Set order parameters

Fill out the tasking order form.


Overview

While creating a tasking order, you’ll need to specify order parameters. Parameters determine the requirements of the tasking acquisition.

Acquisition mode

Optical | SAR

The operation mode specifying the way the images will be taken.

  • Optical: 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.
  • SAR: The operation mode that determines azimuth resolution and swath width.

Bit depth per pixel

Optical

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

Coordinate reference system

Optical

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

Geometric processing level

Optical

The level of geometric transformation and manipulation applied to data.

Maximum cloud coverage

Optical

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.

Maximum incidence angle

Optical | SAR

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

Optical

The upper and the lower limits on the baseline-to-height ratio that determine 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.

Polarization

SAR

The direction of travel of an electromagnetic wave: vertical (V) or horizontal (H). The first letter corresponds to how signals are emitted, and the second letter corresponds to how they are received.

Priority

Optical | SAR

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

Radiometric processing level

Optical

The level of radiometric transformation and manipulation applied to data.

Resolution

Optical | SAR

The ability to distinguish objects in an image. The higher 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.

  • Optical: The spatial resolution is the smallest possible pixel size that can be obtained by its sensor.
  • SAR: The azimuth resolution refers to the image resolution in the radar platform’s travel direction.

Spectral bands combination

Optical

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