In the past, satellite data was only available to narrow-minded professionals, governments, and the military. Today, thousands of satellites every day capture trillions of pixels of images of our planet, which have access to a variety of categories of users.
The increased availability of satellite images is associated with a reduction in the cost of sending satellites to orbit for imaging. Users no longer need to pay thousands of dollars to get high-resolution images.
Recent advances in artificial intelligence have made it much easier for companies and individuals to extract valuable information from satellite imagery. The obtained information enables better business decisions, planning, and predicting trends more accurately.
Searching and Identifying Satellite Images
The first step in finding the required satellite imagery is to define the boundaries of the region of interest. Researchers need to find the names of various objects (rivers, cities, landmarks, etc.) that describe the events in question and set a time frame. Combined with geographic coordinates, this data will be used to search for satellite images.
After determining the geographical coordinates of the AOI, the search for available images begins. Researchers need to acquire two images (before and after the event) to document the events and changes of interest.
In the process of searching, it is crucial to consider that satellites take both panchromatic and multispectral images. In some instances, multispectral images, which are more expensive, will be more suitable as they contain additional color information. At the same time, if the user needs the highest image resolution possible, it is worth looking for panchromatic satellite images.
Multispectral images can be three-channel or four-channel. Three-band images contain the red, green, and blue bands that constitute a color image. Four-band multispectral images include the red, green, blue, and near-infrared bands. The extra NIR can be extremely useful depending on the project, making it easy to recognize vegetation.
EOSDA Landviewer
EOS Data Analytics, a global provider of satellite data analytics for agriculture and over 20 other industries, has created EOSDA LandViewer. This tool brings satellite imagery closer to users, helping them to perform a wide range of tasks. With this tool, businesses can obtain satellite data to improve the efficiency of business tasks.
Having determined the area of interest, users can select free or high-resolution images as the source data (only up to 10 images are provided for free). Then, by applying filters, they can access a list of images that match their query. It is also necessary to check the intersection area with the selected site and wait until the server calculates the cost of the pictures. After the server displays the price, the user can add images to the cart and pay for the order in one click or by contacting the sales manager.
The rich functionality of EOSDA LandViewer provides a quick search of satellite images, operational analysis, and processing. The user can get satellite imagery from anywhere worldwide by selecting an area of interest.
Historical and recent satellite images enable the user to detect changes over time. In addition, using EOSDA LandViewer, users can get images from different satellites taken on different dates. The server provides split view mode and time series analysis for image comparison. Users can visualize the results using time-lapse animation.
Thanks to EOSDA LandViewer, the users can get access to 10 indices values calculation, including NDVI. These values enable the extraction of valuable information on vegetation and soil. Users can also combine different spectral bands to create custom indices according to their needs.
EOS SAT
EOS Data Analytics has a deep understanding of the problems and needs of modern agriculture. Accurate satellite data is what the industry needs today to improve productivity and increase sustainability. On January 3, 2023, the company will launch the first EOS SAT-1 optical satellite from the future constellation of satellites, which will have seven units by 2025.
Launching the satellite constellation will make EOSDA the company that can carry out a complete geospatial data analysis work cycle, including data collection, processing, and subsequent data transformation into valuable insights for users.The EOS SAT constellation will work for the benefit of agriculture by providing panchromatic and multispectral imagery as well as access to specific information through 13 spectral bands. It will fully cover farmland in 20 countries with the most potential in the industry with a 5-6 day return visit.
