Landsat (USGS) Data Distribution Policy, and Copyrights and Credits Policy

Data Distribution Policy:

The Landsat Program is managed in partnership by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). Landsat space and ground systems are operated by the USGS for the purpose of acquiring essentially cloud-free imagery of all the Earth's land areas on a recurring basis. In addition, Landsat data sets are augmented with data from other domestic and international satellite systems, including commercial sources. All of these data are stored in, and derived products are distributed from, the USGS National Satellite Land Remote Sensing Data Archive (NSLRSDA).

Copyrights and Credits:

USGS-authored or produced data and information are considered to be in the U.S. Public Domain. While the content of most USGS websites are in the U.S. Public Domain, not all information, illustrations, or photographs on our site are. Some non USGS photographs, images, and/or graphics that appear on USGS websites are used by the USGS with permission from the copyright holder (as required by USGS policy on use of copyrighted material). These materials are generally marked as being copyrighted. To use these copyrighted materials, you must obtain permission from the copyright holder under the copyright law.

When using information from USGS information products, publications, or websites, we ask that proper credit be given. Credit can be provided by including a citation such as the following:

Credit: U.S. Geological Survey

Department of the Interior/USGS

U.S. Geological Survey/photo by Jane Doe (if the photographer/artist is known)

Additional information on Acknowledging or Crediting USGS as Information Source is available.

If you have questions concerning the use of USGS information, please send an email to ask@usgs.gov.

Full Data Distribution Policy document can be found here: https://www.usgs.gov/media/files/landsat-data-distribution-policy

Full Copyrights and Credits Policy can be found here:

https://www.usgs.gov/information-policies-and-instructions/copyrights-and-credits