Have you ever looked at a satellite photo and wondered what you could actually see on it? The satellites orbiting above our heads collect a huge amount of data every day – about the condition of forests, changes in sea levels, urban development, and much more. But how can we interpret this data and use it in our work? This is precisely why a number of tools and platforms have been created to make satellite data accessible and understandable to anyone interested – whether they are scientists, officials, or simply curious citizens.
In this post, I will introduce four practical platforms – Satiladu, Xcube, JupyterHub, and COPSI – and explain why they are important and how they help to extract more value from the data.
Satiladu – see the world from a new angle
Satiladu is an interactive tool that allows you to easily and visually explore satellite images. It is not just a platform for viewing maps – Satiladu allows you to dive into the data, track changes over time, and create your own map layers.
Imagine you want to assess the extent of deforestation or drought damage. In Satiladu, users can move the timeline and compare changes in images from spring to autumn, for example. You can also save your results and share them with colleagues – it's a great tool for collaboration or public presentation.
Xcube – when you need more than just an image
Xcube is a tool for those who want to go beyond images – to data processing and analysis. It is designed specifically for managing and analyzing spatial and temporal data. Xcube is ideal for processing satellite and remote sensing data, whether it is analyzing temperature changes or monitoring sea levels.
The tool allows you to analyze data in both geographical and temporal dimensions, providing a smooth visual environment for exploring it. This is particularly useful for researchers and analysts, but in fact, anyone who works with large-scale data will find it valuable.
JupyterHub – programming and data analysis directly on the web
If you want to process, program, and visualize satellite data yourself, but don't want to install additional software on your computer, JupyterHub is for you. It is a web-based platform that allows multiple users to work simultaneously in the Jupyter Notebook environment.
Each user gets a personal workspace on the same server – that means a uniformly managed and configured environment where you can conveniently perform data analysis, write code, and create visualizations. It is a good solution for both educational institutions and research groups where collaboration and shared resources are key.
COPSI – gateway to Copernicus data
COPSI, or Copernicus Space Component Interface, is a new and powerful web-based interface that provides access to satellite data from the European Copernicus program. This tool uses standardized open APIs such as OData and STAC to enable the discovery and download of Sentinel satellite data.
COPSI is particularly suitable for advanced users who want to automate data access and integrate it into their applications or workflows. It enables seamless use of various Copernicus services (e.g. MP - Mission Planning - management of satellite mission observation plans, LTA - Long Term Archive - long-term data archiving, PRIP - Product Reception and Integration Platform – reception and integration of downloaded data, and CDSE - Copernicus Data Space Ecosystem – cloud-based access and processing).
DHuS has switched to a new data access solution – GAEL Store Service (GSS). The COPSI software suite is a graphical interface to the GSS catalog.
Where to start?
If any of these tools have piqued your interest, you can get started today. You can find registration forms for all platforms on the website.
In conclusion: data has never been so accessible.
The use of satellite data is no longer the preserve of scientists or aerospace engineers. Today's platforms, Satiladu, Xcube, JupyterHub, and COPSI, make data accessible and understandable to everyone. They help us better understand our environment, make more informed decisions, and develop new smart solutions – from nature conservation to urban development.
Discover for yourself how these tools can enrich your work or interests. Find out more, try out the platforms, and share your experiences with others. The future is in data – and it's waiting for you today!
Author: Kaire Veeperv, Chief Specialist, Digital Services Department, Land and Spatial Development Board
Loomise kuupäev: 13.11.2025
