Overview

Users request a certain collection of data products from PGC and although each deliverable is customized for the user’s specific project needs, PGC has a standardized delivery structure that include primary image files, indexes, auxiliary files in addition to this guide with documentation provided below.

Indexes are a geographic footprint (polygon) for each image complete with metadata attributes, typically delivered as an Esri shapefile.

This structure is designed to help streamline services and versions of documentation. Users can spend less time deciphering naming schemes or versions and more time using the data products for their projects.

Delivery Contents

Documentation and Metadata

Please refer to Sections #1-4 for all image product deliveries provided by PGC. These sections contain important information about the imagery specifications and licensing policies. Please refer to the additional Sections #5-6 for all DEM stereo deliveries provided by PGC, which outline the specifications of the DEM file and the purpose of each auxiliary file.

1) PGC Commercial Satellite Imagery Documentation

This document outlines the file structure, naming scheme, and specifications associated with both raw and processed imagery delivered by PGC. Click the button below to download.

PGC Commercial Satellite Imagery Documentation

2) Commercial Satellite Imagery FAQ

This online guide is for users to review FAQs if they are having any issues using the data they received or are unsure about the data structures. If the answer is not in this document, please do not hesitate to contact your PGC point of contact! Click the button below to open the webpage.

PGC Commercial Satellite Imagery FAQ

Related Guide: Introduction to Satellite Imagery

3) Nro electro-optical Commercial layer (eocl) license Usage Guidelines

This document from the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) lays out the “do’s” and “don’ts” when using Maxar’s federally-licensed satellite imagery.

Related Guide: Commercial Imagery Usage Guidelines

First-time users are highly encouraged to read this short document to ensure that they are following the usage guidelines. Click the button below to download.

NRO EOCL LICENSE

4) PGC Acknowledgement Policy

Anyone who uses PGC’s services should acknowledge those contributions in any publication, presentation, website, and media interviews. Please review this document to ensure that PGC is properly acknowledged and cited in your work.

Not only is this required by the National Science Foundation, but it helps PGC to accurately track and report our contributions to polar community. Plus, the staff at PGC loves to read about the amazing work our users are producing. Click the following link to access the most current policy.

Related Guide: PGC Acknowledgement Policy

5) ASP Stereo DEM Product Documentation

Please reference this document for DEM deliveries only. It outlines the specifications of the DEM file and the purpose of each auxiliary file. Click the button below to download.

ASP Stereo DEM Product Documentation

6) SETSM Stereo DEM Product Documentation

Please reference this document for DEM Stereo deliveries only. It outlines the specifications of the SETSM Version 4 Strip DEM file and the purpose of each auxiliary file. Click the button below to download.

PGC SETSM Version 4 Strip DEM Documentation

Related Guide: Introduction to Stereoscopic Imagery

Related Guide: Stereo DEM Processing Algorithms

Index

Because the imagery deliveries from PGC often contain a significant number of individual images or DEMs, an index file will be included in each delivery. This index comes as an Esri shapefile and can be opened using most GIS software packages.

Use this shapefile footprint to identify the location and extent of each image without having to load the larger image files.

Additionally, the shapefile footprint contains valuable information about each image, including acquisition date, cloud cover, and number of bands.

Imagery Files

Whether the imagery delivered by PGC is in its raw NITF form or if it has been processed, a number of auxiliary files will be included with each image file.

These additional files store important metadata and projection information and should remain with the main image file during transfers.

The purpose of each auxiliary file is outlined in the PGC Commercial Satellite Imagery Documentation included above (#1).