This new way of working speeds up the data ordering and acquisition process, and removes previous barriers. Below we answer a few common queries -
How do I get started with SatShop?
Simply request access for an account. Login to the portal and you’ll be able to begin selecting your data.
What satellites does SatShop use?
We primarily use the Sentinel-1 constellation, which consists of two satellites Sentinel-1a and Sentinel-1b operated by the European Space Agency (ESA) on behalf of the European Commission Copernicus scheme.
Sentinel-1 provides a good balance between spatial coverage, resolution, and repeat time. The satellites produce images every six days which are hundreds of kilometres wide with a resolution of 20 m x 4 m on the ground. Sentinel-1 also has a free, open-access data policy allowing anybody to obtain the data free of charge. However, some applications may require the use of higher resolution, more expensive, commercial radar satellites. SatSense is able to provide ground movement data using InSAR from these satellites as well.
What is the accuracy of your technique?
Our data consists of time series and average velocities. The accuracy of an individual data point in the time series is typically a few mm and depends on the properties of the reflector. The average velocities are more accurate, achieving accuracies of approximately a millimetre per year.
How can I get help interpreting the data?
We are happy to explain the key concepts of InSAR and what the data show generally, but it is up to you to use our data in conjunction with other information to build up a complete picture of the processes/area you are interested in.
How much does it cost?
We are launching the portal on a trial price basis throughout our phased launch, so stay tuned for more details.
What areas do you cover?
Our data covers the entirety of the UK, with most of the country having historical data going back five years.
Can I get a report to summarise InSAR and geotechnical insight?
Yes, please get in touch with our team for more information.
When will my data be sent to me?
We aim for one working day or less, there are manual steps at the moment but this should become fully automated in due course bringing the time down to minutes.
Can I get data sent to me regularly?
Yes, this will be a manual exercise for now but will be automated in due course.
How often do you get new data?
Sentinel-1 acquires a new image along each satellite track every six days over the UK and the rest of Europe. These satellites follow an approximately polar orbit meaning they fly approximately north-south. Some of these satellite tracks have the satellite flying from south to north (known as ascending orbits) whilst others have the satellite flying from north to south (known as descending orbits). These different satellite tracks overlap and provide complementary information.
Most places in the UK are imaged by four different satellite tracks, each of which is updated every 6 days. This means that over 6 days, there will generally be 4 new measurements over all the satellite tracks which image a particular site.
What happens if I’m not happy with my service?
We are always looking to improve and strive for excellence. Above all, we value your feedback – please get in touch if you’re not entirely satisfied.
If you still have any additional questions, please contact us. To experience our brand-new portal, please visit the site here.