Planet Basemaps are a premium subscription option, which guarantees 4-meter monthly imagery mosaics for properties in Lens. Learn more here.
Maxar Worldview 2 and 3 capture high-resolution satellite imagery worldwide at 0.5 and 0.3m resolution, respectively. This high-resolution source is ideal for assessing past and present site conditions.
Airbus captures hi-res satellite imagery worldwide at 0.3, 0.5, and 1.5m resolution. Truecolor Airbus imagery can be used for baselining and monitoring.
Nearmap captures high-resolution aerial imagery which we display at 0.5m resolution in Lens. Nearmap truecolor imagery is available in the US, particularly around urban areas.
Truecolor imagery displays ground conditions in a natural color palette, similar to what humans observe. Monitor with frequent revisits and pinpoint the timing of large-scale changes.
Parcel Data from Regrid pulls parcel data from across the US directly into Lens, allowing you to easily check tax parcel ownership. See information on land ownership and track changes.
Read more: How to use parcel data in Lens
Land cover models can be used to understand how landscapes are transitioning over time. Impact Observatory uses AI to classify landscapes globally, ESA Worldcover is based on Sentinel data, and USGS National Land Cover Database characterizes land use in the United States. Monitor how landscapes are changing as a result of urban expansion, ecological changes, and more.
Read: Press release for the Impact Observatory landcover dataset.
Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) is a measure of vegetation vigor or plant health. Vegetation indices are useful for monitoring plant health, disturbance, and regrowth.
This dataset showcases forest loss globally with annual data for the past two decades. Look back in time to understand historic forest loss, assess future risks, and inform effective management plans.
The Biodiversity Intactness dataset estimates terrestrial biodiversity intactness across the globe, which can elucidate how ecosystems have changed as a result of human pressures.
Read more: Measuring and monitoring for biodiversity
Normalized Burn Ratio (NBR) or normalized burn index highlights burned areas and can be used to measure burn severity. Assess the timing and severity of fire as well as monitor recovery efforts after events such as wildfire or a prescribed burn.
Microsoft uses machine learning to detect building footprints. Assess the presence of structures and buildings on your area of interest.
The Map of Biodiversity Importance (MoBI) Species Richness dataset estimates the number of species with habitat within a given area.
Read more: Measuring and monitoring for biodiversity
Normalized Difference Water Index (NDWI) identifies areas where surface water is present, such as rivers or ponds. NDWI can help track how water presence is changing and evaluating flood impacts.
Surface moisture, derived from NDWI, identifies areas of moist bare soil and shallow water. Monitor wetland ecosystems and seasonal moisture fluctuations in different environments.
The flowlines data comes from USGS data showing streams and rivers across the United States. Visualize streams and rivers on your site.
Indigenous Territories from Native Land Digital maps Indigenous territory boundaries globally. Contextualize your property or project site in light of native territories.
There are multiple color infrared datasets in Lens, which display bands from the infrared spectrum and visible bands to elucidate details about the landscape, such as plant health, water, and ice. False-color is useful for identifying phenomena like certain plant species, the presence of ice, and even some water pollutants.
Read more: A primer on false-color imagery
The Normalized Difference Snow Index (NDSI) highlights areas on a property where snow is present. Evaluate snow presence, seasonal trends, and analyze trends over time.
Over 200 organizations monitor the environments they steward using Lens.
Get in touch to learn more about how Lens can work for you.