Satellite frames
In Skylight, satellite frames indicate where a satellite has collected data, typically in the form of an image. Visualizing these frames helps analysts understand where Skylight has looked for vessel detections. This means vessel detections can only be expected within a visible satellite frame.
Other terms for “frame” include a collection, an acquisition, an image, footprint or tile.
Skylight does NOT display the frames for Night Lights data. Night Lights frames are extremely large and cover the entire Earth multiple times daily. You can assume that Night Lights satellites cover your area, though vessel detections will depend on favorable environmental conditions and the presence of vessels with bright lights.
The frames shown on the Skylight map depend on the selected date range and any vessel detection filters applied.
Vessel frame information
Clicking on a vessel frame will reveal key information about the frame and
- Date and time of the data collection
- Source of the imagery/data
- Number of AIS correlated detections within the frame
- Number of non-AIS correlated detections ("dark") within the frame
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