With the launch of NASA's Earth Observing System (EOS) suite of satellites beginning in mid-1999, the extent and timing of remotely sensed data will reach new levels of regular full earth coverage.
Numerous well-studied algorithms will turn the raw information of basic remote sensing into application products covering the globe. The University of Montana EOS Training Center is a program designed to meet the challenges of educating the public about NASA's newest remote sensing applications. To address the needs of a large and diverse user group, the UM-EOS Training Center will utilize the skills and resources of faculty and staff in the School of Forestry and the School of Education at The University of Montana and peers at the Universities of Alaska, Idaho, and Missouri. Within the School of Forestry, the Natural Resource Project will acquire, process, and present EOS data in a relevant and meaningful manner to natural resource managers. Working collaboratively with the School of Forestry, The School of Education's EOS Education Project will disseminate Earth system science imagery and supportive curriculum to the global K-16 education community. The EOS Education Project will support pre-service and in-service teacher development programs in the interpretation, utilization and relevancy of EOS mission imagery. The UM-EOS Training Center will introduce a variety of advanced solutions to foster Earth understanding to meet the global challenges of the next millennium.