Step-by-Step Guide to Downloading Free Sentinel Data for Your GIS Projects

Downloading Sentinel Data via Copernicus Browser

The Copernicus Data Space Ecosystem is the official platform for accessing free Sentinel imagery under the European Space Agency’s Copernicus program. It provides raw satellite data for various applications, but users must process this data manually to extract meaningful insights.

Step-by-Step Download Free Sentinel Data Instructions:

1. Create an account:

Visit the Copernicus Data Space Ecosystem and register for a free account. Verify your email to activate it.

Unlogged users can view data but cannot download it.

The Copernicus Data Space Ecosystem was launched in 2023, replacing the previously existing Copernicus Open Access Hub.

2. Go to: Copernicus browser

Access to Sentinel constellation satellite products is provided by the Copernicus Browser application (CB). The application allows you to search and download ready-made products without any fees

3. Copernicus browser – data visualization

The new Copernicus browser functionality is the visualization of images and their processing. To view, select visualization tab and time relevance date.

Then you can present subsequent processing by selecting products from the list.

4. Copernicus browser – data search

The basic functionality of CB is searching for images and their processing by location. To browse, select the search tab, then product type, % cloudiness and time interval of the photos.

5. Copernicus browser – data search

An area of ​​interest (AOI) is defined by the extent of the displayed map or an area drawn with tools.

6. Copernicus browser – data download

Downloads are initiated by pointing at the down arrow icon on the product description panel. For users who are not logged in, the download function is disabled.

7. Use your downloaded Sentinel data

Add selected datasets to your cart and download them in GeoTIFF format, which is widely supported by GIS platforms like QGIS and ArcGIS.

Each dataset typically includes metadata files that describe the acquisition date, resolution, and spectral bands available.

What Happens After Downloading GeoTIFF Files?

Once you’ve downloaded GeoTIFF files from Copernicus Browser:

• File Structure: The GeoTIFF files contain raw satellite imagery divided into spectral bands (e.g., visible light, near-infrared, short-wave infrared). These bands must be processed individually or combined based on your analysis needs.

• Software Requirements: To open GeoTIFF files, you’ll need GIS software such as QGIS or ArcGIS. These tools allow you to visualize, analyze, and manipulate satellite data using raster processing techniques.

• Manual Processing: Users must apply formulas (e.g., NDVI or NDWI) to calculate remote sensing indices manually. This requires knowledge of spectral band combinations and GIS workflows.

While GeoTIFF files offer flexibility for advanced users, the manual processing involved can be challenging for those unfamiliar with GIS tools or remote sensing techniques.

 Accessing Ready-to-Use Reports via OnGeo Intelligence

For users seeking a simpler solution, OnGeo Intelligence Satellite Imagery Reports provide Sentinel imagery in an accessible format without requiring manual processing. These reports are ideal for GIS projects of all scales and include additional features that enhance usability.

Learn more: Satellite Imagery Report

Key Benefits of OnGeo Intelligence Reports:

Free Access with Code "ongeo100": Generate reports featuring 10-meter resolution images enhanced to 2.5 meters at no cost during this promotion period.

Comprehensive Data Package: Includes visible bands along with near-infrared (NIR) and short-wave infrared (SWIR) channels for advanced spatial analysis in GIS software.

Remote Sensing Indices: A dedicated PDF report provides graphs illustrating changes in NDVI (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index), NDWI (Normalized Difference Water Index), and NDMI (Normalized Difference Moisture Index) over time.

User-Friendly Format: Receive organized PDF files with chronological scenes and additional insights tailored to your selected area.

Mobile-Friendly Platform: Order reports directly from your smartphone—no need for specialized software.

To see what an OnGeo report looks like, check out this Sample Report.

How to Generate a Free Report Using OnGeo Intelligence

Using the Satellite Imagery Report service is simple and accessible for everyone:

1. Select location and time period
   Pinpoint the area you want to analyze on an interactive map and specify the date range.
2. Search archives
   The platform automatically locates satellite images available for your selected area and period.
3. Add images to your cart
   Browse through the results and add your preferred scenes to your cart – all from your smartphone or desktop device.
4. Enter code ongeo100 at checkout
   Apply the code during checkout to unlock free access to your report with 10 m resolution images enhanced using AI technology to 2.5 m per pixel- providing a sharper image and better distinction of smaller objects than standard 10m imagery.
5. Receive your report via email
   Low-resolution reports are delivered within minutes, while high-resolution reports are available within 48 hours.

For step-by-step guidance, watch this Instructional Video

Why Choose OnGeo Intelligence Over Copernicus Browser?

While platforms like Copernicus Browser provide raw datasets in GeoTIFF format, processing these files requires technical expertise and additional software tools. In contrast, OnGeo Intelligence simplifies access by delivering actionable insights in a ready-to-use format:

Conclusion: Choose Your Ideal Method

Whether you prefer downloading datasets from platforms like Copernicus Browser or opting for ready-to-use reports from OnGeo Intelligence, accessing free satellite data has never been easier.

For those seeking simplicity and actionable insights without technical hurdles, OnGeo Intelligence offers a seamless solution with its Satellite Imagery Report service—perfect for GIS projects of all scales.