USGS provides science about the natural hazards that threaten lives and livelihoods; the water, energy, minerals, and other natural resources we rely on; the health of our ecosystems and environment; and the impacts of climate and land-use change. Our scientists develop and publish land cover data to support thousands of applications in assessing ecosystem status and health, assessing environmental factors for human health, managing biodiversity, land use planning, land management, weather forecasting and education.

The USGS is the founding member of MRLC and has provided the leadership to lead the consortium since its inception. The USGS is committed to developing coordinated science efforts to maximize the dissemination of good science information that benefits all sectors of our society. USGS NLCD and MRLC leadership is supported through USGS EROS.