Set optical ordering parameters

Fill out the tasking order form for an optical collection.

Overview

While creating a tasking order, you’ll need to specify order parameters for the tasking acquisition. As optical imagery is captured with passive sensors, optical order parameters will vary from the typical SAR order parameters.

See optical tasking collections

Tasking and acquisition

Acquisition mode

The operation mode that determines whether a single image of the requested AOI should be taken, or several images from different viewpoints in the same orbit.

Maximum cloud coverage

The maximum percentage of a delivered asset that can be covered by clouds.

The optimal cloud coverage is 10%, but for cloudy climates, it can be up to 30%. If the chosen cloud coverage is less than the optimal value, the sensor will need more passes to capture imagery with the required parameters.

Priority

The priority of the order. High-priority orders are completed faster but cost more.

Imaging geometry

Maximum incidence angle

The maximum allowed angle between the ground normal and look direction from the satellite.

The smaller the angle, the fewer acquisition opportunities will be available. For example, specifying a maximum 30° incidence angle will allow for more opportunities than a 20° incidence angle.

Maximum and minimum B/H ratio

The upper and the lower limits on the baseline-to-height ratio that determines how close apart stereo or tri-stereo images will be taken relative to the height of the passing imaging system.

For automated elevation model generation, the optimum B/H ratio is 0.25. Otherwise, follow these guidelines:

  • For flat regions, use a higher B/H ratio.
  • For mountainous or dense urban areas, use a lower B/H ratio.

Coordinate reference system

The projection reference system that will be used for the processing and georeferencing.

Data characteristics

Resolution

The ability to distinguish objects in an image. The spatial resolution is the smallest possible pixel size that can be obtained by its sensor.

The better the resolution of a given collection, the more pixels there are per unit area, and the more detailed ground objects are. For example, a 30 cm resolution is more detailed than 1.20 m.

Bit depth per pixel

The number of bits used to represent the color or intensity of a single pixel in a digital image.

Spectral bands combination

Spectral bands are specific ranges of wavelengths on the spectrum. They can be delivered separately or as combinations or bundles.

Processing levels

Geometric processing level

The level of geometric transformation and manipulation applied to data.

Radiometric processing level

The level of radiometric transformation and manipulation applied to data.