Three AmericaView states, Ohio, Louisiana, and Idaho, collaborated with NSF to host an interactive spatial literacy workshop for undergraduate and graduate students, and members of the workforce. This has been a three-year project, with the first year (2022) hosted in Ohio at Bowling Green State University, the second year (2023) was hosted in Louisiana, at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, and the third and final year (2024) was hosted in Idaho at Idaho State University. The theme of this year’s week-long workshop was remote sensing for geology and planetary exploration. Craters of the Moon National Monument served as a field site analog for the moon as students explored moon-like terrain on their field trip and used in-class exercises with remotely sensed data to select lunar landing sites. Other partners included USGS and NASA speakers.

The USGS NLI NLRSEORA grant is aimed at reinforcing the understanding and utilization of remote sensing data and technologies, especially at the local, state, and regional levels as well as boot remote sensing education at all levels. These objectives align seamlessly with AmericaView’s longstanding mission of promoting Earth observation and remote sensing knowledge through education, outreach, research, and technology transfer among a broad range of stakeholders.

Over the years, AmericaView has demonstrated a robust track record of success. By nurturing a network of universities, organizations, and individuals, AmericaView has significantly contributed to enhancing the accessibility and usability of remote sensing data to address key environmental, social, and educational issues. The network has been instrumental in fostering educational programs, developing curriculum resources, and facilitating community outreach to ensure that the benefits of Earth observation reach every corner of the nation.

Looking ahead, the renewed grant support from the USGS NLI will empower AmericaView to expand its impact further. Key initiatives include developing innovative educational materials, organizing workshops and training sessions, and fostering research collaborations that will unlock new insights into our changing planet. AmericaView will continue its efforts to expand access to critical Earth observation data, ensuring that individuals and communities across the nation are well-equipped to address local to global challenges.

A notable aspect of this collaboration is the integration of Landsat data. The Landsat program, being a crucial part of America’s remote sensing capability, provides invaluable data that forms the backbone of many AmericaView projects. Through the continued partnership with the USGS, AmericaView is poised to leverage Landsat’s rich legacy and cutting-edge technology to inspire and educate the next generation of Earth observation professionals.

The road ahead is promising, and the partnership between the USGS NLI and AmericaView is a testament to the shared vision of advancing the nation’s capability in Earth observation. Through the NLRSEORA grant, AmericaView is set to play a pivotal role in shaping a more informed and resilient society, ready to embrace the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead in the ever-evolving field of Earth observation and remote sensing.

AmericaView Hosts STEM Event at the USGS EROS Center

To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center, AmericaView was enlisted by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) to collaborate with the National Land Imaging team and EROS staff. The three-day celebration featured a series of events, including a ribbon-cutting ceremony, a rededication event, and a “Friends and Family” open house. AmericaView took the lead in organizing and hosting a STEM-focused event designed to engage learners across all age groups.

In collaboration with key partners such as the NASA Landsat Communications and Public Engagement Team, the NASA AREN AEROKAT Team, South Dakota State University, and South DakotaView, AmericaView curated a range of activities to underscore the significance of Earth observation. These interactive stations delved into various aspects of remote sensing and Earth observation. Offerings included an educational “swag” table, a Landsat collage activity, Frustrationless Flyer kite-building and coloring stations, thermal cameras, and the NASA DIY STELLA handheld spectroradiometer. Additionally, drones were on display, and subject-matter experts were on hand to discuss the intricacies of the Landsat program, satellite data collection methods, and the diverse applications of such data.

EROS – 50 Years of Science, Innovation, and Discovery

The Earth Resources Observation and Science Center (EROS), a component of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), has a rich history that can be traced back to the early 1970s. Originally established to align with the USGS’s broader objective of studying and documenting Earth’s environmental conditions and natural assets, EROS has become a pivotal institution for storing, managing, and sharing satellite imagery and geospatial information. The center plays a key role in advancing scientific inquiry, managing natural resources, and aiding in emergency response activities.

The inception of EROS was influenced by the enthusiasm for space technology during the era of the space race. Officially coming into existence in 1973, the center was designated as the main repository for the Landsat program, the pioneering initiative for Earth surface imaging via satellites. As time has passed, EROS has broadened its scope to include data from various other satellite missions, as well as aerial photographs and an array of geospatial datasets.

Sioux Falls, South Dakota, was strategically chosen as the site for EROS for multiple reasons. The city’s central position within the U.S. made it logistically convenient for receiving data from different ground stations across the country. Additionally, the region is relatively free from potential natural disasters, with the exception of occasional flooding, thereby offering a secure environment for the data archives. Economic benefits and a favorable political atmosphere in South Dakota further contributed to its selection. The local academic institutions also offer a skilled workforce and avenues for scholarly partnerships.

