Data and Receiving Station
The MAGIC program operates a SeaSpace direct broadcast receiving station (DBRS) to acquire satellite remote sensing data for the region surrounding Texas. The data acquired by the DBRS are from the following satellite sensors: MODIS (both Terra and Aqua), OCM (Ocean Color Monitor) and AVHRR (Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer). In addition to these directly acquired datasets, MAGIC also has archived data from other sensors such as Landsat 5 TM, Landsat 7 ETM+ and ASTER.
Online Data Access Tools
GIS-ready data:
- Landsat Locator - locate and download Landsat data in 3 optimized composites: 321 (natural color), 432 (color infrared) and 742 (false color)
- 2004 NAIP Imagery - locate and request aerial photography 2004 NAIP county mosaics
- 2005 NAIP Imagery - locate and request aerial photography 2005 NAIP county mosaics
Science Data:
- Data Query - locate and request satellite date that overlap the state of Texas. The sensors available are ASTER, MODIS, Landsat 5 TM and Landsat 7 ETM+.
Why Use Remote Sensing to Monitor the Environment?
When we strive to monitor the environment that we live in, we often lose sight of the forest for the trees, as a commonly cited truism claims. Remote sensing technology helps us to step back and examine the big picture of our surroundings. Not only can we study a slice in time, but we can also watch and analyze changes occurring in our environment over days, months and even years.
An important goal of the MAGIC program is to bring information derived from remote sensing technology to a wider audience of public and private decision makers, government workers, students and private individuals. Our case studies offer a sampling of possible applications of remote sensing and other geospatial technologies. Whether the issue is long-term drought or a sudden wildfire, remote sensing technology can help us understand where, when, how and possibly even why our environment is constantly changing. It can also increase job productivity for those charged with environmental permitting and improve inventories and assessment of our natural resources.
Satellite-based remote sensing technology allows scientists to collect global data on a daily basis. These data are important not just as snapshots capturing a moment in time, but, with the growth of data archives, as records of change. This same technology can help us to learn more about the processes that bring change to the environment. We can monitor urban expansion and prime farmland loss, better prepare for the threat of coastal flooding and other natural disasters, and protect our water and air quality.
Remote sensing technology has another side that we would like to share with you, too. Watching our environment from space is truly fascinating and lots of fun. It's a great way to revel in the ever-changing beauty of our home planet.