Looking to find and ingest geospatial data effortlessly? The Discover module in SpatialScale lets you access data from both public and private archives. Whether you need LiDAR point clouds or optical imagery, this guide will show you how to locate and ingest the data you need.
Step 1: Access the Discover Module
First, log in to your SpatialScale account and head over to the Discover module. This is where the magic happens!
Step 2: Define Your Area of Interest (AOI)
You can either draw a new Area of Interest (AOI) directly on the map or use the footprint of an existing dataset. This helps you focus your search on the exact location you need data for.
Step 3: Choose Your Data Type
Next, select the type of data you're looking for:
LiDAR Point Cloud: Ideal for detailed elevation and surface analysis.
Optical Imagery: Perfect for visual mapping and remote sensing applications.
Step 4: Select a Collection
Choose from a variety of collections available in the module. You’ll find data from both public and private archives:
Public Archives: Includes free datasets like those from government or open-source projects. These are great for general-purpose use.
Private Archives: Offers premium datasets that might require a fee. These are often higher resolution or more specialized.
Step 5: Name Your Dataset
Give your new dataset a descriptive name. This makes it easy to find and organize within your projects.
Step 6: Ingest Your Data
For Free Collections: Click the "Ingest" button to start the process immediately.
For Paid Collections: If the data comes with a fee, click the "Checkout" button. Once payment is completed, the ingestion process will begin.
Working with results
Finding and ingesting data is likely only the first step in your data analysis journey. Upon completion of the ingest process a new dataset will be available for use in analytical jobs and visualization via the Explore module.
Here’s an example of NAIP photography and Point Clouds obtained via the Discover module fused into a True Color 3D representation of UT Austin via SpatialScale Explorer.
Data Sources Overview
Public Archives: Includes free and widely accessible datasets, perfect for large-scale projects or educational purposes.
Private Archives: Offers premium data that often includes higher resolution or specialized information, suitable for precise applications.
Available Collections
Aerial LiDAR
USGS 3DEP
Overview: The USGS 3D Elevation Program (3DEP) offers high-resolution lidar data, providing detailed elevation models of the U.S.
Resolution: Varies, with high-density point clouds available.
Use Cases: Excellent for flood risk management, infrastructure planning, and geological studies.
NRCan LiDAR Point Clouds
Overview: Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) provides high-quality lidar data covering various regions across Canada. This data is perfect for environmental monitoring and resource management.
Resolution: High-density point clouds, offering precise elevation and surface detail.
Use Cases: Ideal for forestry management, environmental studies, and urban planning within Canadian territories.
Aerial Photography
NAIP
Overview: The National Agriculture Imagery Program (NAIP) provides aerial imagery across the United States, widely used for agricultural analysis.
Resolution: 1 meter.
Use Cases: Best for crop assessment, land management, and rural planning.
Satellite Imagery
Pleiades
Overview: Pleiades offers high-resolution satellite imagery, perfect for detailed analysis and mapping projects.
Resolution: Up to 50 cm.
Use Cases: Ideal for urban planning, agriculture, and disaster response.
Pleiades Neo
Overview: Pleiades Neo provides ultra-high-resolution imagery, capturing the earth’s surface in even greater detail.
Resolution: Up to 30 cm.
Use Cases: Excellent for precision mapping, infrastructure monitoring, and environmental studies.
Sentinel-2
Overview: Sentinel-2 offers multi-spectral satellite imagery, known for its wide coverage and frequent revisit times.
Resolution: 10 to 60 meters, depending on the band.
Use Cases: Suitable for vegetation monitoring, land use, and disaster management.
SPOT
Overview: SPOT satellites provide high-resolution optical imagery with a broad swath width, making it great for large-area coverage.
Resolution: Up to 1.5 meters.
Use Cases: Perfect for forestry, agriculture, and regional planning.
Landsat-8
Overview: Landsat-8 delivers multi-spectral data with a focus on long-term environmental monitoring and change detection.
Resolution: 15 to 100 meters, depending on the band.
Use Cases: Ideal for environmental research, land use planning, and climate change studies.
Tips for Best Results
AOI Precision: The more precise your AOI, the more relevant your data will be.
Data Type Selection: Choose the data type that best fits your analysis needs—LiDAR for elevation or optical for visual mapping.
Budget Consideration: Use public archives for cost-effective projects, and consider private archives for premium data.
Ready to discover new data? Head over to the SpatialScale platform and start exploring!