Requirements, Capabilities, and Analysis for Earth Observations—From User Needs to Earth Observation Solutions
Links
- Document: Report (9.52 MB pdf)
- Download citation as: RIS | Dublin Core
Introduction
At the core of the Nation’s land imaging enterprise, the Requirements, Capabilities, and Analysis for Earth Observations (RCA-EO) project serves as the backbone for understanding user needs and shaping the future of Earth observation (EO) systems, products, and technology development. Understanding user needs and continuously tracking observing system capabilities is essential for EO because it ensures that the U.S. Government investments remain aligned with the real-world decisions, applications, and societal benefits they are intended to support.
The RCA-EO project collects data users’ land imaging needs, focusing on what needs to be measured rather than specific technology. Collecting this data has resulted in a comprehensive understanding of civil land imaging user needs across scientific and operational applications. Over the past 10 years, the RCA-EO project has interviewed hundreds of subject matter experts, yielding more than a thousand user needs.
The RCA-EO project’s analytical tools, models, and methods help inform the development of land imaging systems and products, determine appropriate data purchases, and prioritize partnerships for access to data from missions outside of the USGS. Our tools and databases support decisions with credible, needs-based information.
Suggested Citation
Garthwaite, I.J., and Wengert, E., 2026, Requirements, capabilities, and analysis for Earth observations—From user needs to Earth observation solutions: U.S. Geological Survey Fact Sheet 2026–3014, 4 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/fs20263014.
ISSN: 2327-6932 (online)
| Publication type | Report |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | USGS Numbered Series |
| Title | Requirements, capabilities, and analysis for Earth observations—From user needs to Earth observation solutions |
| Series title | Fact Sheet |
| Series number | 2026-3014 |
| DOI | 10.3133/fs20263014 |
| Publication Date | July 08, 2026 |
| Year Published | 2026 |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | U.S. Geological Survey |
| Publisher location | Reston, VA |
| Contributing office(s) | National Land Imaging |
| Description | 4 p. |
| Online Only (Y/N) | Y |
| Additional Online Files (Y/N) | N |