Satellite Flyovers vs Usable Imagery
This article explains the difference between a satellite passing over your farm and Pasture.io being able to use that image for pasture readings.
A satellite flyover means a satellite has passed over your farm.
Usable imagery means the image is clear enough for Pio to use as part of your pasture readings.
These are not always the same thing.
Why a flyover does not always mean a reading
The Ultimate add-on has near-daily satellite flyovers in many locations.
The Essential add-on has satellite flyovers approximately every 5 days in many locations.
However, a satellite flyover does not guarantee a usable image or a satellite-backed pasture reading.
Usable imagery can be affected by:
- cloud cover
- haze or smoke
- shadow
- image quality
- partial farm coverage
- local conditions
What happens when imagery is not usable?
When a usable satellite image is not available, Pio may use the Cloudy Days model to help estimate pasture cover and growth between satellite-backed readings.
This helps provide continuity during cloudy periods or when image quality is limited.
Take-home message
A satellite flyover gives Pio an opportunity to capture imagery, but it does not guarantee a usable pasture reading.
Pasture.io uses satellite imagery, weather data, farm records, and the Cloudy Days model to help provide a clearer view of pasture cover and growth over time.