* and other Bureau and civil community programs.

-   USGS influence on the development of remote sensing and space policy
    in the national interest.

-   USGS help in creating a Federal environment supportive of a viable
    commercial remote sensing industry.

7.  

8.  **7. Interdisciplinary Science Support:** The objective of this
    activity is to enhance earth and biological science through better
    and expanded utilization of remotely sensed data and remote sensing
    technology throughout all disciplines of the USGS. USGS user
    requirements for data from Government, commercial, and foreign
    remote sensing systems will be identified and documented, and access
    to remotely sensed data by USGS scientists and managers will be
    enhanced. Most importantly, obstacles that have inhibited the wider
    and more effective use of remotely sensed data and remote sensing
    technology by USGS scientists, in all disciplines, will be overcome.
    Goals for this activity include the following:

> Near-Term (1-2 Years) Goals:

-   Develop regular USGS-wide communication mechanisms for remote
    sensing topics.

-   Determine potential uses and related requirements for remotely
    sensed data.

-   Engage current and potential USGS research and operational remote
    sensing user communities to identify and overcome obstacles to
    utilization of remotely sensed data and technology by scientists and
    managers.

-   Develop educational workshops and training programs to enhance the
    understanding and appreciation of remote sensing products.

-   Establish and advertise a network of remote sensing experts
    available to all USGS scientists.

-   Provide USGS managers with information, disciplinary expertise,
    forecasts about future data availability as input to programmatic
    and budgetary decision-making.

> Long-term (3-5 Years) Goals:

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-   Facilitate and promote adaptation of relevant remote sensing
    research and development results by appropriate operational
    (applied) programs of the USGS through Mapping Partner
    Organizations.

-   Establish Web-sites that provide continually updated information
    about remote sensing products to all USGS scientists.

Expected products and outcomes:

-   Increasing numbers of USGS scientists in all disciplines are
    knowledgeable enough about land remote sensing to efficiently and
    effectively utilize, where appropriate, land remotely sensed data in
    pursuit of their science objectives.

-   USGS and DOI mission objectives accomplished more efficiently and
    cost effectively.

-   Educational and communication resources with broad interdisciplinary
    science appeal.

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-   Remote sensing web site for interdisciplinary science users.

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-   Beneficial "cross-fertilization" of remote sensing research and
    development with USGS interdisciplinary science.

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> B. Partners and Customers

# 

Partnerships are essential to the overall success of the USGS. The LRS
Program will continue to focus on enhancing and expanding partnerships,
taking into account the variety of functions that partners can perform.
The LRS Program will establish and maintain business policies,
cooperative support structures, and communication methods that encourage
and expand partnerships with Federal, commercial, academic, and
international cooperators. LRS will work with the Office of Partnerships
and Business Policy of the Geography Discipline to lead, develop, and
participate in partnership building forums, consortia, and committees.
In FY 2003, partnerships will be documented and actions will be taken to
increase the involvement of specific partner groups such as the members
of the AmericaView consortium; partnership evaluation will continue
annually as part of the planning and program review processes.

# 

# The LRS Program will continue to work with NASA, NOAA, satellite business partners, commercial data providers, CEOS agencies, international Landsat cooperators, and other Bureau programs to expand the understanding and use of remotely sensed datasets. Since 1975, the USGS has provided leadership to 11 Federal civilian departments and agencies in the access and use of classified data to meet civil missions through the CAC. Long-term partnerships have been forged with critical members of the intelligence community, including NIMA, NRO, and the CIA. These partnerships will be broadened where appropriate, and the relationships will be maintained. 

# 

# LRS will evaluate customer needs through tools such as the Customer Information Framework developed by the Customer Action Team and incorporate those needs into future program planning.

IV. Program Review

# The LRS Program will formally review program plans, goals, and accomplishments on an annual basis to ensure that program goals and objectives have been met and to modify, as appropriate, future goals and objectives. Management reviews will be conducted within the LRS Program at project, center, and regional levels, within the Discipline, and with the other Bureau programs. Operational reviews and program and funding status will be evaluated quarterly by the program coordinator and project chiefs. External reviews will include reviews by major partners and scientific organizations through user forums and workshops. Program results will be evaluated at all organizational levels annually, and appropriate management actions will be initiated to ensure that goals, outputs, and outcomes are met.

A communication plan is being developed to help communicate the
importance of remotely sensed land data, products, and applications. As
part of the communications strategy, a unique visual identifier will be
developed that represents *The National Map* and the three programs of
the Geography Discipline in compliance with the USGS Visual
Identification criteria and Section 508. Communication tools (for
example, press kits, booklets, exhibit panels, and Web templates) are
being developed in adherence to Discipline and program needs.

# 

#  Capabilities and Expertise 

The LRS Program is supported by important existing capabilities and
outstanding technical and scientific expertise, which, together with
excellent facilities, bode well for the Program's ability to accomplish
its objectives and to achieve both its short-term and long-term goals.
Program changes during the next 5 years are expected to consist of
evolving and enhancing existing functions and activities. Expertise and
capabilities to accommodate these changes is available in the program,
although certain skill mixes may need to be modified as the program
evolves. The extensive use of technical services contracts has provided
the LRS Program with the flexibility to quickly acquire specialized
skills as needed.

Two changes that would pose the greatest need to modify capabilities and
expertise and/or add new equipment during the next 5 years are (1) a new
and expanded USGS role with radar data processing and distribution and
(2) the transition to a modified Landsat data acquisition, processing,
and distribution role under the LDCM. In addition, as the LRS Program
works to expand and enhance the use of remotely sensed data for
interdisciplinary science, both within and outside the USGS, additional
USGS expertise in certain aspects of land remote sensing, such as
hyperspectral data analysis, interferometric radar analysis and
interpretation, and LIDAR applications, may be required to more
completely meet program objectives. As well, the process of expanding
and enhancing the use of remotely sensed data in the USGS will develop
new and important remote sensing and scientific expertise throughout the
USGS.

**VII. Facilities**

The LRS Program currently uses facilities at headquarters and at all of
the regional geographic science centers. In addition, the program has
activities that are supported by the USGS facility in Flagstaff,
Arizona, the Alaska Science Center in Anchorage, Alaska, and the NASA
Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, which currently
hosts the Landsat 7 Mission Operations Center. The program is
responsible for the associated maintenance and upgrade of infrastructure
consisting of computers and networks at these sites along with satellite
receiving, processing, and distribution systems located at the EROS Data
Center (EDC) in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The EDC houses the Nation's
primary archives of satellite remote sensing datasets, including the
NSLRSDA archive. The LRS Program also has a classified component that is
supported by the Advanced Systems Center and all of the regional
geographic science centers, including Alaska. The Optical Science
Laboratory in Reston, Va., is also affiliated with the LRS Program. This
lab is used to calibrate and characterize optical cameras used by
commercial companies to collect airborne photographs. A new lab to
characterize and validate digital cameras and systems is being planned.

Obtaining and maintaining data for *The National Map* will require the
development of relationships and agreements with State, local, and
tribal governments; in many cases, this can be accomplished best by
moving Geography Discipline personnel into local or regional offices,
called Mapping Partnership Offices. Mapping Partnership Offices will be
staffed with experts in remote sensing whenever appropriate and
possible. An additional benefit of increased deployment of Geography
personnel into local area offices is the potential for increased
cooperation with other USGS disciplines through colocation and
participation in multidisciplinary research. Remote sensing partnerships
will also be enhanced through the offices of AmericaView members working
with USGS partners both in MPO's and in other USGS program offices.