What is Satellite Imagery Data? Examples, Datasets and Providers

Satellite imagery data includes high-resolution images taken from satellites, used for visual analysis and monitoring of the earth’s surface. This guide includes our top picks for satellite imagery databases and providers.
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Eugenio Caterino
Editor & Data Industry Expert

What is Satellite Imagery Data?

Satellite imagery data is visual or non-visual information captured by satellites orbiting the Earth. This data provides valuable insights into various aspects such as weather patterns, land cover, urban development, and environmental changes. It is widely used in fields like agriculture, urban planning, disaster management, and scientific research.

What are Examples of Satellite Imagery Data?

Examples of satellite imagery data include geospatial data like aerial photographs, remote sensing images, and digital elevation models. Here are some key types of satellite imagery data:

  • High-Resolution Optical Imagery: Detailed urban planning and infrastructure mapping (30 cm resolution).
  • Medium-Resolution Optical Imagery: Agriculture monitoring and land use mapping (10 to 30 meters resolution).
  • Low-Resolution Optical Imagery: Climate monitoring and large-scale environmental changes (250 meters to 1 km resolution).
  • Radar Imagery (SAR): Surface deformation and flood mapping (1 meter to 100 meters resolution).
  • Hyperspectral Imagery: Mineral exploration and vegetation analysis (10 to 30 meters resolution).
  • Thermal Imagery: Urban heat island studies and volcanic activity monitoring (60 meters to 1 km resolution).
  • LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging): Elevation mapping and forest canopy analysis.

Best Satellite Imagery Datasets & APIs

4.9(7)
Starts at
$300 / month
4.2(3)
Available Pricing:
Monthly License
Yearly License

Sovereign Intelligence | Satellite Data | Integration with Mobile Location Data

Available for 199 countries
50 Billion signals observed daily
36 months of historical data
100% Deterministic
Pricing available upon request
4.9(7)
Starts at
$25 / month
Starts at
€2,000 / year
Free sample preview
4.2(3)
Pricing available upon request

Satellite Global Metals Package (Copper, Alu, Steel/Iron)

Available for 249 countries
6 years of historical data
Starts at
$15,000 / year
10% revenue share
Pricing available upon request
5.0(1)

Xverum Geospatial Data | 100% Verified Location Data | 230M+ POI Records | 5x Fresher Data | Improved POI Data

by Xverum
Available for 249 countries
230M Locations Included
100% Unique and Structured Location Data
Starts at
$1,000$900 / month
Free sample preview
10% Datarade discount
5.0(17)

SafeGraph Geographic Data | Global Coverage | 52M+ Places

Available for 3 countries
11M POI (Points of Interest)
3 years of historical data
Starts at
$0.10 / purchase
Free sample preview

Monetize data on Datarade Marketplace

List your data on our global B2B marketplace to reach 100k monthly buyers

Satellite Imagery Data Use Cases

What Types of Satellite Imagery Data are Available?

Several types of satellite imagery data are available, including:

  • Optical Imagery: Captures images in the visible spectrum.
  • Infrared Imagery: Captures images in the infrared spectrum, useful for vegetation and thermal analysis.
  • Radar Imagery: Uses microwave signals to capture images, effective in all weather conditions and through cloud cover.
  • Multispectral Imagery: Captures images at multiple wavelengths, allowing for detailed analysis of various features.

How Do You Read Satellite Imagery?

How Do You Get Satellite Image Data?
Reading satellite imagery requires understanding key elements such as color, scale, and features. Important tips include:

  • Color Interpretation: Different colors represent various materials and conditions. For instance, vegetation typically appears green, while water bodies are blue or black.
  • Scale and Resolution: High-resolution images provide more detail, making it easier to identify specific features.
  • Feature Identification: Recognizing patterns and shapes helps in identifying natural and man-made structures.

How Do You Get Satellite Image Data?

Obtaining satellite imagery data is possible through several sources, both free and paid. Some popular options include:

  • USGS Earth Explorer: A platform offering access to a variety of satellite imagery data, including historical and current images.
  • Google Earth: Provides high-resolution satellite imagery and allows users to view changes over time with date-specific imagery.
  • Satellite Imagery Data Providers: Find many providers offering the most up-to-date satellite imagery data for various applications on Datarade Marketplace.

How Can You Analyse Satellite Data?

Analyzing satellite data involves several steps and techniques to extract meaningful information. Key methods include:

  • Image Processing: Techniques such as filtering, enhancement, and classification improve and interpret satellite images.
  • Geospatial Analysis: Using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to analyze spatial relationships and patterns.
  • Time-Series Analysis: Examining changes over time to identify trends and patterns.
  • Big Data Analytics: Leveraging extensive satellite imagery datasets to gain insights.

What is Big Data Satellite Imagery?

Big data satellite imagery involves the analysis of vast amounts of satellite data to extract valuable insights. This approach is used in various fields, including environmental monitoring, urban planning, and disaster response.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is Satellite Imagery Data Collected?

Satellite Imagery Data is captured by satellites that are equipped with advanced sensors capable of detecting different wavelengths, such as visible light, infrared, and radar. These sensors gather detailed images of the Earth’s surface from space, making it possible to monitor environmental changes, urban development, and much more. If you’re looking for specific types of imagery, like infrared for agricultural monitoring or radar for weather analysis, we recommend confirming with the provider about the sensor types they use.

How Accurate is Satellite Imagery Data?

The accuracy of satellite imagery data is closely tied to its resolution and how it’s processed. High-resolution imagery can provide spatial detail down to 30 centimeters, offering precise and actionable insights. This is particularly useful for industries like real estate, urban planning, and environmental monitoring. If accuracy is critical to your project, we recommend opting for high-resolution datasets to capture finer details.

How Often is Satellite Imagery Data Updated?

Satellite imagery update frequency can range from daily to monthly, depending on the satellite’s mission and orbit. For example, some satellites provide daily images, while others may only update weekly or monthly. Historical archives are also available, which can give you access to data spanning several years. We suggest choosing an update frequency that matches your project’s needs—real-time monitoring for fast-paced industries, or periodic updates for trend analysis.

How is Satellite Imagery Data Used with Privacy Considerations?

Privacy is taken seriously with our satellite imagery data providers. They comply with international regulations to ensure sensitive locations, like military bases or private properties, are protected. These areas are often blurred or excluded from publicly available imagery. Data providers also use robust security measures to prevent unauthorized access.

How Much Does Satellite Imagery Data Cost?

The cost of satellite imagery data depends on factors like resolution, coverage area, and how frequently the data is updated. You’ll find a variety of pricing models, from subscription services and pay-per-use to custom solutions for more tailored needs. Many providers also offer free samples or trial access, which we recommend exploring before making a final decision. This way, you can ensure the data meets your quality and budget requirements.

What are Similar Data Types to Satellite Imagery Data?

Satellite imagery data is closely related to several other geospatial categories, including location data, map data, satellite data, point of interest (POI) data, and GIS data.

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