Download Historical Satellite Data with USGS EarthExplorer
- Anvita Shrivastava
- May 22
- 2 min read
Are you seeking historical satellite imagery or other GIS data for research, environmental monitoring, or GIS projects? The USGS EarthExplorer is one of the most reliable and comprehensive platforms for downloading satellite data or other data sets for free.
What Is USGS EarthExplorer?
USGS EarthExplorer is an online tool provided by the United States Geological Survey (USGS) that allows users to search, preview, and download satellite imagery and other Earth observation data. It provides access to a vast archive of historical and current
datasets from various missions such as:
Landsat Program (Landsat 1-9)
Sentinel-2 (via integration)
MODIS
ASTER
High-resolution commercial datasets (some require permissions)
Why Use EarthExplorer for Historical Satellite Data?
There are many reasons why researchers, students, and professionals prefer EarthExplorer:
Free Access: Most datasets are available at no cost.
Long-Term Archive: Access imagery from as early as the 1970s.
User-Friendly Interface: Simple tools for filtering and downloading data.
Reliable Source: Data hosted and verified by a U.S. government agency.
Step-by-Step: How to Download Historical Satellite Data
1. Visit the USGS EarthExplorer Website
2. Create a Free USGS Account
To download data, you must register for a free account. This unlocks full access to the available datasets.
3. Define Your Area of Interest (AOI)
You can select an area by:
Typing in a location
Using coordinates
Drawing a polygon or rectangle on the map
4. Set Your Date Range
To find historical data, input your desired date range. For example, set a range like 01/01/1984 to 12/31/2000 to access older Landsat imagery.
5. Choose Your Data Sets
Some popular options include:
Landsat Legacy Collections
Sentinel-2
MODIS Terra/Aqua
ASTER Global DEM
Each dataset includes metadata, cloud cover info, and download formats.
6. Filter Results & Download
You can sort results by:
Cloud cover percentage
Acquisition date
Sensor type
Click the download icon next to the desired image to get your data in formats like GeoTIFF, JPEG, or HDF.
Tips for Better Results
Use low cloud cover filters for clearer images.
Explore pre-processed datasets like Landsat Surface Reflectance for ready-to-use data.
Use batch download tools like the USGS Download Manager for large volumes.
Applications of Historical Satellite Data
Environmental Change Detection
Urban Expansion Analysis
Agricultural Monitoring
Climate Change Studies
Disaster Impact Assessment
Historical satellite imagery is vital for understanding changes in land use, vegetation, water bodies, and urban sprawl over time.
The USGS EarthExplorer is a powerful tool for anyone needing historical satellite data. Whether you're working on an academic paper, a GIS project, or a business solution, the data you need could be just a few clicks away. With a little exploration, you'll unlock decades' worth of valuable Earth observation data — all for free.
For more information or any questions regarding Satellite Data, please don't hesitate to contact us at
Email: info@geowgs84.com
USA (HQ): (720) 702–4849
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