Landsat Missions

Landsat Processing Details

Standard Parameters

Landsat scenes are processed with the following parameters applied:

GeoTIFF output format

Cubic Convolution (CC) resampling method

30-meter (TM, ETM+) and 60-meter (MSS) pixel size (reflective bands)

Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) map projection (Polar Stereographic projection for Antarctica)

MAP (North-up) image orientation

Levels of Correction

Landsat scenes are processed to Standard Terrain Correction (Level 1T -precision and terrain correction) if possible. Some do not have ground-control or elevation data necessary for L1T correction, and in these cases, the best level of correction is applied (Level 1G-systematic or Level 1Gt-systematic terrain).

Most archived Landsat 1-5 MSS scenes, as well as a select number of Landsat 4-5 TM scenes, are processed with only Level 1G Correction due to processing constraints. Improvements to production capabilities are being investigated and when employed, will allow more scenes to be processed at a higher correction level. (See the box below for descriptions of each correction level)

Standard Terrain Correction (Level 1T) - provides systematic radiometric and geometric accuracy by incorporating ground control points while employing a Digital Elevation Model (DEM) for topographic accuracy. Geodetic accuracy of the product depends on the accuracy of the ground control points and the resolution of the DEM used:

Ground control points used for Level 1T correction come from the GLS2005 data set. DEM sources include SRTM, NED, CDED, DTED, and GTOPO 30

Systematic Terrain Correction (Level 1Gt) - provides systematic, radiometric, and geometric accuracy, while employing a Digital Elevation Model (DEM) for topographic accuracy.

Systematic Correction (Level 1G) - provides systematic radiometric and geometric accuracy, which is derived from data collected by the sensor and spacecraft. Geometric accuracy of the systematically corrected product should be within 250 meters (1 sigma) for low-relief areas at sea level.

Processing Levels of each Path/Row - WRS-1 and WRS-2 - .xls (13.9 MB)

How to determine the processing level of a downloaded Landsat scene - FAQ

Processing Systems

All Landsat 7 ETM+ (1999–present) and most Landsat 4-5 TM (1982 – present) standard products are processed using the Level 1 Product Generation System (LPGS).

All Landsat 1–5 MSS (1972–83) and some Landsat 4-5 TM (1982 – 1990) standard products are processed using the National Land Archive Production System (NLAPS).

The LPGS and NLAPS processing Systems page describes the differences between these systems.