Press Release. 24 January 2011
TerraLook provides easy access to new and historical satellite images for users that lack experience with satellite images, or for anyone looking for a convenient way to obtain and work with these images. Formerly known as the Protected Area Archive, TerraLook combines collections of georeferenced JPEG images with simple visualization and analysis tools to help users explore and utilize the data, and all data are free. The US Agency for International Development (USAID) funded this latest TerraLook upgrade through SERVIR— the Regional Visualization and Monitoring System— an initiative representing a partnership between USAID, the US National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), and numerous other organizations. You are invited to test the newest beta version of TerraLook software, Version 2.0 (beta), and to report on your experiences.
Download TerraLook software Version 2 (beta release) from http://terralook.cr.usgs.gov/ by clicking on the “Download” link.
Version 2 of TerraLook is a complete overhaul of the previous version and provides a much friendlier interface with a greatly improved “look and feel.” All of the capabilities from V1.1 are available, plus new ones and other improvements. Capabilities include:
Viewable Images from these Sensors
- ASTER: 2000 to present
- Landsat: c. 2005
- Landsat: c. 2000
- Landsat: c. 1990
- Landsat: c. 1975
Image Finder
Displays image “footprints” on a world map so users can easily find images of interest.
Roam and Zoom
Allows users to find and see features of interest within an image.
Observing Change
Allows image comparison to help see what is changing and where; includes Flicker and Link capabilities.
Image Adjustment
Provides simple functions to adjust contrast, brightness, and gamma, as well as other enhancements.
Overlay Manager
Allows users to control display of overlays.
Overlay Editor
Allows users to create and edit overlays (shapefile format).
Measurement of Distance and Area
Provides a simple-to-use measurement tool.
Image Annotation
Enables addition of text, lines, polygons, etc., so an image can be used to tell a story and communicate effectively.
Advanced Capabilities
Includes attribute editing, image composition, and many others.
TerraLook V2.0 (final) will be released soon and will be available in both English and Spanish. This version will be followed soon by V2.1. TerraLook images can be ordered from, and additional information can be found at: http://terralook.cr.usgs.gov/
Please send comments and problems to: terralook [at] users.sourceforge.net
Formal bug reports can be submitted via TerraLookBugs http://sourceforge.net/tracker/?group_id=189287&atid=928721, and new feature requests can be submitted at TerraLookNewFeatures http://sourceforge.net/tracker/?group_id=189287&atid=928724
