Frequently asked questions

Satellite imagery is described by different resolutions, including spatial, temporal, and spectral. Spatial resolution refers to what can be represented by one pixel in an image. For example, a 30cm resolution image means that one pixel represents an area of 30cm x 30cm. To give an idea of the scale, an average car of 4.2m (420cm) would appear as 96 pixels in the image. These resolution values provide an indication of the objects that can be detected in an image. Referring to satellite imagery with these values can help determine what can and cannot be detected in an image.

Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) play a crucial role in geospatial analysis. A DEM is a digital representation or 3D model of a terrain's surface, generated using 3D data. At Geoimage, our internal processing team can provide two types of DEMs (DSM or DTM) for your satellite imagery, based on your specific needs.

The process of generating 15cm HD involves employing specialised techniques and proprietary software on native 30cm images. Advanced HD technology employs intricate mathematical algorithms tailored to the unique characteristics of the images, effectively augmenting pixel count. This advancement yields an enhanced visual outcome, delivering distinct features that greatly facilitate the extraction of significant information by both individuals and algorithms. 
 
You can find out more about the attributes and benefits of 15cm HD from this link.

Archive refers to images that have already been captured and stored in historical databases. These images can be used for monitoring purposes or for comparing past images or data sets. Fresh capture, on the other hand, involves programming a satellite to capture a specific area of interest (AOI). This can be more expensive than using archive imagery, as it requires the satellite to be programmed to capture over the specific AOI. The choice between using archive imagery or fresh capture depends on whether you need a historical view of your area or you need to capture your area at a future date.

SWIR, which stands for Short-Wave Infrared, involves a type of light that's invisible to the human eye but is used in imaging to uncover hidden details not visible with regular light. Geoimage uses SWIR to gather valuable insights about plant health (NDVI) and the makeup of the Earth's surface, aiding applications in agriculture, environmental, and searching for minerals.

The cost of satellite imagery depends on factors such as the size of your area of interest (AOI), the spatial resolution you require (15cm HD, 30cm, 40cm, 50cm, 100cm, etc.), and the specific service you require, which may involve different satellites. In addition, whether you need fresh capture or archive data can also affect the price, as archive imagery is typically less expensive. To receive a quote, fill out our request a quote form, and our team will provide an estimated cost and suggest the best solutions to meet your project needs. After approving the options, a formal quote will be provided.

Geoimage provides a wide range of satellite imagery and geospatial services for clients in Australia and worldwide. We partner with leading satellite vendors such as Maxar and Airbus to offer comprehensive services including DEMs (Digital Elevation Models), SWIR (Spectral Analysis), InSAR, image processing/data analytics, and monitoring. We also offer web-hosted dashboards and specialised software to extract and analyse data from satellite imagery. Additionally, we can provide custom solutions for various use cases and can deliver both archived and fresh satellite imagery tailored to meet specific requirements.

Aerial imagery is captured from flying objects such as drones or aircraft, while satellite imagery is obtained from sensors on satellites orbiting the Earth. Although both have different applications, there are significant differences in their use in Australia. Weather conditions and fuel costs for aircraft surveys need to be considered for aerial imagery data acquisition, affecting flight duration. However, satellite imagery captures large areas in a single pass without limitations.

Both optical and radar imagery provide valuable insights depending on the use case. Optical imagery captures images similar to what humans see, while radar imagery can penetrate through clouds and haze, and is capable of capturing images at night. Radar images also bring out details in a different way than optical imagery. Geoimage can suggest the best type of imagery depending on your project, as both types of data provide useful insights. The difference between optical and radar imagery is in how the data is acquired. Optical images use techniques similar to a camera, while radar data form an image as the satellite sensors send and receive reflected radio waves from Earth's surfaces.

Spectral bands in satellite imagery refer to specific ranges of wavelengths detected by satellite sensors, providing information about the Earth's surface. These bands are used for various applications, such as identifying mineral deposits, monitoring mining operations, assessing environmental impacts, land use changes, monitoring construction projects, and assessing vegetation health. The number and specific range of spectral bands used can vary depending on the satellite and the intended application.

