satellite data
5 articlesA Field Guide to Free Satellite Data Sources: Sentinel-1, Sentinel-2, VIIRS, and NASA FIRMS
Four open satellite data sources cover most monitoring needs — but each one sees the world differently. This guide explains what Sentinel-1 SAR, Sentinel-2 optical, VIIRS nighttime lights, and NASA FIRMS active fire each measure, and how to pick the right one.
2026-06-19 · 5 min read
How to Choose the Right Satellite Data for Your Project
With dozens of satellite data sources available, picking the right one for your specific analysis can be overwhelming. This decision guide walks through the key questions to ask before you start.
2026-01-26 · 6 min read
Free vs. Commercial Satellite Imagery: What You Actually Get for the Price Difference
Free satellite data from Copernicus and Landsat covers most use cases, but commercial imagery offers higher resolution and faster revisits. This post breaks down what each tier provides and when the upgrade is worth it.
2025-12-22 · 8 min read
STAC Explained: The Standard That Makes Satellite Data Discoverable
What the SpatioTemporal Asset Catalog (STAC) specification is, how it works, and why it has become the standard for organizing and searching satellite imagery. Covers Items, Collections, Catalogs, and the STAC API.
2025-11-23 · 8 min read
Four Types of Satellite Image Resolution That Actually Matter
Spatial resolution gets all the attention, but spectral, temporal, and radiometric resolution determine what you can actually do with satellite data. This guide explains all four with practical examples.
2025-11-18 · 8 min read