Remote Sensing Applications Center

The Remote Sensing Applications Center (RSAC) is a facility operated by the United States Forest Service (USFS). Its primary function is to receive weather and fire-monitoring data that has been remotely sensed by satellites, and to convert this data into maps and reports used by the USFS. RSAC operates as a software development organization and is housed at the same location as its corresponding operational organization, the USFS Geospatial Technology and Applications Center (GTAC), in Salt Lake City, Utah. Together, RSAC and GTAC assist USFS field operations by combining data from fire-monitoring and weather satellites with other remotely-sensed data, along with mapping and geological surveys, a combination referred to as “geospatial technology.” The principal goal of RSAC is to develop and implement less costly methods for the Forest Service to obtain the information it needs to manage wildfires, water resources, and forest resources. The center's work supports resource management decisions by providing timely, satellite-derived information. An external link associated with the center provides access to active U.S. fire maps organized by region.