TerraLook: free satellite image toolkit from NASA and USGS

A free tool and satellite data provided by NASA and the US Geological Survey called TerraLook, provides time series of geo-referenced jpeg images plus image processing/GIS software [press release]. It is intended to provide easy access to free satellite images for users with little or no prior experience, though it also proves useful for experienced users who want a quick image.

The data includes global coverage layers of "best available" Landsat images from about 1975, 1990, 2000 (and, soon, 2005). ASTER data are also available, and access is provided to the entire ASTER archive of about 2 million images going back to 2000. While full ASTER datasets cost about USD100 per scene, these jpeg images are completely free.

The open source tool supports basic image processing and GIS functions; a major update will be available around the end of the year. In fact, participation in tool development is welcome for those who enjoy programming.

Visit TerraLook for free Remote Sensing Image downloads.