Geoimage partners with major satellite vendors like Maxar and Airbus to deliver fresh and archive imagery, providing options for raw data or processed images using techniques such as orthorectification and pan-sharpening. We also provide data analysis services, including Digital Elevation Models (DEMs), Shortwave Infrared analysis (SWIR), and surface movement monitoring through Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR). Our customised and innovative solutions serve various industries, such as mining, engineering, oil and gas, government, and environmental.

Since the first artificial satellite, Sputnik, was launched in 1957, there have been thousands of satellites orbiting Earth, including communication, weather, and navigational satellites. Imaging satellites, also known as Remote Sensing Satellites, capture Earth observation imagery. Geoimage uses imaging satellites from partners such as Airbus, Maxar, RESTEC, 21AT and Pixxel for all imagery requests. Satellites generally operate for several years, with more advanced ones launched in succession. Depending on the technology used, they offer capture abilities at varying resolutions and spectral bands.

Geoimage is a specialised provider of satellite imagery and geospatial solutions, whereas Google Earth is a widely used platform for visualising satellite imagery. While Google Earth offers a range of features and tools for exploring and visualising the Earth's surface, Geoimage provides more specialised services such as customised imagery solutions, data processing, and spectral analysis. Geoimage also offers access to a wider range of satellite sensors and spectral bands than those available through Google Earth. Additionally, Geoimage provides personalised customer service and support to help clients get the most out of their satellite imagery and geospatial data.

Our standard delivery time is typically up-to 10 working days after successful capture or up-to 5 working days for raw data. However, we can also offer priority processing options. Once an order is placed, the sales representative will confirm a delivery date.

Absolute accuracy pertains to the extent of deviation from truth, typically assessed through disparities between a point's true ground coordinates and its corresponding mapping coordinates. These ground coordinates are commonly referenced within established systems like GPS. On the other hand, relative accuracy refers to the variance from an accurate relationship between two points, encompassing factors such as geodetic azimuth, distance, delta elevation, and their corresponding mapped relationships between the same points.

If you're unsure which of our services is best suited for your specific high-resolution satellite imagery needs in New Zealand, Australia, or globally, we can offer expert guidance. With decades of experience working with various industries, we are geospatial specialists who can suggest a tailored solution that meets both your requirements and budget.

Of course. We offer customised high-resolution satellite imagery solutions to meet specific requirements. Our solutions are designed using imagery collected from various satellites and sensors, combined with high-quality software featuring our proprietary scripts. Our experts can provide tailored solutions for any use case. Contact us to discuss your custom solution with our specialists.

CE90 stands for Circular Error at 90%. It is a term commonly used in the field of satellite imagery and remote sensing to describe the accuracy or precision of a geospatial measurement or location. Specifically, CE90 represents the radius of a circle within which 90% of the measured points or features are expected to fall relative to their true or intended positions.

SAR is a type of radar that uses microwaves to create high-resolution images of the Earth's surface. It is particularly useful for studying areas that are difficult to access or that experience extreme weather conditions, such as the polar regions. SAR images are generated by transmitting a microwave signal toward the Earth's surface and then recording the reflections of this signal that bounce back. By analysing the time it takes for the signal to travel to the Earth's surface and back, SAR can generate 2D and 3D images with a high level of detail.

InSAR (Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar) is a remote sensing technique that uses radar data to measure and monitor changes in the Earth's surface. InSAR involves the use of two or more radar images taken from slightly different positions to create an interferogram, which is a visual representation of the phase difference between the radar signals.

Geoimage provides a wide range of geospatial services along with high-quality raw and processed satellite imagery. We have been providing these services to various industries, including mining, engineering, oil and gas, government, and environmental industries, for several decades, leveraging a team of highly qualified specialists and a network of experienced partners. We can customise solutions to meet specific requirements, utilising our expertise and resources. Get in touch with one of our specialists today to learn more about our services, discuss your requirements, and receive comprehensive information and a competitive quotation.

Geoimage has the capabilities to capture almost anywhere in the world. Some areas may be restricted due to embargos around worldwide events or particular country legislations. For more information, talk to our sales team who can assist you further.