TerraEye's Points-Based System: Powering Flexible, Cost-Efficient Mineral Exploration and Environmental Monitoring

At TerraEye, we’re reimagining how explorers, consultants, and companies use satellite data for mineral exploration and environmental monitoring. We know that every project is different, and with our innovative points-based system, TerraEye provides flexibility and precision to ensure you get the exact data and analysis you need. With our system, you control your budget and can plan your exploration with confidence, knowing exactly how each action impacts your points balance.

In this article, we’ll dive deep into how the points-based system works, how points are calculated, and what users can accomplish within the TerraEye platform. From choosing the right satellite data sources to ordering additional processing and environmental monitoring, TerraEye’s points-based approach gives you complete control over your project.

How the Points System Works

The TerraEye points system is built to provide users with the flexibility to perform various tasks across their chosen Areas of Interest (AOIs). Points are deducted from a user’s balance every time a new AOI is selected or an analysis task is ordered. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how points are calculated and used:

1. Choose Data Sources First: Users begin by selecting the satellite data sources they need for their AOI. Each data source has a different cost, calculated per square kilometer of the AOI. For example:

   • If you select only Sentinel-2 data for your AOI, we’ll charge 1 point per km².
   • If you select Sentinel-2 plus EMIT, we’ll charge 5 points per km².

   In the case of additional data sources (e.g., ASTER, WV-3), the point requirements may increase due to the advanced spectral range or higher resolution.

2. Order Additional Processing: Once data selection is complete, you can order processing tasks on the chosen AOI. Processing is conducted across all available data sources in your AOI, regardless of the data sources selected. For instance, if your selected data sources include Sentinel-2 and EMIT, the processing tasks will consider both sources and use points accordingly.

3. Automatic Point Return for Unavailable Data: If any data is unavailable for your AOI (for example, due to cloud cover or missing historical data), TerraEye’s system will automatically return the points for that unavailable data to your account. This ensures you only pay for data that can actually be delivered and used in your analysis.

4. Environmental Baselines for Historical Analysis: For users conducting environmental baselines, it’s essential to specify the number of years to include in the baseline data analysis. TerraEye will retrieve data going back as far as requested (subject to data availability), creating a robust baseline that provides historical context for current conditions.

The points system ensures transparency, allowing users to plan their work within their budget while accessing the data they need for thorough exploration and analysis.

T=(A×Pd​)+(A×Pp​)

A = Area of Interest (AOI) in square kilometers (km²)

$P_d$ = Points per km² for selected data source(s)

$P_p$ = Points per km² for selected processing tasks

$T$ = Total points required for the project

Example Calculation

If:

• AOI size (A) = 100 km²
• Data source cost (P_d) = 1 point per km² (for Sentinel-2 only)
• Processing task cost (P_p) = 60 points per km² (for Data-Driven Clusterization)

Then:

$$T = (100 \times 1) + (100 \times 60) = 100 + 6000 = 6100 \text{ points}$$

Data Source Options and Their Point Costs

The TerraEye platform provides access to a wide range of Earth Observation (EO) data sources. Each data source has specific strengths suited to different types of analysis, and each incurs a unique point cost based on its capabilities and resolution. Here’s an overview of key data sources and what users can achieve with them:

1. Sentinel-2 (Base Layer):

   • Points: 1 point per km².
   • Best Use: General geological mapping, vegetation monitoring, and identifying surface changes in mineral exploration. Sentinel-2’s spectral bands cover visible and near-infrared wavelengths, allowing users to perform foundational exploration tasks with high cost-efficiency.

2. EMIT (Enhanced Mineral Mapping):

   • Points: 5 points per km².
   • Best Use: Large-area mineral mapping where high spectral resolution is essential. EMIT provides detailed mineral signatures over broad regions, which is particularly useful for regional exploration programs.

3. ASTER, Prisma, EnMap, Hyperion (Advanced Hyperspectral and Thermal Infrared Data):

   • Points: Varies based on data source and resolution.
   • Best Use: Detailed mineral identification, hydrothermal alteration mapping, and detecting subtle mineralogical variations. For example, ASTER includes thermal infrared bands, useful for hydrothermal alteration detection.

4. WorldView-3 (High-Resolution Imaging):

   • Points: Higher cost due to high spatial resolution.
   • Best Use: WorldView-3 offers extremely high-resolution imaging, ideal for fine-scale mineral and alteration mapping, with a resolution as fine as 1.24 meters. It’s valuable for detailed analysis, but the higher point cost makes it more suitable for targeted areas rather than broad regional surveys.

By understanding each data source's strengths, users can make informed decisions based on their project goals, balancing cost with the level of detail and accuracy required.

Processing Options and Point Calculations

Once data sources are chosen, users can order additional processing on their AOI. Processing is a critical part of TerraEye’s platform, transforming raw data into actionable insights through advanced algorithms and machine learning models. Here’s how it works:

1. Lineament Detection and Density Mapping:

   • Points: 30 points per km².
   • Function: TerraEye’s lineament detection algorithm analyzes Digital Elevation Model (DEM) data from Copernicus GLO-30. This feature is ideal for detecting linear structures, which may indicate mineralized zones or other geological features essential for understanding a region’s structure.

2. Data-Driven Clusterization:

   • Points: 60 points per km².
   • Function: This unsupervised machine learning approach groups similar geological features together, offering an unbiased insight into the spectral nature of the area. It’s especially useful in complex terrains, helping users identify mineral signatures and patterns.

