Satellite Data: From Discovery to Real-World Use

From download to interpretation: a practical guide to understanding and using images from space

Satellite images tell the story of our planet every day, showing changes in land use, environmental conditions, and how the Earth evolves over time. But how are these images obtained, and how can we truly understand the data they provide?

In just 45 minutes, this course offers the essential foundations for selecting, purchasing, and using satellite data effectively. It covers the main open and commercial data sources, along with the key concepts for reading and correctly interpreting satellite imagery.

Participants will learn how to define an area of interest, evaluate resolution and revisit time, and distinguish between useful and unsuitable datasets. Through real-world examples, such as monitoring a construction site or detecting unauthorized activities, the course demonstrates how satellite imagery can be a daily tool for analysis, monitoring, and informed decision-making.

Target audience:

• Technicians and professionals seeking a quick foundation to integrate satellite data into their work
• Public Administration staff interested in using satellite images for territorial management
• Enthusiasts and newcomers curious about space technologies and the environment, with no prior knowledge required
• Students and recent graduates looking to explore remote sensing and Earth observation

Session Chair

Sergio Samarelli, CTO Planetek Italia

Course contents

• How to navigate between free and commercial satellite data sources
• What to know before requesting or purchasing an image (AOI, resolution, revisit time)
• Basic tools to visualize and interpret satellite imagery
• How to read the main image types (optical, radar, multispectral)
• When it makes sense to move from open data to commercial data
• Practical examples: monitoring urban areas, construction sites, and environmental phenomena