Accessing satellite imagery is crucial for a variety of applications, from environmental monitoring to urban planning. Among the most popular sources of satellite imagery is the Landsat program, particularly the Landsat 8 satellite. In this guide, we will walk through the steps to download Landsat 8 images from the Earth Explorer website, operated by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).

Getting Started: Accessing Earth Explorer

To begin, open your preferred web browser and navigate to the Earth Explorer website. You can do this by typing “Earth Explorer” into the search bar, or directly accessing the website at EarthExplorer.

Upon reaching the Earth Explorer homepage, you will notice a search button that allows you to initiate your data search. Before you can download any data, you must log in to your account. However, logging in is not necessary for simply viewing the data.

Creating an Account

If you do not have an account, you will need to create one. Click on the “Create New Account” option. The registration process is straightforward and requires basic information such as your name, email address, and a password. If you would like a detailed guide on creating an account, feel free to leave a comment for additional assistance.

Searching for Imagery

Once logged in, you will be presented with the Earth Explorer interface, which includes various search criteria on the left-hand side. You can choose between “US Features” or “World Features” depending on your area of interest.

For example, if you are interested in Kochi, India, select “World Features” and enter “Kochi” into the search box. Click the “Show” button to see the search results.

Defining Your Area of Interest

After the search results are updated, you will see various locations associated with Kochi. Click on the specific Kochi you are interested in. The map will highlight this location for clarity.

If you wish to manually define an area of interest, zoom in on the map and use your mouse to draw a polygon or mark a specific point. This feature allows for precise selection of the area you want to analyze.

Setting Search Filters

Once you have defined your area of interest, it’s time to set filters for your search. You can specify a date range for the imagery, for example, from 2022 to 2023. Additionally, you can filter the images based on cloud cover. A cloud cover percentage of less than 18% is a good starting point for obtaining clearer images.

Keep in mind that if you restrict the cloud cover to 0-5%, the number of available images may decrease significantly.

Selecting the Dataset

After setting your filters, you need to choose the dataset. Click on the “Datasets” button and select “Landsat 8.” Expand the options to find “Landsat Collection 2 Level 1,” where you can access various bands, including thermal and panchromatic bands.

Reviewing Search Results

Once you have selected the dataset, click on the “Results” option to view the available images. Here, you will see a list of images that meet your criteria. Click on an image to check its metadata, which provides valuable information such as acquisition date and cloud coverage percentage.

Downloading the Imagery

To download an image, click on the download option. You will have multiple choices, including downloading individual bands or the entire dataset. If you choose to download the entire dataset, be aware that it might be several gigabytes in size.

Once you select your download option, specify the location on your device where you want to save the files and click “Save.” The download process will commence, and the time taken will depend on your internet speed.

Viewing the Data in GIS Software

After downloading, you can extract the files and view them in Geographic Information System (GIS) software like ArcGIS or QGIS. To do this, simply open ArcGIS, add the downloaded bands, and explore the imagery.

FAQs

What is Landsat 8?

Landsat 8 is a satellite in the Landsat program that captures high-resolution images of the Earth’s surface, which are used for various applications, including agriculture, forestry, and land-use planning.

Do I need to pay to download Landsat 8 images?

No, downloading Landsat 8 images from Earth Explorer is free of charge.

Can I download only specific bands from Landsat 8 data?

Yes, you can choose to download individual bands or the entire dataset, depending on your needs.

What should I do if I encounter issues while downloading?

If you face difficulties during the download process, check your internet connection, or consult the help section on the Earth Explorer website for troubleshooting tips.