3. Rock Outcrop Detection:

   • Points: 60 points per km².
   • Function: Rock outcrop detection uses high-resolution PlanetScope imagery to accurately map areas where bedrock is exposed. This tool is vital for mineral exploration as it distinguishes bedrock from soil and vegetation, providing crucial insights into underlying geological structures.

4. Pegmatite Detection with Machine Learning:

   • Points: 60 points per km².
   • Function: TerraEye’s advanced model leverages multispectral and hyperspectral data to identify pegmatites, which often contain valuable minerals like lithium and rare earth elements. This tool provides predictive maps and detailed reports, helping users prioritize areas for pegmatite exploration.

5. Machine Learning Models Based on Ground Truth:

   • Points: 200 points per km².
   • Function: By training models on known deposit locations and applying mathematical prospectivity scoring, TerraEye’s machine learning models identify high-probability exploration targets. These models are especially powerful for narrowing down target areas for specific minerals like gold, copper, and lithium.

6. Data-Driven Mineral Prospectivity Mapping:

   • Points: 400 points per km².
   • Function: Combining known mineral occurrences, geological models, and spectral data, this advanced tool maps mineral prospectivity for selected deposit types. The output includes predictive maps, interactive visualizations, and comprehensive reports that help users make strategic exploration decisions.

Each processing task applies points regardless of the data sources used. For example, if a user selects only Sentinel-2, the processing task will analyze that dataset. If they also select EMIT or WorldView-3, processing will incorporate all available data sources to create the most comprehensive analysis.

Environmental Monitoring and Baseline Creation

For users interested in environmental monitoring, TerraEye offers several tools to track changes over time and assess environmental conditions:

1. Ground Stability:

   • Interval: 12-day monitoring.
   • Points: 6 points per km² per acquisition.
   • Use Case: This monitoring tool uses radar interferometry (InSAR) to detect even millimeter-scale ground movements, providing insights into subsurface conditions affected by mining activities, natural subsidence, and water fluctuations.

2. Shoreline and Water Surface Area:

   • Interval: Weekly.
   • Points: 2 points per km² per acquisition.
   • Use Case: Monitoring shoreline changes and water surface area offers insight into the impact of mining activities on water bodies, essential for reclamation and environmental impact assessments.

3. Vegetation Condition and Land Cover Changes:

   • Interval: Weekly.
   • Points: Vegetation (2 points), Land Cover Changes (6 points).
   • Use Case: These tools track vegetation health and land cover changes, enabling users to monitor ecosystem responses to industrial activities and gauge the effectiveness of land reclamation efforts.

For environmental baselines, users specify the desired historical range, and TerraEye retrieves data spanning the requested years. This allows users to establish a robust baseline, providing valuable context for current and future changes in environmental conditions.

Flexible Payment Options: Subscription, Top-Up, and Pay-As-You-Go

To meet the diverse needs of our users, TerraEye offers flexible payment options that fit different project sizes and budgets. Users can select a subscription plan, purchase additional top-up points, or choose a Pay-As-You-Go (PAYG) model.

Subscription Plans

• Standard Exploration: 3,000 points for $299/month, perfect for smaller projects or minimal data requirements.
• Extended Exploration: 7,000 points for $549/month, ideal for moderate-scale projects that require more processing.
• Enterprise: 20,000 points for $1,000/month, suitable for large-scale operations or high-frequency monitoring needs.

Top-Up Packages

For users who need additional points beyond their subscription, TerraEye offers several top-up options:

• 20k Points: $1,500
• 50k Points: $3,300
• 100k Points: $5,000
• 500k Points: $22,500
• 1M Points: $42,750

These packages offer flexibility, allowing users to add points as needed without upgrading their subscription plan. The more points you buy, the more you save per point—ideal for users with high-demand or ongoing analysis requirements.

Pay-As-You-Go (PAYG)

For ultimate flexibility, users can opt for the Pay-As-You-Go model. With PAYG, users can work without a subscription or point package commitment and will be billed at the end of each month based on the number of points used. In this model:

• 1 point translates to $0.06 USD.

PAYG is perfect for users with fluctuating needs, allowing them to manage costs dynamically as their project requirements change.

Multi-User Access and Licensing

TerraEye’s subscription is based on a per-user license model. Each user within an organization has their own subscription but can share AOIs and analytics results within the same organization. This facilitates collaborative work, enabling teams to share data insights seamlessly without duplicating points or costs.

However, if you have multiple geologists or consultants who each require independent access to TerraEye’s tools, additional licenses are necessary. This ensures that every user has the resources they need to conduct in-depth exploration and analysis without sharing credentials or limiting access to data and processing capabilities.

Why Choose TerraEye’s Points-Based System?

TerraEye’s points-based system is designed to give users complete control over their exploration and monitoring projects. Here’s why our approach is beneficial:

• Scalable to Your Needs: Whether you’re running a small, focused analysis or a large-scale exploration, you can scale your point usage to fit your project.
• Cost-Efficient and Transparent: Only pay for the data sources and processing tools you actually use. If data isn’t available, points are returned to your account.
• Flexible Data and Processing Choices: Select the exact data sources and analysis tools you need for each AOI, allowing you to customize your approach based on project goals.
• Collaborative Access: Shared AOIs and results within organizations ensure your team has the insights they need for better decision-making.
• Ultimate Flexibility with PAYG: For dynamic projects, Pay-As-You-Go lets users manage costs on an as-needed basis, only paying for the points they actually use.

With TerraEye’s points-based system, you can manage your budget, prioritize the most impactful analyses, and explore with confidence. Whether you’re assessing mineral potential, monitoring environmental impacts, or tracking long-term changes, TerraEye is your partner in intelligent, sustainable exploration.

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