Planet Lab launches analysis-ready PlanetScope for time-series and machine learning applications

Planet Lab launches analysis-ready PlanetScope for time-series and machine learning applications
by Clarence Oxford
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Oct 22, 2024

Planet Labs PBC (NYSE: PL), a leader in Earth observation, has introduced its new product, Analysis-Ready PlanetScope (ARPS). The ARPS product uses an advanced proprietary algorithm to deliver near-daily, spatially consistent image stacks optimized for time-series analysis and machine learning models.

ARPS works by harmonizing PlanetScope's daily 3m resolution imagery, reducing inconsistencies between individual captures. It further aligns this data with external sources like Landsat, Sentinel-2, MODIS, and VIIRS to provide a cohesive pre-processed dataset. This ensures a more accurate and easy-to-use dataset, allowing users to focus on data analysis and visualization in the Planet Insights Platform.

PlanetScope's data has long enabled real-time decision-making, but ARPS enhances this by focusing on temporal consistency. This feature is particularly valuable for applications requiring long-term change monitoring, where precise measurements are critical. With ARPS, users can spend less time preparing data and more time analyzing trends and changes.

"Government and commercial users often rely on satellite data and machine learning for managing large areas," said Troy Toman, Planet's Chief Product Officer. "However, many existing models are built with inconsistent data that can be time-consuming to prepare. ARPS addresses these challenges by streamlining data for analysis, enabling users to maximize the potential of their AI and ML models."

ARPS is particularly beneficial for users managing vast land areas. Civil government agencies tasked with enforcing natural resource regulations can use ARPS to detect unauthorized activities like pesticide misuse or illegal deforestation. In agriculture, it helps monitor vegetation health, irrigation, and detect invasive species. Forestry operations can leverage ARPS for biomass estimation, post-fire recovery, and carbon stock monitoring.

"Analysis-Ready PlanetScope has been transformative for our product," said Joaquin Peraza, CTO at Oryzativa. "After switching from Landsat and Sentinel data to ARPS, we significantly reduced error rates in our biomass growth modeling, and we are eager to continue refining our models with this improved accuracy."

As data grows more abundant, tools like ARPS that clarify and enhance data analysis are increasingly valuable. Integrated into the Planet Insights Platform, ARPS gives stakeholders a near-daily solution for tracking meaningful changes over time, all from a single platform.