USING GLOBAL FIDUCIAL PROGRAM IMAGERY TO BETTER UNDERSTAND AND MANAGE THE GEOLOGY AND HYDROLOGY OF PUBLIC LANDS

Since 1994, the Global Fiducials Program (GFP) has systematically collected imagery from more than 500 environmentally sensitive ‘Fiducial Sites’ to better understand Earth’s environmental processes, variations, and changes on annual to decadal scales. The result is a library of imagery time-series, collected at the highest resolution possible, that systematically documents many behaviors of Earth’s surface. Initial GFP site selections were made by Federal and academic scientists based on each site’s unique history, susceptibility, or environmental value. Collection strategies were carefully defined for each site with specific repeat intervals and image characteristics to maximize information extraction capabilities. About 40% of GFP sites are within the US, with more than 135 located on public lands. In 2008, the GFP’s focus was expanded to also include the unrestricted release of many Fiducial imagery time series, with intended audiences being the public, decision makers, scientists, educators, and the media. Public release provides unequivocal documentation of Earth’s rapidly changing character and unrestricted access to the imagery.

Five categories of GFP sites exist: 1) Geologic Processes; 2) Ocean and Hydrologic Processes; 3) Ice and Snow Dynamics; 4) Land Use / Land Cover; and 5) Atmospheric & Meteorological Processes. At least 80% of GFP sites are geologic or hydrologic process related. Since 2008, more than 10,000 one-meter resolution images from more than 140 GFP sites have been released. This consistency of imagery parameters and acquisition histories enhances user ability to understand Earth’s dynamic processes and characterize long-term trends.

Individual time series focus on: volcano and earthquake impacts; landslide behavior; fluvial processes; land-use and land-cover change; Arctic sea ice dynamics; temperate glacier behavior; mid-continent wetland change; barrier island response to hurricanes; coastline evolution; wildland fire recovery; invasive species impacts; permafrost melt; Long-Term Ecological Resource (LTER) site processes; and many other topics. Metadata supported, orthorectified imagery can be freely downloaded from the USGS, making them ideal for use in Earth Science education and GIS projects. For additional information go to: http://gfl.usgs.gov.