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This spreadsheet was initially created by Eli Asarian for a workshop at the 2023 Salmonid Restoration Federation (SRF) conference: https://www.calsalmon.org/programs/events/future-now-how-use-practical-remote-sensing-tools-gain-new-perspectives-river
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It has now been updated for a 2025 workshop: https://www.calsalmon.org/programs/events/remote-sensing-tools-restoration-planning-and-assessment-practical-hands
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Tool nameURL for access or downloadUse categoryBest use (why is it special?)InterfaceTech skill level requiredSummaryAdditional notesTutorials and instructionsPublications and reportsDate added to spreadsheet or modifiedTemporary notes
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CalTopohttps://caltopo.com/map.htmlAccessing imagery and mapsEasiest site for browsing aerial photos and multiple topographic maps (including USFS maps with road names).Online map viewer (free or paid)EasyOnline map viewer. Can zoom, pan, toggle layers on/off, etc. Has many different layers (aerials, topos, slope, fire history, geology, etc.)https://training.caltopo.com/all_users/getting-started/map-tour4/17/2023
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USGS TopoViewhttps://ngmdb.usgs.gov/topoview/Accessing imagery and mapsBrowsing and accessing historical topographic maps (back to late 1800s in much of California)Online map viewerEasyGreat collection of historical USGS topographic maps available for browsing or downloading. All maps are georeferenced and georectified (stretched). Can download maps in formats inclusing GeoPDF, GeoTIFF, JPG, and KMZ.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UCTIvQqVr4E4/17/2023
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Landscape Explorerhttps://www.landscapeexplorer.orgAccessing imagery and mapsBrowsing and downloading georeferenced mosaic of an early high-quality image (typically 1940 to 1970) for the entire Western USAOnline map viewerEasyThis website offers easy access to early historical aerial imagery sourced from the USGS EROS Archive. Images were assembled into a georeferenced mosaic of an early high-quality image (typically 1940 to 1970) for the entire Western USA. Images can be browsed in an online map viewer, viewed as a web service in desktop GIS (e.g. ArcGIS or QGIS), downloaded in a GIS-ready format, or accessed in Google Earth Engine. The project was developed by the University of Montana in Partnership with Working Lands for Wildlife, Montana NRCS, and Intermountain West Joint Venture.Not always the oldest images available. If you want older images than are available in the mosaic, check USGS EarthExplorer for additional imageshttps://www.landscapeexplorer.org/how-to-use/https://doi.org/10.1002/rse2.3579/27/2023
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USGS EarthExplorerhttps://earthexplorer.usgs.gov/Accessing imageryAccess to 1940s aerial photos (not in georeferenced format)Website (free)Easy (with tutorial)Website for locating and downloading historical air photos (and other imagery), some preview capabilityMany places in California have air photos every 10 years back to 1940shttps://web.archive.org/web/20230413072711/https://libraries.mit.edu/files/gis/earthexplorer.pdf4/8/2025
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Copernicus browserhttps://browser.dataspace.copernicus.eu/Accessing imageryEasiest website for finding and summarizing satellite imagery products like NDVI, etc. including time lapse animationsWebsite (free)EasyFree web tool for browsing, downloading, and summarizing satellite data from the European Space Agency including Sentinel (2015/2017-present). Does not include acces to NASA/USGS satellite data (Landsat, MODIS, etc.)4/8/2025
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Sentinel EO browserhttps://apps.sentinel-hub.com/eo-browser/Accessing imageryEasiest website for finding and summarizing satellite imagery products like NDVI, etc. including time lapse animationsWebsite (now requires paid subscription, was formerly free) EasyPaid web tool for browsing, downloading, and summarizing satellite data including Sentinel (2015/2017-present), Landsat (1984-present), and MODIS (2000-present). Does not include nearly as many derivative products as NASA EarthDataFor making time lapse animated movies: https://www.esa.int/ESA_Multimedia/Videos/2020/05/How_to_create_a_time_lapse_on_EO_Browser4/8/2025
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NASA EarthDatahttps://www.earthdata.nasa.gov/dataAccessing imageryFind NASA satellite imagery products not available on other platformsWebsite (free)Easy/moderate (many options somewhat confusing)Website for browsing and downloading enormous catalog of satellite data including Sentinel (2014-present), Landsat (1972-present), and MODIS (2000-present), and many derived productsRequires login and free account to download data. Not as easy to use as Sentinel EO, but has access to many additional productshttps://www.earthdata.nasa.gov/learn4/8/2025
