Overview

A Tasking Order is a request to Planet's satellite constellations to capture new imagery for a specific Area of Interest (AOI) during a defined Time of Interest (TOI).

Order Types

When creating a tasking order, you must choose a tasking tier based on your contract:

• Flexible Tasking: Planet selects the optimal collection time within your window. It is the most cost-effective and common type.

• Assured Tasking: Provides more control over the specific timing of the capture (slots), typically used for time-sensitive events.

• Monitoring Tasking: A recurring flexible order that captures images of a location over a period at a defined cadence (e.g., once a week for a month).

How to Create an Order via Tasking Dashboard (UI)

The Tasking Dashboard is the graphical interface for manual order entry.

1. Access: Navigate to the Planet Tasking Dashboard.

2. Define Area (AOI):

   • Draw/Upload: Manually draw a polygon/point on the map or upload a GeoJSON/KML file.

   • Geometry: For Point orders, the system automatically expands the area to a standard capture size (e.g., 25 sq km for SkySat).

3. Set Time Window (TOI):

   • Input a start_time and end_time.

   • Tip: A 14-day window is recommended for Flexible tasking to increase the probability of a cloud-free capture.

4. Select Product & Constraints: Choose your constellation (e.g., SkySat) and set constraints like maximum cloud cover or off-nadir angle.

5. Review Quota: The Order Summary will display a dynamic estimate of the Tasking Credits or square kilometers required.

6. Submit: Click "Create Order."

Order Lifecycle & Statuses

Once submitted, you can track your order status in the Order History tab:

For further assistance, visit the Planet Documentation Portal.