Idaho and Landsat

Abstract

Idaho may be popular for potatoes, but the State’s richness also lies in its scenery and natural resources. Its terrain varies from mountains, rivers, and waterfalls to forests, volcanic rock, and hot springs. A growing population gives Idaho even more reason to use the best information available to serve the needs of its residents while wisely managing its environment and natural resources. Soon after the first Landsat satellite launched, Idaho recognized how useful its data could be. In 1975, the Idaho Department of Water Resources started using data from Landsat 1 and has since used data from every subsequent Landsat satellite. Here is a closer look at Landsat as a key tool for monitoring water, along with other examples of Landsat’s value to Idaho.