Planet introduces Planetary Variables product. Photo: Planet

Planet is launching a new product called Planetary Variables, using capabilities from the VanderSat acquisition. Planetary Variables are pre-processed data feeds that measure soil water content, land surface temperature, and vegetation biomass proxy. These three variables are considered essential climate variables by the Global Climate Observing System. 

These data products are produced by combining observations from a range of public satellite constellations and passive microwave sensors, which measure water content in soils and vegetation. The products are intended to support decision-making in industries like sustainable agriculture, ecological management, and emergency response. 

Customers can now obtain time series measurements of these Planetary Variables by downloading data files and generating unique visual graphs for analysis. 

“By presenting data without the need for as much pre-processing, we are excited to help customers spend less time worrying about manipulating data and more time monitoring and understanding the places that matter to them,” Thijs Van Leeuwen, Planet director of Product and former CEO of Vandersta, wrote in a blog post announcing the product.