The Landsat-8 OLI (Operational Land Imager) and TIRS (Thermal Infra-Red Sensor) data products are processed by ESA on a Near-Real Time (NRT) basis using the USGS processor, and are released to the users with ortho-rectified specifications consistent with all standard Level 1 data products. Where possible, Standard Terrain Corrected products are produced, however where this is not possible, Systematic Terrain Corrected products are produced:

• Standard Terrain Corrected Level 1 Product (L1T): Precise Ortho-Corrected product; The most accurate level of processing as they incorporate Ground Control Points (GCPs) and a Digital Elevation Model (DEM) to provide systematic geometric and topographic accuracy; with geodetic accuracy dependent on the number, spatial distribution and accuracy of the GCPs over the scene extent, and the resolution of the DEM used.
   
• Systematic Terrain Corrected Level 1 Product (L1GT): Basic Ortho-Corrected product; Normally generated where there is a lack of GCP's, and are derived purely from data collected by the sensor and spacecraft e.g. ephemeris data. Rectification is not applied to these products.

The Landsat-8 images consist of nine spectral bands, which are all acquired at 30 metre resolution, apart from the two TIRS bands which are acquired at 100 metres and resampled to 30 metres. On a scene-by-scene basis, there is also a quality assessment band included with each product which addresses the conditions that could affect the usefulness of the product. 

Detailed information concerning the Landsat-8 data products is available on the USGS website
 

Algorithm Information

The European Space Agency (ESA) acquires Landsat data over Europe through the ESA ground stations, in co-operation with the USGS and NASA.

In terms of algorithms for Landsat-8, these are maintained by the USGS and are defined in the LDCM Algorithm Description Document

Product Formats

• Landsat-8 Mission Data Format Control Book (DFCB): Description of the Mission Data generated by the Ground Network Element (GNE), including format and data content information.
• Landsat-8 Level 1 Data Format Control Book (DFCB): Description of the Level 1 products generated by DPAS including format and data content information.