Spotlight on International Charter Data Contributors: Planet
A brief introduction of Planet
Planet is a leading provider of global, daily satellite imagery and geospatial solutions. Founded in 2010 by three NASA scientists, Planet designs, builds, and operates the largest Earth observation fleet of imaging satellites, with hundreds currently in orbit. With this technology, Planet provides mission-critical data, advanced insights, and software solutions to a myriad of industries, including agriculture, forestry, intelligence, finance, and governments, enabling users to derive unique value simply and effectively from satellite imagery.
Motivation for participating in the Charter
Planet is driven by a mission to image the world every day, and make change visible, accessible, and actionable. This work is particularly relevant to disaster response and risk mitigation efforts. With Planet’s unique product suite, including near-daily satellite imaging, high-resolution tasking, and various analytics feeds, users can gain enhanced situational awareness following a natural disaster. Planet is proud to be participating in the International Charter: Space and Major Disasters to improve disaster preparedness and emergency management. By providing access to timely satellite data, revealing pre- and post-event information, authorities can make data-informed decisions, verify damage, allocate resources, and provide swift aid more effectively.
The specific types of data Planet provides
Planet primarily contributes its high-frequency, near-daily PlanetScope imagery with a resolution of 3.7 meters, captured by its extensive constellation of Dove satellites. This dataset enables continuous monitoring and rapid response capabilities for various applications. Additionally, Planet provides high-resolution imagery at 50 cm from its fleet of tasked SkySat satellites, offering detailed views of specific areas. Access to SkySat imagery is granted on a case-by-case basis, ensuring targeted support for critical situations where higher resolution is required.
Example of a recent activation
Widespread flooding occurred in Botswana on February 24, 2025, following days of heavy rain. As shown in the following image, satellite imagery revealed the extent of flooding in Southeast Gaborone. Officials suggested that inadequate drainage in urban areas may have contributed to water buildup in some of the worst-hit low-lying regions. A local dam in the capital, Gaborone, overflowed, washing away cars. The second image provided a broader inundation assessment, covering both Southeast Gaborone and Kgatleng, with high-resolution imagery offering additional detail. Residential homes and businesses suffered extensive damage, prompting authorities to temporarily close schools and block roads. As of now, seven fatalities have been reported.
List of contributions
Planet has contributed data for recent activations in the following countries:
- Flood in Botswana (Activation 945)
- Flood, Landslide in Costa Rica (Activation 929)
- Flood in India (Activation 907)
- Flood in Chad (Activation 904)
- Flood in Nepal (Activation 901)
- Landslide in India (Activation 900)
- Landslide in Ethiopia (Activation 899)