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Dynamic Worldhttps://dynamicworld.app/Accessing imageryBrowsing highest resolution (spatial and temporal) recent land coverWebsite (free)EasyWebsite for browsing a near realtime 10-meter resolution land cover dataset, 2015-present, approximately weekly. Derived from Sentinel-2 satellite data.No online summarization tool available. Summaries can only be done using Google Earth EngineClick the "How to Explore Map" button at https://dynamicworld.app/explorehttps://doi.org/10.1038/s41597-022-01307-44/17/2023
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USGS AppEEARShttps://lpdaac.usgs.gov/tools/appeears/Extracting time series of remote sensing and climate dataGenerate remote sensing time series for multiple polygonsWebsite (free)Easy/moderate (many options somewhat confusing)[Unavailable on 4/8/2025 and 4/22/2025, may be gone?] For an area of interest (upload custom shapefile or table of points) generates a table with summarized time series of many remote sensing datasets available including: NDVI vegetation index (from MODIS or Landsat satellites) and evapotranspiration (ECOSTRESS and 1-km resolution SSEBop). Also include one climate dataset (DayMet temperature and precipitation).Many areas of interest (i.e., multiple points or polygons) can be summarized simultaneously. Updated on near-real time basis. Requires login and free account to use. Full list of available datasets: https://appeears.earthdatacloud.nasa.gov/productshttps://appeears.earthdatacloud.nasa.gov/help4/22/2025[Unavailable on 4/8/2025 and 4/22/2025, may be gone?]
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PRISMhttps://prism.oregonstate.edu/explorer/Extracting time series of climate dataObtain clean daily precipitation and air temperature time series for sitesWebsite (free)EasyWebsite for downloading time series of daily or monthly air temperature or precipitation data for point locations. Very easy to get full time series for single point locations (https://prism.oregonstate.edu/explorer/). Can also download multiple locations at once (https://prism.oregonstate.edu/explorer/bulk.php), but are then limited to shorter time periodsThe most widely used gridded climate dataset. Accurate representation of coastal effects and fog zone.https://prism.oregonstate.edu/explorer/https://doi.org/10.1002/joc.16884/17/2023
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Climate Enginehttps://app.climateengine.org/climateEngineExtracting time series of remote sensing and climate datasetsGenerate climate or remote sensing data time series for one or a few points or polygons. Only no-code web interface available for summarizing SNODAS snow data. Website (free)Easy/moderate (many options somewhat confusing)For an area of interest (upload custom shapefile, or choose from pre-selected options like HUCs) generates a table with summarized time series (or maps or charts) of remote sensing datasets and climate data. Offers no-code access to summarize many (but not nearly all) datasets from the Google Earth Engine catalog. Climate datasets include precip and air temperature from: PRISM (daily and monthly), GridMet, MERRA2, and NLDAS2. Now also includes OpenET.Not to be used for commercial purposes. Does not provide access to all MERRA2 or NLDAS2 variables (aerosols, etc.). For full list of available datasetss, click "Get Info" from lower-right corner of website.When you enter the App, the welcome pop-up has two green buttons: Video Tours has two 5-minute narrated videos (Graphs and Maps), and Guided Tours has a clickable guided tour. See full list of datasets at: https://support.climateengine.org/article/104-datasetsinfo. Video tutorial on evaluating riparian restoration is available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EIKDJH0D2okhttps://doi.org/10.1175/BAMS-D-15-00324.14/8/2025
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NASA Giovannihttps://giovanni.gsfc.nasa.gov/giovanni/Extracting time series of remote sensing and climate datasetsGenerate time series of MERRA2 realanlysis data products including aerosols (i.e., wildfire smoke) for a single site or rectangular areaWebsite (free)Easy/moderate (many options somewhat confusing)For an area of interest (limited to one rectangular bounding box), generates summarized time series (or maps or charts) of remote sensing datasets and climate data. Unique feasured in Giovanni include map animations and full access to all variables from MERRA2 and NLDAS re-analysis (not just temperature and precip). Remote sensing datasets include daily and monthly MODIS.Only no-code web interface available for summarizing aerosols (e.g., from MERRA2). Requires login and free account to use. https://giovanni.gsfc.nasa.gov/giovanni/doc/UsersManualworkingdocument.docx.htmlhttps://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-71377-5_84/17/2023
