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USGS EarthExplorer Tutorial

The document is a step-by-step tutorial for downloading data from the USGS EarthExplorer platform, which provides access to various datasets such as Landsat, MODIS, and DEM. It outlines the process of creating a free account, defining a study area, setting a date range, choosing datasets, applying additional filters, and downloading results. Users can also clip and process the downloaded images using GIS software for further analysis.

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rajamuhammadsaadjanjua612
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17 views6 pages

USGS EarthExplorer Tutorial

The document is a step-by-step tutorial for downloading data from the USGS EarthExplorer platform, which provides access to various datasets such as Landsat, MODIS, and DEM. It outlines the process of creating a free account, defining a study area, setting a date range, choosing datasets, applying additional filters, and downloading results. Users can also clip and process the downloaded images using GIS software for further analysis.

Uploaded by

rajamuhammadsaadjanjua612
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Muhammad Saad 24-ARID-2227

USGS EarthExplorer – Step-by-Step Data


Download Tutorial
Website: [Link]

This platform provides access to:

 Landsat data
 MODIS
 DEM (SRTM, ASTER)
 Nighttime Lights
 and more — all free.

Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Create a Free USGS Account

1. Visit: [Link]
2. Click “Register” (top-right corner).
3. Fill in your details and confirm your account via email.
4. Then sign in using your credentials.

Step 2: Define the Study Area

Option A: Upload a Shapefile (ZIP)

1. In the “Search Criteria” tab:


2. Click “Upload Shape” (button under map).
3. Upload your shapefile in .zip format:
o ZIP must contain at least: .shp, .shx, .dbf, .prj
4. Once uploaded, the map will highlight your AOI (study area).

If you don’t have a shapefile yet, you can create one in ArcMap and export it, then zip it before
uploading.

Option B: Manually Draw on the Map

1. Click the Draw Rectangle/Polygon tool on the map.


2. Manually outline your study area.

Step 3: Set the Date Range

1. Still under the “Search Criteria” tab.


2. Enter the Start Date and End Date for your desired time frame.
o Example: 2024-01-01 to 2024-12-31
Step 4: Choose the Data Sets

Go to the “Data Sets” tab and choose data based on your project:

Landsat Collection (Optical)

 Landsat 8–9 OLI/TIRS C2 L1


 Landsat 7 ETM+ SLC-on (for older data)

Elevation (DEM)

 SRTM 1 Arc-Second Global


 ASTER Global DEM

Other Options

 MODIS (Land surface temp, NDVI)


 VIIRS (Nighttime lights)

You can select multiple datasets at once.


Step 5: Additional Filters (Optional)

1. Click the “Additional Criteria” tab.


2. For Landsat, filter by:
o Cloud Cover (%)
o Processing level
o Sensor type

Use 0–20% cloud cover for better visibility in optical imagery.

Step 6: View and Download Results

1. Click on the “Results” tab.


2. A list of available images will appear.
3. Click a thumbnail to preview the image footprint and metadata.
4. Press the Download icon (green arrow).

Download Options:

 Level-1 GeoTIFF or
 Level-2 Surface Reflectance (better for NDVI and analysis)
Optional: Clip and Process in GIS

Once you download the image:

 Use ArcMap or QGIS to clip it to your shapefile.


 Analyze NDVI, LULC, DEM, or flood/drought patterns.

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