Microsoft's Planetary Computer & ArcGIS Pro: Revolutionizing Geospatial Environmental Analysis

Microsoft's Planetary Computer is a groundbreaking initiative that provides researchers, scientists, and developers with access to an extensive repository of geospatial data combined with powerful computational tools. This platform is designed to facilitate large-scale environmental analysis, enabling users to monitor and model Earth's systems effectively.

Overview of the Planetary Computer​

The Planetary Computer offers a multi-petabyte catalog of global environmental data, including satellite imagery, climate models, and biodiversity datasets. These resources are accessible through intuitive APIs and a flexible scientific environment, allowing users to perform complex analyses without the need for extensive infrastructure. The platform emphasizes open data principles and supports interoperability through standards like the SpatioTemporal Asset Catalog (STAC), facilitating seamless integration with external tools and platforms. (devblogs.microsoft.com)

Integration with ArcGIS Pro​

Esri's ArcGIS for Microsoft Planetary Computer (AMPC) enhances the capabilities of the Planetary Computer by integrating it with ArcGIS Pro, a leading geographic information system (GIS) software. This integration allows users to access and analyze the vast datasets of the Planetary Computer directly within the ArcGIS Pro interface. Key features of this integration include:

• Direct Data Access: Users can query and filter the Planetary Computer data catalog by location, time, and metadata, accessing analysis-ready Earth observation data to support various analyses. (esri.com)
• No Infrastructure Management: The integration eliminates the need for users to manage infrastructure, as they can work with data where it resides without downloading it. Derived products can be made accessible across the ArcGIS system. (esri.com)
• Comprehensive Analysis Tools: In addition to APIs and Python notebooks, users have access to a powerful and intuitive no-code experience within ArcGIS Pro, enabling analyses such as change detection, time-series analysis, and deep learning. (esri.com)

Getting Started with AMPC​

To utilize ArcGIS for Microsoft Planetary Computer, users need:

• ArcGIS Pro License: A license for ArcGIS Pro 3.1 or later, along with the ArcGIS Image Analyst extension, is required to access the full extent of AMPC's offerings. (esri.com)
• Microsoft Azure Account: An active Azure subscription is necessary, as the data and services reside on Microsoft's Azure infrastructure. Users may need to consult their IT department to set up an Azure account. (esri.com)

Once these prerequisites are met, users can configure AMPC by creating a virtual machine (VM) through the Azure Marketplace. This VM comes preconfigured with ArcGIS Pro and necessary tools to access and analyze Planetary Computer datasets. Detailed instructions for configuration are available in Esri's documentation. (doc.arcgis.com)

Applications and Use Cases​

The integration of ArcGIS Pro with the Planetary Computer opens up numerous applications across various fields:

• Environmental Monitoring: Researchers can monitor changes in land cover, deforestation, and urban expansion by analyzing satellite imagery over time.
• Disaster Response: Emergency management agencies can assess areas affected by natural disasters, such as floods or wildfires, to plan and coordinate response efforts effectively.
• Agricultural Planning: Farmers and agronomists can analyze soil conditions, crop health, and weather patterns to optimize planting schedules and resource allocation.
• Urban Planning: City planners can use geospatial data to design infrastructure projects, assess traffic patterns, and plan for sustainable development.

Advantages and Considerations​

The integration of ArcGIS Pro with the Planetary Computer offers several advantages:

• Scalability: Users can perform analyses at a global scale without the need for significant local computational resources.
• Accessibility: The platform democratizes access to vast geospatial datasets, enabling a broader range of users to engage in complex analyses.
• Interoperability: Support for open standards ensures that users can integrate data and tools from various sources seamlessly.

However, there are considerations to keep in mind:

• Learning Curve: Users unfamiliar with cloud-based GIS platforms may require time to adapt to the new workflows and tools.
• Cost Management: While the data access is free, computational resources on Azure may incur costs, so users should monitor and manage their usage to avoid unexpected expenses.

Conclusion​

The collaboration between Microsoft's Planetary Computer and Esri's ArcGIS Pro represents a significant advancement in geospatial analysis capabilities. By providing access to extensive datasets and powerful analytical tools within a unified platform, this integration empowers users to tackle complex environmental and societal challenges with unprecedented scale and efficiency. As the platform continues to evolve, it is poised to become an indispensable resource for geospatial professionals worldwide.

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Source: InfoWorld Use geospatial data in Azure with Planetary Computer Pro