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OpenEThttps://openetdata.org/Extracting time series of remote sensing datasetsHigh-resolution (30-meter pixels or agricultural fields) estimates of monthly evapotranspiration for the most recent 5 yearsWebsite (free)EasyOpenET provides evapotranspiration data at different scales. You can view the data summarized for millions of individual fields or in the original raster format, or you can create a custom report to define your own boundaries, time frames, and data summaries.Field data very easy to access. Raster data summaries are limited to small areas (1000ha = 2500 acres). Additional years (2000-2023) are available using Climate Engine (non-commercial use only: https://app.climateengine.org/climateEngine), Google Earth Engine catalogue (requires coding), and via API (requires coding: https://etdata.org/api-info/).Guided tour available by clicking "New here? Take a tour" button in the upper-right corner of the map https://explore.etdata.org. If you want a deep dive, watch the many videos from the 2024 users conference: https://www.youtube.com/@openetdata4047/videoshttps://doi.org/10.1111/1752-1688.129564/8/2025
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EPA WATERS GeoViewerhttps://www.epa.gov/waterdata/waters-geoviewerWatershed delineation and watershed statisticsDelineating watershed upstream of a tributary confluence and obtain watershed statisticsWebsite (free) or Google Earth KMZEasyOnline map browser or downloadable Google Earth file. Click on a reach to access watershed level reports containing hundreds of pre-calculated attributes (drainage area, average precipitation, land cover, etc.) from NHDPlus and StreamCat. Watershed delineation and watershed reports are not available only at tributary confluences, not every point along a stream. If the point you click on is not at a tributary confluence, the tool will look downstream for the closest tributary confluence.As an alternative to the website, the Google Earth KMZ version of WATERS can be downloaded at: https://www.epa.gov/waterdata/viewing-waters-data-using-google-earth. WATERS GeoViewer watershed delineation is limited by tributary junctions, so if you want to delineate from a reach mid-point (or a stream too small to be in the NHDplus 1:100,000 scale streams GIS) then use USGS StreamStats instead.Multiple tutorials available at: https://www.epa.gov/waterdata/waters-geoviewer-tutorial, including watershed delineation tool: https://www.epa.gov/waterdata/waters-geoviewer-tutorial#Watershed_Delineation4/22/2025
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USGS StreamStatshttps://streamstats.usgs.gov/ss/Watershed delineation and watershed statisticsDelineating watershed upstream of any point and obtain watershed statisticsWebsite (free)EasyStreamStats is an online tool that can be used to:
• Delineate a watershed for a point of interest
• Find information about landscape and weather in a basin
• Calculate flood and average water flow information
Detailed instructions: https://www.usgs.gov/media/files/streamstats-version-4-user-instructions2024 lessons learned publication: https://doi.org/10.3133/cir1514. Additional information: https://www.usgs.gov/streamstats/documents4/17/2023
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California Natural Flow Databasehttps://rivers.codefornature.org/#/homeWatershed delineation and watershed statisticsProvides estimated unimpaired functional flow metrics for nearly every stream reach in CaliforniaWebsite (free)EasyClickable online map to explore, visualize, and download natural flows estimates (expected streamflow in the absence of human modification). Natural flows (both monthly and functional flow estimates) were estimated based on watershed characteristics, rainfall, and temperature data. The relationship between these predictor variables and the flow estimates were developed using machine learning models developed from reference stream gages.Data methods: https://doi.org/10.1093/biosci/biv102. More citations and info at: https://rivers.codefornature.org/#/science4/22/2025
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USGS 3DEP hillshade for Google Earth Prohttps://elevation.nationalmap.gov/arcgis/rest/services/3DEPElevation/ImageServerTopographic lidar dataDownload and visualize lidar dataGoogle Earth ProEasyDisplay hillshade of USGS National Map elevation data, varies in resolution from 10m to 1m depending on if the program has incorporated LiDAR for a region or nothttps://docs.google.com/document/d/17fHLdCyAE23is7SAgqHEiRzqVLio7XPRG20nuIXV4h8/edit#heading=h.hdocnkwe0zug4/17/2023
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Open Topographyhttps://opentopography.org/Topographic lidar dataDownload and visualize lidar dataWebsite (free)ModerateOpenTopography aims to democratize access to high-resolution topographic data in a manner that serves users with varied expertise, application domains, and computing resources. Provides access to download lidar data as well as visualize within the websiterhttps://opentopography.org/resourceshttps://opentopography.org/publications4/17/2023
