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Frequently Asked Questions

Last updated: June 5, 2024

General Questions

eAPI will work with any up-to-date browser. For optimal user experience, use one of the following supported browser versions:

  • Chrome 96 and above
  • Edge 96 and above
  • Firefox 95 and above
  • Safari 15 and above

Does eAPI require a license or payment?

eAPI is funded by NGA; USG, and DoD may access the content.

Is eAPI available on SIPR?

No.

What is 1B imagery?

1B (basic level-unprocessed)

What is the classification of the imagery?

All imagery is unclassified and covered under the USG Plus license. As such, it is for official use only and sharable with partner organizations and nations per NGA policy.

Is there any off-limit areas that affect imagery access?

Yes. Access to imagery may have exclusion areas dictated by NGA policy.

Are FVEY or other Foreign Mission Partners authorized access?

No. Only NGA, USG, DoD and DoD Contractors.

What is the difference between "online" and "offline" content?

  • Online - Imagery in the Maxar Catalog's online cache (less than 30 days old). These images will usually be delivered within under an hour.
  • Offline - images not in the cache may take up to a day or two for delivery.
  • See "Delivery Expectations" in the Order User Guide.

Ordering

Is an authentication token required for eAPI access?

Yes. A token is required for all API requests. A token is valid for 12 hours. Learn more at “Getting an access token.”

Can I upload shapefiles to identify AOI's for my BBOX?

No.

Can I download the entire image strip?

Yes. eAPI ordering allows you to search, discover and place an order for all band full strip content.

Can I place an AOI Order providing LL and UR coordinates?

Yes. Please refer to "AOI Ordering"

🆕 Third-Party Searching and Ordering

How do I search and place orders for third-party imagery?

You can search and order imagery from available third-party vendors using the same API endpoints you already use. The available collections can be discovered using the 'Search Collections' endpoints. The current available third-party collections are: blacksky, skysat, capella, iceye, umbra. You can learn more about these collections using the collection endpoints, which are described in the "searching user guide page".

Is the ordering process for third-party imagery any different than for Maxar imagery? Can I place AOI orders?

Third-party images are not available for AOI orders at this time. Additionally, third-party images will not be cached once ordered, as they are all 'online' and should usually be delivered in under an hour. Other than that, third-party imagery is available to search and order just as you would Maxar imagery.

Can I download assets like browse.tif and cloud-cover.json for third-party imagery?

No. Due to the nature of third-party imagery, we do not have these assets available.

Can I request audit information for third-party imagery?

No. Due to the nature of third-party imagery, this endpoint is not available.

What file types can we expect to be delivered for an EO or SAR third-party order?

For EO orders, which include blacksky and skysat images, you will receive a NITF image file, a discovery.json file, and a license file.

For SAR orders, which include capella, iceye, and umbra, you will receive a SIDD NITF file, a SICD NITF file (if available), a discovery.json file, and a license file.

For every third-party order, you will also receive an EOT.txt file. This is an end-of-transmission file that will only be delivered after the rest of the order data has been copied to your bucket, marking the delivery as complete.

Orthorectification

Is the ordered imagery Orthorectified?

No. If you have requirements and would like to request to have a function added please submit a Feedback form.

Delivery

How long does it take to receive my imagery?

See the "Delivery Expectations" in the Order User Guide.

How do I know my delivery is complete? Also, what is this EOT.txt file I'm seeing in my bucket?

You can check the status of your order using the order status endpoint. See the "Order Status Endpoint" in the Order User Guide. The EOT.txt file is an end-of-transmission file. It will only be delivered after the rest of the order data has been copied to your bucket, marking the delivery as complete. You can check your bucket for an EOT.txt file to verify that all data has been copied and that the order is complete.

How can I get a status update of my order?

See "Order Status Check", and if any issues arise, contact the eAPI Mission Support Team.

Where do I get an AWS S3 Account?

Head over to Amazon Web Services and create an account.

Where do I get an AWS S3 Bucket?

Coordinate with your organization to identify if an existing AWS S3 bucket is available and request access. If you do not have an AWS S3 Bucket, learn more at "Create a bucket."

Technical Support and Troubleshooting

I forgot my password and I am unable to login. What do I do?

Is there a support desk email or number I can direct questions?

For assistance, please contact our technical support team at 1-866-810-2297 (toll-free) or eapisupport@maxar.com or at 1-866-810-2297.