Unleash the power of satellite data for your farm

Important questions

• Is there a minimum field size for SatAgro?

  The quantity and quality of information provided by SatAgro depends on the size and shape of the field. Most of the maps we deliver have a resolution of 10m, giving 100 measurements per hectare. If the monitored field is narrow, more measurements fall on the edge. These can represent areas inside and outside the field boundary. For graphs showing field-wide crop condition, the minimum field size is 10 hectares.

• Why is satellite data better than other monitoring methods?

  Satellite observations shouldn’t be seen as an ‘either-or’ tool. Many SatAgro users employ other crop monitoring methods alongside satellite data; we often help them integrate it into their accounts. Nevertheless, satellite data has several advantages. Chief among these is its low cost and high quality. Satellite images cover the entire farm (in contrast to drones), even if fields are widely distributed. And satellites scan the entire field, whereas tractor-based ground sensors often scan only along the path. However, the spatial resolution of satellite data (pixel > 3 m) excludes some applications such as weed surveying or detailed crop-loss assessments. Additionally, satellite images are not delivered on demand; they depend on the calendar and weather.

• Can I get satellite data delivered continuously?

  Availability of satellite data depends on satellite type as well as weather (cloudiness). Some satellites have a daily revisit time (we use such imagery to infer general crop condition on a graph). However, a detailed representation of any given field on a map is possible on average once a week and requires a cloudless sky. In practice during the growth season we deliver just under twenty maps (depending on the weather). Expected satellite flyover dates are marked on a calendar within the SatAgro application. The Premium plan offers access to commercial data from satellites with daily flyovers, that make successful image acquisition much easier - Premium plan users enjoy access to Planet data once a week, excluding extremely cloudy periods.

• How does SatAgro support clients with data analysis?

  We’re in regular, direct contact with our clients, providing innovative data products and helping users with data interpretation and use. Our blog contains useful articles and instructions to help users extract maximum value from their data.