Token System
Understanding Token Usage
Tokens are how we measure satellite imagery usage. Learn how they work and how to get the most from your allocation.
How Tokens Work
The Basics
- 1 token = 1 tile request (256×256 pixels)
- Tiles are loaded as you pan and zoom the map
- Cached tiles don't count again
- Tokens reset monthly on your billing date
What Counts
- Sentinel-1 SAR imagery viewing
- Sentinel-2 optical imagery viewing
- VIIRS nighttime lights viewing
- Difference analysis processing
Typical Token Usage
| Action | Tokens | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| View a city at zoom level 12 | 15-25 | Loading satellite tiles for a metropolitan area overview |
| Pan across a region | 10-30 | Each new area loads additional tiles |
| Zoom in to street level (zoom 18) | 30-50 | Higher zoom requires more tiles for the same area |
| Compare two dates (time series) | 40-80 | Loading tiles for multiple timestamps |
| Difference analysis | 50-100 | Processing and rendering change detection tiles |
* Actual usage varies based on viewport size, zoom level, and area coverage.
Tips to Optimize Usage
Focus on Your Area of Interest
Zoom directly to your target area instead of panning around. Each pan loads new tiles.
Use Lower Zoom Levels First
Get an overview at zoom 10-12 before zooming to detail. Higher zooms use more tokens per area.
Avoid Unnecessary Refreshes
Tiles are cached in your browser. Avoid clearing cache or force-refreshing unless needed.
Limit Date Range Searches
Narrow your date range when searching for imagery to reduce preview loading.
When You Hit Your Limit
When your monthly token allocation is exhausted:
- • New satellite tile requests are paused
- • Already-loaded tiles remain visible
- • You can still use the interface and manage layers
- • Tokens reset automatically at your next billing cycle
Need more tokens? Upgrade your plan for instant access to more.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is a token?▼
A token represents one satellite imagery tile request. Each tile is a 256×256 pixel image segment. When you view a map, multiple tiles are loaded to cover your viewport.
How many tokens does typical usage consume?▼
A typical 15-30 minute session exploring an area of interest uses 50-150 tokens. Power users analyzing multiple areas may use 200-500 tokens per session.
Do tokens roll over to the next month?▼
No, unused tokens reset at the beginning of each billing cycle. We recommend using your full allocation each month.
What happens when I run out of tokens?▼
Satellite tile loading pauses until your next monthly reset. You can still access saved layers and use the interface, but new tile requests are blocked.
Can I buy additional tokens mid-month?▼
Currently, you can upgrade to a higher plan to receive more tokens. One-time token purchases are planned for a future release.
Why do some operations use more tokens?▼
Higher zoom levels require more tiles to cover the same area. Time series and difference analysis load tiles for multiple dates, multiplying usage.
Are cached tiles counted?▼
No. Tiles cached in your browser from previous sessions don't consume tokens when re-displayed. Only new tile requests from our servers count.
How can I check my remaining tokens?▼
Your token balance is shown in the map interface header and on the Billing page. Usage updates in real-time as you view satellite imagery.
Ready to Start?
Get 300 free tokens every month. No credit card required.