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Frequently Asked Questions about the Landsat Missions

Return to the FAQ

Question:
What is the Worldwide Reference System (WRS)?

Answer:

The Worldwide Reference System (WRS) is a global notation used in cataloging Landsat data. Both Landsat 7 and Landsat 5 follow the World Reference System-2 (WRS-2), as did Landsat 4. Landsat 1, Landsat 2, and Landsat 3 followed WRS-1.

Shapefiles for WRS-1 and -2 (path/row boundaries) are available to download.

Maps of WRS-2 ascending (nighttime) and descending (daytime) center points are available.

Paper copies of the WRS index sheets including both WRS-1 and WRS-2 may be obtained by contacting the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center Customer Services.