22 June 2005
Atlas on Global Environmental Change Uses U.S. Satellite Imagery
Publication presents visual evidence of environmental changes worldwide
A collection of U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) before-and-after satellite images for 80 sites around the world is featured in a new atlas from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) that documents global environmental changes.
According to a June 20 USGS press release, UNEP produced the 332-page large-format atlas, One Planet, Many People: Atlas of Our Changing Environment, in cooperation with USGS, NASA and the University of Maryland.
The atlas also highlights more than 30 environmental case studies supported by narratives, images and ground photographs, and a compilation of recently released environmental maps.
Using satellite imagery and other state-of-the art remote-sensing technology, the atlas is designed to document visual evidence of global environmental changes resulting from natural processes and human activities.
The atlas’ target audience includes environmental policy-makers, nongovernmental organizations, the private sector, academics, teachers and the public.
Many images in the atlas were acquired by Landsat satellites. The Landsat program, initiated in 1972, is a joint initiative of USGS and NASA and is the longest-running civilian program providing vital images of the Earth’s surface from space.
The North American node of the UNEP Global Resource Information Database, at the USGS National Center for Earth Resources Observation and Science in South Dakota, provides information technology tools for sustainable development issues.
Additional information about the atlas is available on the USGS Web site.
Text of the USGS press release follows:
(begin text)
U.S. Geological Survey
Press release, June 20, 2005
USGS Satellite Imagery Featured in Global Environmental Change Atlas
Washington, D.C. – A collection of USGS before-and-after satellite image pairs for 80 sites around the world is featured in a new atlas documenting global environmental changes released by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
The 332 page large-format atlas, One Planet, Many People: Atlas of Our Changing Environment was produced by UNEP in cooperation with USGS, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), and the University of Maryland. The atlas also highlights more than 30 environmental case studies supported by narratives, images, and ground photographs, and a compilation of recently released environmental maps.
Using satellite imagery and other state-of-the art remote sensing technology, the atlas is designed to document visual evidence of global environmental changes resulting from natural processes and human-induced activities. This publication is intended for environmental policy makers, non-governmental organizations, the private sector, academics, teachers, and citizens.
Many of the remotely sensed images in One Planet, Many People were acquired by Landsat satellites. The Landsat program, a joint initiative of USGS and NASA, is the longest running civilian program providing vital images of the Earth’s surface from space. NASA is responsible for developing and launching the spacecrafts, while the USGS is responsible for flight operations, maintenance, and management of all data reception, processing, archiving, product generation, and distribution.
The first Landsat satellite was launched in 1972 and since then, Landsat satellites have been providing a constant stream of moderate-resolution images. These images form a unique resource for applications in agriculture, geology, forestry, regional planning, education, mapping, and global change research.
The North American node of the UNEP Global Resource Information Database (GRID), which is located at the USGS National Center for EROS in Sioux Falls, S.D., provides information technology tools -- remote sensing, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), data management and advanced Internet technologies, to address sustainable development issues. For more information about UNEP GRID visit http://grid2.cr.usgs.gov/
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(Distributed by the Bureau of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)
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