Holly M. Miller

Appropriate Uses and Considerations for Online Surveying in Human Dimensions Research

Online surveying has gained attention in recent years for its applicability to human dimensions research as an efficient and inexpensive data-collection method; however, online surveying is not a panacea. In this article, we provide some guidelines for alleviating or avoiding the criticisms and pitfalls suggested of online survey methods and explore two case studies demonstrating different approaches to online surveying. The first was a mixed-mode study of visitors to 52 participating National Wildlife Refuges. The response rate was 72%, with over half of respondents completing the survey online, resulting in cost-savings and efficiencies that would not have otherwise been realized. The second highlighted an online-only approach targeting specialized users of satellite imagery. Through branching and skipping, the online mode allowed flexibilities in administration impractical in a mail survey. The response rate of 53% was higher than typical for online surveys. Both case studies provide examples of appropriate uses of online surveying.

Valuing Geospatial Information: Using the Contingent Valuation Method to Estimate the Economic Benefits of Landsat Satellite Imagery

Abstract While the U.S. government does not charge for downloading Landsat images, the images have value to users. This paper demonstrates a method that can value Landsat and other imagery to users. A survey of downloaders of Landsat images found: (a) established US users have a mean value of

The Value of Earth Observations: Methods and Findings on the Value of Landsat Imagery

912 USD per scene; (b) new US users and users returning when imagery became free have a mean value of

The users, uses, and value of Landsat and other moderate-resolution satellite imagery in the United States-Executive report

367 USD per scene. Total US user benefits for the 2.38 million scenes downloaded is

Users, uses, and value of Landsat satellite imagery: results from the 2012 survey of users

1.8 billion USD. While these benefits indicate a high willingness-to-pay among many Landsat downloaders, it would be economically inefficient for the US government to charge for Landsat imagery. Charging a price of

National wildlife refuge visitor survey results: 2010/2011

100 USD a scene would result in an efficiency loss of

Landsat and water: case studies of the uses and benefits of landsat imagery in water resources

37.5 million a year. This economic information should be useful to policymakers who must decide about the future of this and similar remote sensing programs.

Landsat and agriculture—Case studies on the uses and benefits of Landsat imagery in agricultural monitoring and production

Data from Earth observation systems are used extensively in managing and monitoring natural resources, natural hazards, and the impacts of climate change, but the value of such data can be difficult to estimate, particularly when it is available at no cost. Assessing the socioeconomic and scientific value of these data provides a better understanding of the existing and emerging research, science, and applications related to this information and contributes to the decision-making process regarding current and future Earth observation systems. Recent USGS research on Landsat data has advanced the literature in this area by using a variety of methods to estimate value. The results of a 2012 survey of Landsat users, a 2013 requirements assessment, and a 2013 case studies of applications of Landsat imagery are discussed.