Tap into satellite data and unleash profits from your farm

Important questions

• What is the minimum required field size to fully benefit from the SatAgro service?

  Because of satellite image resolution, the quantity and quality of information provided by SatAgro depends on the size and shape of the field. Most of the maps we deliver has a resolution of 10 m, so there are 100 measurements per hectare. If the monitored field is narrow then more measurements fall on the edge and they represent a mixture of area inside and outside of the field. In the case of graphs presenting crop condition, the minimal field size is 10 hectares.

• In what aspects are satellite data better than other monitoring methods?

  Satellite observations do not prevent our users from considering other crop monitoring methods, the results of which we are happy to integrate into our users' accounts. Nevertheless, satellites do have a number of important advantages. A benefit of satellite data is the low cost of monitoring coupled with the extremely high quality of the technology involved. In contrast to drones, satellite images cover the entire farm, even if the fields are widely distributed. Satellites scan the entire field area, whereas tractor-based ground sensors often scan only along the path. When considering using satellite monitoring please however keep in mind that the spatial resolution of satellite data (pixel > 5 m) excludes some applications such as weed surveying or detailed crop loss assessments, as well as the fact that images will be delivered depending on the calendar and weather, not on demand.

• Are 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 Professional plan offers our clients with at least 250 ha the ability to order one commercial satellite image (resolution of about 5 m) each growing season. This extra service is especially useful when sowing and spraying dates are fixed and defined well in advance. Data provided as part of our standard plan should be sufficient for most users.

• Does SatAgro support their clients in data interpretation?

  Yes. We are in direct contact with our clients. In addition to providing innovative data products we also assist users with their interpretation and use. We also maintain a blog where we publish useful articles and instructions.