U.S. Group on Earth Observations
Observing our planet.
Informing our future.
Coordinating America's civilian Earth observation activities to protect lives, safeguard property, and sustain our environment.
The interagency backbone of
America's Earth observation enterprise.
USGEO is a Subcommittee under the White House National Science and Technology Council's (NSTC) Committee on the Environment. It coordinates, plans, and assesses the nation's Earth observation portfolio — from satellite systems to ground-based sensor networks.
By leveraging the collaborative roles of Federal agencies, State and local governments, universities, private industries, and National Laboratories, USGEO ensures America's vast observation capabilities work in concert.
A threefold mission driving
global collaboration.
Coordinate & Assess
Coordinate, plan, and assess Federal Earth observation activities in cooperation with domestic stakeholders across all levels of government.
Data Interoperability
Foster improved Earth system data management and interoperability throughout the Federal Government for seamless information sharing.
Global Engagement
Engage interagency and national stakeholders to formulate the U.S. position for, and coordinate participation in the international Group on Earth Observations.
Earth observations impact
our lives every single day.
From agriculture and active forest management to transportation apps on our phones, Earth observations are a critical but often invisible part of modern life.
Agriculture & Food Security
Precision farming, crop yield forecasting, and drought monitoring supporting global food security through data-driven practices.
Forest Management
Active wildfire detection, deforestation tracking, and ecosystem health assessment from space.
Weather & Climate
Severe weather warnings, regional forecasts, and long-term climate monitoring that save lives.
Flood forecasting and watershed management
Rapid damage assessment and coordination
GPS navigation and traffic management
Evidence-based environmental policy
Building a robust Earth
Observation Enterprise.
Reliable data. Open partnerships. Trustworthy science. The Enterprise spans Federal agencies, academia, private industry, and international collaborators — encompassing the full value chain from observation to real-world benefit.
Programs & Initiatives
Working Groups
Cross-agency teams addressing critical Earth observation challenges and opportunities.
National Plan
The strategic framework guiding the nation's Earth observation priorities and investments.
Ad Hoc Teams
Rapid-response teams formed to address time-sensitive observation and data needs.
Earth Observation Assessment
Comprehensive evaluation of current capabilities, gaps, and future requirements.
Group on Earth
Observations (GEO)
The United States plays a leading role in GEO — a partnership of over 100 national governments and 100+ organizations committed to building a Global Earth Observation System of Systems.
Experience Earth observations firsthand.
Jazz Observatory
Where music meets Earth science — an immersive exploration of our planet's rhythms.
Explore →Café USA
A collaborative space for sharing ideas about Earth observation innovation.
Explore →Water Connects
How water observations link communities, ecosystems, and economies worldwide.
Explore →USGEO Library
Publications, reports, data resources, and policy documents shaping America's Earth observation strategy.