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The National MapTopographic lidar dataDownload lidar dataWebsite (free)Easy/moderate (many options somewhat confusing)Online map viewer for viewing and downloading layers including boundaries, elevation (including lidar), geographic names, hydrography, land cover, orthoimagery, structures, and transportationVideo tutorials: https://www.usgs.gov/programs/national-geospatial-program/tnm-apps-and-viewers-videos4/17/2023
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Rangeland Analysis Platformhttps://rangelands.app/rap/Accessing remote-sensed vegetation dataEasy to use platform for browsing, summarizing (for custom areas), or download rangeland vegetation cover data, annually 1986-2024Website (free)EasyThe Rangeland Analysis Platform examines trends at pasture, ranch, watershed, or broader scales. Datasets include annual 30-m resolution percent cover of four rangeland components (tree cover, shrub cover, herbaceous cover, etc.) for 1986-2024, based on Landsat satellites and ground-based plots. Can view data in online viewer, access summaries for custom area (draw on map or upload shapefile), or download data.Optimized for rangleland areas, not forested areas. Data can also be access using R: https://humus.rocks/rapr/Video tutorials: https://rangelands.app/support/17-navigating-the-platformhttps://rangelands.app/bibliography4/8/2025
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MRLC Rangeland Viewerhttps://www.mrlc.gov/rangeland-viewer/Accessing remote-sensed vegetation dataBrowse, summarize (for preset areas like HUCs), or download rangeland vegetation cover data, annually 1985-2021Website (free)Easy/moderate (many options somewhat confusing)The MRLC Rangeland Viewer provides a dynamic platform for visualization and comparison of multi-temporal geospatial data of shrub and grassland ecosystems in the Western U.S. and supports custom data subsetting and downloads. Annual 30-m resolution percent cover of eight rangeland components (tree cover, shrub cover, herbaceous cover, etc.) for 1985-2021, based on Landsat satellites and ground-based plots. Can view data in online viewer, access summaries for HUC or grazing allotments (graph or table), or download data.https://doi.org/10.1080/15481603.2022.2104786. Additional 4/17/2023
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MRLC National Land Cover Database (NLCD) Viewerhttps://www.mrlc.gov/viewer/Accessing remote-sensed land cover dataBrowse or download land cover cover data, periodic years 2001-2021Website (free)Easy/moderate (many options somewhat confusing)The MRLC NLCD viewer provides a dynamic platform for data visualization of the NLCD product suite and supports user defined data subsetting and downloads (by rectange or use shapefile). The primary dataset is 30-meter resolution data, but in some years other products are available including canopy cover, impervious area, and land cover change. Can view data in online viewer or download data.No tutorials or help available?4/17/2023
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USGS Land Change Monitoring, Assessment, and Projection (LCMAP)https://eros.usgs.gov/lcmap/viewer/index.htmlAccessing remote-sensed land cover dataBrowse and download land cover and change data, annually 1985-2021Website (free)Easy/moderate (many options somewhat confusing)[Product is now superseded by the Annual NLCD, see https://www.usgs.gov/centers/eros/science/annual-national-land-cover-database for description and https://www.mrlc.gov/viewer/ for viewer] Annual 30-m resolution land cover type and change for 1985-2021 for conterminous USA, based on Landsat satellites. No online summarization available, but view data in online viewer for each year or download area of interest (by rectange or use shapefile). Algorithm often confuses river gravel with human developed areashttps://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/media/files/LCMAP_WebViewer_QuickGuide.pdfApplication for hydrology: https://www.mdpi.com/2073-445X/11/2/316. Additional articles: https://www.usgs.gov/special-topics/lcmap/publications4/22/2025
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Land Firehttps://www.landfire.gov/viewer/Accessing remote-sensed vegetation dataDownload GIS files of tree canopy height and canopy cover for multiple years, periodic years 2001-2023Website (free)Easy/moderate (many options somewhat confusing)Browse or download LandFire data. LandFire is a Multi-partner program produces consistent, comprehensive, geospatial data and databases that describe vegetation, wildland fuel, and fire regimes across the United States and insular areas. Data begin in 2001 and are updated every few years.