The land on which the EROS sits north of Sioux Falls was not simply acquired; it was the result of concerted political efforts, with Republican Senator Karl Mundt of South Dakota playing a central role. Senator Mundt was known for directing federal initiatives to South Dakota and saw the immense value that a facility like EROS could offer both locally and nationally. Using his congressional influence, he championed the cause for designating federal land and securing the necessary funds to establish the center in his home state. His advocacy was crucial in navigating the bureaucratic hurdles and obtaining the resources needed for the center to be optimally situated. Beyond the land and funding, Senator Mundt was also a key ally in establishing political and community backing for EROS, thereby ensuring its successful inception and positive impact. His efforts have had a lasting influence on EROS’s history and its standing as a premier institution in the field of Earth observation.

In the present day, EROS remains a critical resource for Earth-monitoring data, contributing to a variety of applications, from studying climate change to aiding in disaster relief efforts. Its core mission continues to focus on delivering world-class geospatial data and expertise to assist in the sustainable management and understanding of Earth’s resources. The center’s establishment in Sioux Falls has not only been logistically beneficial but has also enabled community involvement and educational programs. EROS serves as a lasting symbol of the early visionaries who understood the significance of Earth observation in tackling global issues.

Students had the opportunity to learn about RS, the importance of the Landsat mission and its more than 50 years of imaging the surface of the earth, how data is turned into actionable information, and important it is to look back at Earth while we simultaneously look out into space. Students also had the opportunity to interact with commercial and industry leaders that develop space, engineering, RS, and EO technologies including Bentley Systems, Google, Boeing, Northrup Grumman, and others. The students also heard from Kevin Gallagher, Associate Director of the USGS Core Science Systems Mission Area.

Briefing topics included the background of AmericaView, the importance of the Landsat program, student research from AlaskaView and IdahoView, and StateView member discussions from MinnesotaView and IdahoView.

AmericaView was also pleased to welcome and thanks Congressman Dave Joyce (R-OH-14) and Congresswoman Betty McCollum (D-MN-4) for their remarks on the importance of Earth observation education as well as the successes of AmericaView.

AmericaView supported the development and production of a 12’x12′ interactive floor puzzle of the Navajo Nation, created from Landsat satellite imagery, which depicted the Nation and its chapters in both Navajo and English languages. Additionally, through collaboration with Google Earth Engine team members, an application was developed to allow learners of all ages create “Earth as Art” of the Navajo Nation and surrounding regions. Participants could then print the images they created and take them home. AmericaView provided Chromebook computers and staffed the station to support this Navajo Nation as Art activity. AmericaView members also staffed the Landsat collage station where participants could take different printed Landsat satellite images, cut out shapes, and create different and creative pictures out of the unique and colorful satellite images.

Due to impacts and restrictions from the global Covid-19 pandemic, DOI and NASA had a backlog of awards to present in 2022. Among those awards was the 2021 William T. Pecora team/group award presented to AmericaView for “advancing Earth observation education through remote sensing science, applied research, workforce development, technology transfer, and community outreach.”

This award represents the incredible work that members of the AmericaView network have put forth since the inception of the program through the OhioView project in the late 1990s. While no single person in the network can claim the responsibility for the award – it was a group effort in its purest form – AmericaView wants to recognize Ms. Roberta (Bobbi) Lenczowski, former AmericaView Executive Director and member of the AmericaView Board of Directors (following an incredibly distinguished career with the National Geospatial Intelligence Agency) for her efforts in nominating AmericaView for the Pecora award.

In 2020 as the global COVID-19 pandemic was begging to grip the world, AmericaView was awarded a National Geographic Society grant to help build geography education and understanding in the Four Corners region of the United States. AmericaView proposed to develop the FlyHigh4Geo program, partnering with NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Wallops Flight Facility and Wayne Regional Educational Service Agency (RESA) to use the “Advancing Earth Research Observation with Kites and Atmospheric/Terrestrial Sensors” (AEROKAT) and ROVER Network (collectively called AREN) as a learning tool to promote the understanding of Earth observation from unique perspectives.

It took nearly two years for the pandemic to subside such that relationships could be built, plans put in place, and the FlyHigh4Geo program initiated. The program was an incredible success! AmericaView worked with the Farmington, New Mexico E³ Children’s Museum & Science Center to develop an educational installation teaching students about Earth observation, remote sensing, and physical geography concepts to the more than 35,000 students that visit the center each year, plus providing many outreach resources and materials for the center to use during school visits.

Additionally, the diverse AmericaView team from across the US came together to hold an event at the  ChiChil’tah Jones Ranch Community School (CJRS)  on the Navajo Nation. CJRS is a U.S. Department of the Interior Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) operated school which provides primary education for students in the K-8th grades.

The FlyHigh4Geo program supported students in expanding their understanding of geography and developed important and valuable relationships between CJRS, AmericaView, NASA, and USGS for future educational opportunities.

AmericaView will continue to grow the FlyHigh4Geo program, expanding to other underserved areas and empowering Earth observation education and the importance of geography education!

For more information, please visit our interactive StoryMap about the FlyHigh4Geo program. Please feel free to contact us directly with questions.