Four Ways to Get LANDFIRE Data

Author

Sarah Hagen

What you will find in this section

  • An overview of ways to access LANDFIRE data:

    • Using the LANDFIRE Map Viewer

    • Downloading full dataset rasters

    • Streaming data from ArcGIS Online

    • Working with the rlandfire package

Ways to get LANDFIRE data

There are four main ways to access LANDFIRE data, each suited to different needs and technical skill levels. The summaries below provide a quick overview of each method. Visit the links to learn more and begin accessing and working with LANDFIRE data.

LANDFIRE Map Viewer

This site allows you to explore LANDFIRE datasets online, and to download them based on a rectangle you draw, a polygon you draw, a template (e.g., a state, from a dropdown) or a GeoJSON. This method is most useful if you need several datasets and/or focus on one area and/or have data storage limitations. For many users the LANDFIRE Map Viewer will be the best way to get LANDFIRE data. Once you get the knack of it, obtaining data will be quick and easy.

Tip

You can also access a User Instructions page on the LANDFIRE Program website that may provide more complete instructions than we are able to give here. You can also find help by visiting the Map Viewer tutorial videos on our YouTube channel.

Helpful Resources for using the LANDFIRE Map Viewer

Download Full Extent Mosaics

You can download full national datasets for the conterminous U.S., Alaska, Hawaii, and U.S. Insular Areas from the Full Extent Downloads page. These mosaics are best for users working across multiple regions or who want to store and process LANDFIRE data locally. Be aware that these files are large and require adequate storage and computing resources.

Note

Many of the full extent mosaics are very large files. The downloads will take several minutes. We recommend downloading them while connected to your best available internet connection and making sure you have several gigabytes of storage space available in your download location.

You can download the full extent mosaics from the Full Extent Downloads page on the LANDFIRE Program website.

Important

CONUS releases data for GeoAreas throughout the calendar year, so the latest version available may not include all of CONUS. See each specific version page here for more information.

Helpful resources for downloading full extent mosaics

Stream data with the LANDFIRE Product Service

LANDFIRE data can be streamed directly into GIS software using the LANDFIRE Product Service or through standard web services like WMS, WCS, and ESRI Image Services. You can also access hosted imagery layers in ArcGIS Online from the U.S. Geological Survey gallery. These services are ideal for users who want to access LANDFIRE layers without downloading them, especially in web mapping applications or cloud-based workflows. You can find links to these services on the LANDFIRE Data Access page, under “Stream Data.”

Helpful resources for using LANDFIRE data streaming services

The rlandfire package

Developed by Dr. Mark Buckner, the rlandfire package provides a way to access the LFPS REST API from R and download LANDFIRE products directly into your R environment. At the package page, Dr. Buckner provides instructions for basic use, and a tutorial for comparing ponderosa pine canopy cover before and after a fire. To learn more about using the rlandfire package, check out the Office Hour LANDFIRE & Coding: Leveling up LANDFIRE with r markdown, QGIS, Quarto and More! (opens a YouTube video)

Still have questions? LANDFIRE is here to help.