https://landfire.gov/User_Instructions.phphttps://doi.org/10.3390/fire20200358/27/2024
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Oregon State University eMaprhttp://emapr.ceoas.oregonstate.edu/getData.htmlAccessing remote-sensed vegetation dataBrowse and download land cover and forest change data, annually 1990-2017Website (free)View/download is Easy, Analysis is DifficultAnnual 30-m resolution forest biomass, canopy cover, impervious area, land cover type for 1984-2017 for conterminous USA, based on Landsat satellites and ground-based FIA forestry plots. Can view data in online viewer or download by tile.Multiple publications, see website4/17/2023
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Google Earth Prohttps://www.google.com/earth/versions/#earth-proMulti-purpose GIS software and accessing imageryEasiest desktop GIS software to use. Time slider to access multiple years of air photos as old as 1990. Easy to zoom to spatial coordinates.Desktop GIS app (free)EasyDesktop GIS app. Requires installation. Can add multiple layers, toggle visibility on and off, and adjust symbology. Can import KML, KMZ, and shapefiles formats. You can load USGS topographic maps into Google Earth Pro if you go to https://www.earthpoint.us/topomap.aspx and click the "View on Google Earth" button at top of the page. This will download file EarthPointTopoMap_203022.kml which you can then open in Google Earth Pro. Requires Internet connectionGeneral intro: https://support.google.com/earth/topic/7184180?. Instructions on how to use time slide to view historical imagery: https://www.androidpolice.com/go-back-in-time-google-earth/4/22/2025
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QGIShttps://www.qgis.org/en/site/forusers/download.htmlMulti-purpose GIS softwareFree powerful desktop GIS software. Many pluggins and tools for analysisDesktop GIS app (free)Moderate (many options and features)Desktop GIS app. Requires installation. Can add multiple layers, toggle visibility on and off, and adjust symbology. Can import almost any format.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G5AFuoOOjIs4/17/2023
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ESRI ArcGIS Prohttps://www.esri.com/en-us/arcgis/products/arcgis-pro/overviewMulti-purpose GIS softwareMaintaining GIS layers within a large organizationDesktop GIS app (paid)Moderate (many options and features)Desktop GIS app. Requires installation. Can add multiple layers, toggle visibility on and off, and adjust symbology. Can import almost any format. Expensive if you don't already have a license4/17/2023
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[Moot] ESRI ArcMaphttps://www.esri.com/en-us/arcgis/products/arcgis-desktop/resourcesMulti-purpose GIS softwareArcMap is becoming obsolete. If you don't already know how to use it want to use an ESRI product, learn ArcGIS Pro insteadDesktop GIS app (paid)Moderate (many options and features)Desktop GIS app. Requires installation. Can add multiple layers, toggle visibility on and off, and adjust symbology. Expensive if you don't already have a license4/8/2025
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ArcGIS Onlinehttps://www.arcgis.com/home/index.htmlMulti-purpose GIS softwareSharing online GIS layers with the public or within your organizationOnline GIS app (paid or free)Moderate (many options and features)Online map viewer. Can zoom, pan, toggle layers on/off, etc.https://www.esri.com/en-us/arcgis/products/arcgis-online/resources4/17/2023
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Google Earth Enginehttps://earthengine.google.com/Complex data analysesLarge-scale, long-term analysesWebsite (free for research)Difficult (requires coding)Google's cloud-based GIS analysis platform. Combines a multi-petabyte catalog of satellite imagery and geospatial datasets with planetary-scale analysis capabilities. Scientists, researchers, and developers use Earth Engine to detect changes, map trends, and quantify differences on the Earth's surface.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rse.2017.06.0314/17/2023
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[Discontinued] USGS Geo Data Portalhttps://labs.waterdata.usgs.gov/gdp_web/Extracting time series of climate dataGenerate climate data time series for multiple polygonsWebsite (free)Easy/moderate (many options somewhat confusing)[As of summer 2024, this tool has been discontinued] For an area of interest (upload custom shapefile, or choose from pre-selected options like HUCs) generates a table with summarized time series of climate data or climage change projections. Many available datasets including: monthly PRISM air temp/precip, GridMet (aka METDATA) air temp/precip, 1-km resolution SSEBop evapotranspiration. Many areas of interest (i.e., multiple points or polygons) can be summarized simultaneously. Datasets only updated periodically (less than once per year), so most recent months not available although they may update datasets if you ask them. Also accessible through R's "geoknife" packagehttps://doi.org/10.3133/ofr201111574/17/2023
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