Satellite Intelligence Explorer

A modern, production-ready Next.js application for exploring, analyzing, and downloading high-resolution satellite imagery from NASA, Copernicus, and NASA GIBS. Designed for researchers, educators, emergency responders, and enthusiasts, this app provides a seamless, interactive map interface with robust logging, advanced filtering, and a modern, responsive UI.

Key Features

• Multi-Provider Support:

  • NASA Earth API: Fetches true-color imagery for any location and date, with user-selectable field of view (dim) and resolution.
  • Copernicus Sentinel-2: Advanced search for available scenes, cloud cover filtering, and high-res image download. Requires Copernicus API credentials.
  • NASA GIBS: Browse and download daily global imagery from multiple satellites/layers. Supports high-res stitched images via tile compositing.

• Interactive Map Explorer:

  • Built with react-leaflet for smooth pan/zoom and location picking.
  • Floating action button for quick actions.
  • Info panel with real-time feedback, available dates, and scene selection.

• Modern UI/UX:

  • Fully responsive, dark/light mode, Google-inspired minimal design.
  • Fira Code and Geist fonts for a clean, technical look.
  • Collapsible controls, clear expand/collapse hints, and accessible navigation.

• Granular Logging:

  • All user actions (map clicks, input changes, button presses, etc.) are logged client-side and sent to /api/client-log.
  • All backend API requests, responses, and errors are logged to logs/api-requests.log for deep debugging and auditing.

• Robust Error Handling:

  • If a requested date is unavailable, the UI lists available dates/scenes (±7 days) as clickable chips.
  • Always displays the actual image date from the API, not just the requested date.

• Security & Production Readiness:

  • API keys and credentials are never exposed to the client.
  • All sensitive operations are handled server-side.
  • MIT licensed for open use and contribution.

Supported Satellite Services

1. NASA Earth API

• Fetches true-color imagery for any coordinates and date.
• User-selectable dim (field of view in degrees) and resolution.
• Returns the actual image date from NASA, not just the requested date.
• Lists available dates if the requested date is unavailable.

2. Copernicus Sentinel-2

• Scene availability check (±7 days) with cloud cover filtering.
• User selects from available scenes; only valid acquisition times are used for image fetch.
• Supports dim and resolution parameters.
• Requires Copernicus API credentials (see setup below).

3. NASA GIBS (Global Imagery Browse Services)

• Browse daily global imagery from multiple satellites/layers (e.g., MODIS, VIIRS).
• Preview tiles and fetch high-res stitched images (using sharp).
• Actual image date is determined from GIBS capabilities XML.
• dim is not used for GIBS (by design).

Getting Started

1. Clone the repository

git clone <repository-url>
cd <repository-folder-name>

2. Install dependencies

npm install
# or
yarn install
# or
pnpm install
# or
bun install

3. Set up environment variables

Create a .env file in the root directory with the following:

NASA_API_KEY=your_nasa_api_key_here
COPERNICUS_CLIENT_ID=your_copernicus_client_id_here
COPERNICUS_CLIENT_SECRET=your_copernicus_client_secret_here

• NASA API Key: Get an API key for NASA here
• Copernicus Credentials: Register for Dataspade api here

4. Run the development server

npm run dev
# or
yarn dev
# or
pnpm dev
# or
bun dev

The app will be available at http://localhost:3000 (or another port if 3000 is in use).

5. Build and run for production

npm run build
npm start

Directory Structure

• src/app/InteractiveMapExplorer.tsx — Main map UI and logic
• src/app/api/ — All backend API routes (NASA, Copernicus, GIBS, logging)
• logs/api-requests.log — All API and client logs
• public/ — Static assets, including custom favicon
• screenshots/ — Example images for documentation

Logging & Debugging

• All user actions and API requests are logged for transparency and debugging.
• Logs are written to logs/api-requests.log (ensure this directory is writable).
• For deep debugging, inspect this log file or add additional logging as needed.

Troubleshooting

• Missing Images:
  • Check available dates/scenes in the UI; try selecting a different date.
  • Ensure your API keys/credentials are correct and not rate-limited.
• Copernicus Errors:
  • Make sure both COPERNICUS_CLIENT_ID and COPERNICUS_CLIENT_SECRET are set in .env.
• GIBS High-Res Errors:
  • Ensure the server has enough memory for image stitching (uses sharp).
• Port Issues:
  • If port 3000 is in use, Next.js will prompt for another port.

Deployment

• Deploy on Vercel or any Node.js server.
• Ensure all environment variables are set in your deployment environment.
• For production, use npm run build and npm start.

Docker

You can run this app in a Docker container for easy deployment anywhere.

1. Build the Docker image

docker build -t satellite-intelligence-explorer .

2. Run the container

docker run -p 3000:3000 \
  -e NASA_API_KEY=your_nasa_api_key_here \
  -e COPERNICUS_CLIENT_ID=your_copernicus_client_id_here \
  -e COPERNICUS_CLIENT_SECRET=your_copernicus_client_secret_here \
  satellite-intelligence-explorer

3. Example Dockerfile

# Use official Node.js image
FROM node:20-alpine
WORKDIR /app
COPY . .
RUN npm install && npm run build
EXPOSE 3000
CMD ["npm", "start"]

• Make sure to set all required environment variables (NASA_API_KEY, COPERNICUS_CLIENT_ID, COPERNICUS_CLIENT_SECRET) when running the container.
• You can also use a .env file with Docker Compose for local development.

License

MIT License — see LICENSE for details. Open for use, modification, and contribution.

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Satellite Intelligence Explorer — Explore, analyze, and unlock insights from real-time NASA & Copernicus satellite imagery. Earth observation, reimagined.

Future Planning: Drone Integration & Real-Time Operations

Planning to take Satellite Intelligence Explorer to the next level by integrating advanced drone connectivity and real-time operations. Here's what's coming soon:

• DJI Drone Integration:
  • Seamless connection to DJI drones using the DJI Mobile SDK.
  • Unified interface for both satellite and aerial imagery.
• Live Video Streaming:
  • Access and display real-time video feeds directly from the drone's camera within the app.
  • Support for robust video streaming protocols for low-latency, high-quality viewing.
• Image Capture & Download:
  • Trigger photo capture remotely from the app.
  • Instantly download and analyze images from the drone's camera.
• Command & Control:
  • Programmatically control drone flight: takeoff, landing, waypoints, and more.
  • Intuitive map-based flight planning and execution.
• Telemetry & Flight Data:
  • Access real-time telemetry: GPS position, altitude, speed, battery status, and more.
  • Display and log all critical flight information for safety and analysis.

The vision:

• To create a unified platform for earth observation—combining the power of satellites and drones for research, rapid response, and discovery.