Satlas

Satlas is an interactive global mapping platform developed by the Allen Institute for AI (AI2) that leverages artificial intelligence to analyze and annotate satellite imagery, providing a dynamic view of how Earth's surface is changing over time. Its core value proposition is democratizing access to high-quality geospatial analysis, transforming raw satellite data into actionable, AI-generated insights about environmental and human-made transformations without requiring specialized GIS expertise from the user.

Key features: The platform offers a continuously updated global map where users can explore AI-generated annotations for specific features like offshore wind turbines, solar farms, and tree cover. For instance, one can track the proliferation of renewable energy infrastructure across continents or monitor deforestation patterns. It provides time-lapse functionality to visualize changes in specific locations, and allows for the filtering and downloading of detected feature datasets for further analysis, enabling both qualitative exploration and quantitative research.

What sets Satlas apart is its foundation on AI2's own large-scale geospatial models, which are trained on extensive satellite imagery datasets to perform automatic feature detection at a global scale. Unlike many commercial GIS tools, it prioritizes open exploration and public access to its AI-processed findings. The platform is a research product showcasing state-of-the-art computer vision applications in earth observation, and while it may not offer deep API integrations for enterprise workflows, it serves as a powerful demonstration and discovery tool built on transparent, model-driven analysis.

Ideal for environmental researchers, journalists, educators, and policy analysts who need to visualize and understand large-scale geographical changes. Specific use cases include monitoring the growth of renewable energy projects, assessing urban expansion, studying agricultural land use, and supporting climate change research and reporting. It is also valuable for students and curious citizens exploring human impact on the planet through an accessible, map-based interface.

The platform operates on a freemium model, with its core interactive map and exploration features being freely accessible to all users. This open access aligns with AI2's mission to contribute to the common good through AI, though advanced data exports or future premium analytical layers may involve costs.