This article explains how to search for archive imagery and create an order on the EXPLORE application.
You can follow the steps outlined in this article, or you can follow along with the tutorial video below.
Tasking orders are a request sent to a satellite provider, to specifically increase the probability of capture for an AOI (Area of Interest), over a given date range.
Tasking data has a higher chance of data being collected, and require satellites to change their normal pattern of image capture, therefore is offered at a premium rate and includes a minimum order size.
These are the steps to create a tasking order:
1. Login into Explore and click on Order New.
2. Search your AOI using the search bar by entering a Town/City/Country or coordinates. You also have the option to draw a polygon directly onto the map using the Draw Polygon Button. If you have a KML/GeoJSON formatted polygon file you can upload it by clicking the Upload a Polygon Button on the right. You can create a custom KML or GeoJSON using a GIS Platform, Google Earth, or https://geojson.io.
If you have an AOI you have saved from a previous order, you can also load it back on EXPLORE by selecting the bookmark symbol located in the top right of your screen (see step 2 in the article "How To Make An Archive Order").
Once you have entered your location, you can select a start and end date for the tasking order.
Note:
The start date you select, a 14 day window will default. You can adjust the window by changing the end date.
To optimize the cost-effectiveness of your tasking, it's advisable to create a polygon that closely approximates 25 km², as this is the minimum chargeable area.
3. Once you are satisfied with your area of interest you can select your desired resolution, and assign a name to the order.
Note: The default output type for tasking orders is All Optical Bands. To select True Colour or RGB+NiR you must go to Advanced Settings. Under Advanced Settings, you can also select the "Frequency" of your tasking order.
For example, if you pick a weekly interval starting on March 1st, you will receive the best image for the week of March 1st - 7th, then the best image for the week of March 8th - 14th, etc. until the end of your tasking. For a detailed explanation, we recommend reviewing the "How to Increase Probability of Fulfillment" support document.
If you are placing a 50 cm or 30 cm tasking order, under Advanced Settings, you also have to option to select the "Off Nadir Angle".
For 30 cm orders, the maximum angle cannot exceed 30 degrees and the minimum cannot be lower than 20.
For 50 cm orders, the maximum angle cannot exceed 30 degrees.
4. Once you have selected all of your tasking settings, the maximum cost of your tasking order will appear in the right bottom corner. To place the order in your cart, click Add to Cart.
5. You will need to go to your cart to confirm the tasking order. Make sure you have your credit card information added to your account, or you will be prompted to provide it.
Important Note:
A fulfilled tasking delivery is a capture with a cloud coverage of <15-20%, as defined by our satellite providers. We cannot guarantee a 100% cloud-free capture.