Established in 1970, the Environmental Remote Sensing Center (ERSC) is recognized as having been one of the first remote sensing facilities in the United States. Throughout its history it was highly regarded internationally for the development and application of cutting-edge remote sensing and geospatial technologies to the improved understanding of environmental systems.

In 2006 the research functions of ERSC transferred to the Space Science & Engineering Center (SSEC). In 2018, the NI re-launched, the academic programs that were associated with ERSC (PhD, MS, and Professional MS in Environmental Monitoring) as a new graduate program. The Environmental Observation and Informatics (EOI) program is a professional MS with a curriculum focused on environmental remote sensing, spatial data analysis and modeling, and environmental leadership.

The legacy of ERSC is represented by the 100s of graduates around the world trained and supported by Drs. Tom Lillesand, Frank Scarpace, Al Vonderohe, Ralph Kiefer, Paul Wolfe, Steve Ventura, Jon Chipman, Tim Olsen, Peter Weiler, Sam Batzli, Mr. Larry Seidl, Ms. Marcia Verhage, and others.

Some of the land remote sensing activities of ERSC live on in the continuing program "WisconsinView" and other geospatial activities in SSEC directed by Sam Batzli.

Updated August 2018