Orders API FAQ

In July 2020, Planet released the Orders API, a powerful tool for ordering, customizing, and delivering imagery and Basemaps. The Orders API has evolved over time with enhanced capabilities and user experiences. The Orders API can help improve workflow efficiency, prepare and deliver the data, and reduce storage costs by only downloading what is needed. 

For all users:

  • Cloud Delivery: Seamlessly deliver imagery and Basemaps to your preferred cloud storage provider, including Amazon S3, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Service.
  • Email and Webhook Notifications: Stay informed about the status of your orders with automated email notifications and real-time webhook delivery to your backend services, signalling your order is available.
  • Order Zipping: Get notified when your download link is ready.
  • File Format Flexibility: Customize the file format of your imagery to meet specific needs. Choose between Cloud-Optimized GeoTIFFs (COGs) for optimized web-based workflows or NITF 2.1 format for compatibility with specific applications.
  • Geoprocessing functions on demand:  Built-in features enable the provision of pre-processed assets, reducing processing load, and simplifying coding efforts so that users focus on their business requirements. For more information, please access our Orders API Tools page. 

What is clipping and why does it matter?

Clipping is a process of extracting a subset of data from a larger dataset based on a defined area of interest (AOI). It is a fundamental operation in GIS that is used for a variety of purposes, and it is also included in Orders API.

However, the clipping tool is not just a simple processing function to help extract images from specific AOIs, but also an essential quota management tool that empowers users to plan and optimize plan usage. 

How is quota calculated and how does it relate to the Preferred or Premium models?

Every customer is able to clip data to any size, even as small as one pixel. However, for each scene in an order, we calculate the units against the quota style adopted when the plan was acquired.

Customers with PREFERRED model are charged a minimum of 100 kmĀ² per asset in a given order. In contrast, PREMIUM customers are charged based on the actual calculated area.

How is the Orders API different from the Data API?

The Data API enables the user to search and activate a single asset. In contrast, the Orders API allows for the download of larger volume of data simultaneously, which can then be delivered to the cloud platform of choice. Also, the Orders API offers a range of raster tools that can be utilized to prepare the data and streamline workflows more efficiently.

With Orders API, users can create pipelines for seamlessly ingesting large volumes of imagery (PlanetScope and SkySat) without actively accessing and downloading the assets programmatically or manually.

Why would I choose to use the Orders API instead of the Data API?

Previously, obtaining 500 images using the Data API was a time-consuming and inefficient process, requiring multiple calls and constant monitoring. However, the Orders API facilitates this process by allowing users to activate and download the same number of images with just one API call.

Will the Data API continue to be supported? 

Planet has no plans to discontinue the Data API. In fact, it's the best tool for searching and learning about the environmental conditions of each scene and investigating collections. Also, the Data API may continue to be a choice for users who require simple imagery orders of one scene at a time.

What are the different user plans for Orders API and what is the value of each?

Starter

Preferred

Premium

Available from Planet

Available from Partners

Available from Planet 

Available from Partners

Available from Planet 

Bulk activation and download

Email & Webhook Notifications

Zip

Deliver to Cloud Storage

Bulk activation and download

Email & Webhook Notifications

Zip

Deliver to Cloud Storage

Bulk activation and download

Email & Webhook Notifications

Zip

Deliver to Cloud Storage

No Raster Tools

No Clip

All Raster Tools

Including Clip

All Raster Tools

Including Clip

 

Min Clip Size: 1 pixel

Mn Quota Charge: 100 sq km per intersecting scene

Min Clip Size: 1 pixel

Mn Quota Charge: 0.01 sq km per intersecting scene


Equivalent to 1 hectare; ~2.5 acres

 

What is the minimum size a user can clip an image (scene)?

  • Preferred: 1 pixel 
  • Premium: 1 pixel

What is the minimum charge for a clipped image (per scene)?

  • Preferred: 100 sq km
  • Premium: 0.01 sq km (1 hectare or ~2.5 acres)

Who do I reach out to with questions?

Reach out to your Customer Success Manager or submit a request with any questions regarding your plan or the new features. 

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