FORMOSAT-2
High-resolution change detection
FORMOSAT-2 is a high-resolution optical satellite able to revisit the same point on the globe every day in the same viewing conditions.
Its unique orbit and 2-metre resolution are well suited to change detection and rapid coverage of large areas.
High resolution
FORMOSAT-2 satellite image, natural colours - Chuquicamata, Chile © NSPO
B&W: 2 m
Colour: 2 m (merge)
Multispectral (R, G, B, NIR): 8 m
Bundle (separate Pan and MS images) |
P : 0,45 – 0,90 µm
B1 : 0,45 – 0,52 µm (Blue)
B2 : 0,52 – 0,60 µm (Green)
B3 : 0,63 – 0,69 µm (Red)
B4 : 0,76 – 0,90 µm (Near-infrared) |
| 24 km x 24 km |
| Daily |
| Cross-track and along-track (forward/aft): +/- 45° |
| Level 1A, 2A and Ortho |
| Data are posted on an FTP site within 48 hours of acquisition |
Change detection
Changes in land occupancy and infrastructures are highlighted by comparing multi-date images. You specify how often you need to acquire imagery: daily, weekly or according to a regular cycle. Repeat imagery is acquired with the same viewing conditions and using the same parameters every time. Below is a sample of change-detection applications:
Rapid large-area coverage
With its 24-km swath and daily revisits, the FORMOSAT-2 can cover large areas in a matter of weeks.
For example, this mosaic of South Korea covers more than 100,000 sq.km. with 270 scenes processed to obtain a uniform natural colour
FORMOSAT-2 Direct Access Services
To provide preferred access to FORMOSAT-2 data and production of imagery in near-real time, Astrium GEO offers two services:
- allocation of telemetry guaranteeing acquisition of up to 16 scenes per user from a single orbital revolution
- the MyFORMOSAT-2 web interface for priority allocation of satellite capacity, full visibility of acquisitions and the freedom to modify tasking requests and manage image production.
See Also...
Fukushima Daiichi
Daily Reports Available to the International Community
Learn more
Monitoring of nuclear power plant in Iran
GO MONITOR keeps track of Bushehr plant with FORMOSAT-2 Imagery
Learn more
Did you know?
A unique orbit
FORMOSAT-2 is unrivalled today in the civil high-resolution satellite market. Operating from its geosynchronous orbit, it revisits the same points on the globe within its coverage area every day. And because the orbit is also Sun-synchronous, each point is imaged under the same lighting conditions every time (9:30 a.m. equator-crossing time). The satellite completes exactly 14 orbital revolutions every day.
Download the kmz of FORMOSAT-2 orbits and coverage areas
FORMOSAT-2
