Real-time Satellite Imagery Providers: Which one is the Best?
When it comes to satellite imagery, you want to make sure you are using the best provider out there. With so many options, how do you choose? Well, that's where we come in. The Flare Compare team has researched and compared the top real-time satellite imagery providers, and we have some interesting findings to share with you.
Criteria for Comparison
To be fair in our assessment, we have put ourselves in the shoes of a researcher or analyst who would require real-time satellite imagery for their work. The following are the criteria we used for comparison:
- Image quality
- Frequency of updates
- Price
- User experience and interface
- Compatibility with GIS software
Our Top Picks
Based on our research, we have narrowed down the top three real-time satellite imagery providers. Here are our picks:
1. Planet
Planet is a real-time satellite imagery provider that offers excellent image quality and frequent updates. They have a massive satellite network that can capture data on a daily basis, making them the best option for users in need of near real-time imagery. Price-wise, they offer a free trial, and their basic subscription starts at $200/month. Their user experience is simple and easy to navigate, and their images can be easily integrated with GIS software.
2. DigitalGlobe
DigitalGlobe is another popular real-time satellite imagery provider. Their image quality is exceptional, and they offer updates on a daily basis. However, their subscription plans are on the pricier side, starting at $2,000/month. Their user experience and interface are also slightly more complex than Planet, but still manageable. They are compatible with popular GIS software such as ArcGIS and QGIS.
3. Maxar
Maxar is a real-time satellite imagery provider that offers high-quality image resolution and updates on a daily basis. Their subscription plans vary depending on the level of access required, starting at $1,500/month. Their user interface could be considered the most complex of our top picks, but they are still user-friendly. They are also compatible with popular GIS software such as ArcGIS and QGIS.