> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://bellingcat.gitbook.io/toolkit/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://bellingcat.gitbook.io/toolkit/more/all-tools/satellites.pro.md).

# Satellites.pro

Satellites.pro allows open source researchers to quickly switch between several free satellite imagery and mapping services.

## URL

<https://satellites.pro/>

## Description

Satellites.pro lets you view satellite imagery and mapping services including maps from:

* [Apple Maps](https://bellingcat.gitbook.io/toolkit/more/all-tools/apple-maps)
* [OpenStreetMap](https://bellingcat.gitbook.io/toolkit/more/all-tools/openstreetmap-search-tool)
* [Google Maps](https://bellingcat.gitbook.io/toolkit/more/all-tools/google-maps)
* [Yandex Maps](https://bellingcat.gitbook.io/toolkit/more/all-tools/yandex-maps)

The tool allows open source researchers to easily access maps and imagery from multiple providers in one place, without needing to visit each provider's site separately.

Windows users can access Apple Maps via satellites.pro which was not easily possible before the launch of Apple Maps on the web in July 2024.

The tool has a plan view (flat map) and a satellite view (high resolution) as well as a zoom option. You can measure distance, calculate distance between start and end points for (car, bus, pedestrian, cyclist, train and taxi) and see the current weather at a location.

You can also switch between the various map providers, each with a dedicated view. Since coverage and accuracy vary between the various providers, this lets you cross-check locations and pick whichever map gives the best data for a given area and time.

The example below shows a search for Prague using Yandex Map:

<figure><img src="https://1607018381-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FFuL0vtRVpXHiKZgFkMFR%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-e2c1aaa34485d38c3e2a338880cba072fe7c2bed%2Fimage%20(1).png?alt=media" alt=""><figcaption><p>Prague, Yandex Map. The map provider selector is shown in the top left box.</p></figcaption></figure>

The next example show the same search for Prague but using Google Map:

<figure><img src="https://1607018381-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FFuL0vtRVpXHiKZgFkMFR%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-d59a15835ae81b7b8e097b4a854e5c0b9e31a304%2Fimage%20(2).png?alt=media" alt=""><figcaption><p>Prague, Google Map</p></figcaption></figure>

## Cost

* [x] Free
* [ ] Partially Free
* [ ] Paid

## Level of difficulty

<table><thead><tr><th data-type="rating" data-max="5"></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>1</td></tr></tbody></table>

## Requirements

Any modern web browser.

## Limitations

satellites.pro has the following limitations that researchers should consider:

* **Data Accuracy and Currency**: Data may not always be up to date, leading to potential discrepancies with current conditions. Users should verify important information through other sources. For Apple, Google and Open Street Map see the toolkit entries for the associated maps. [Yandex Maps Editor Support](https://yandex.com/support/mapeditor/sputnik.html) says Yandex imagery is updated irregularly but does not specify how often imagery is updated.
* **Resolution and Detail**: Image resolution varies across different regions and services, with some areas having detailed imagery and others being less clear. Again, see [Apple Maps](https://bellingcat.gitbook.io/toolkit/more/all-tools/apple-maps), [Google Maps](https://bellingcat.gitbook.io/toolkit/more/all-tools/google-maps) and Open Street Map toolkit entries for more details. [Yandex Maps](https://bellingcat.gitbook.io/toolkit/more/all-tools/yandex-maps) does not provide further information on this.
* There are ads present in various areas of the screen, and the site may ask the user to watch an ad in order to gain full access for 24 hours.<br>

## Ethical Considerations

In the context of using remote sensing in online open source investigations, several ethical considerations should be considered:

* we do not know who is behind the tool.

## Guide

#### Official Wiki

None

#### Tutorials and Articles

Toler, A. (2022) *How we Geolocated a Photo of a Russian Missile Programming Team*, *bellingcat*. Available at: <https://www.bellingcat.com/resources/2022/10/28/how-we-geolocated-a-photo-of-a-russian-missile-programming-team/> (Accessed: 30 June 2026).

Note: The piece made use of the Yandex Imagery via satellite.pro

#### Video Tutorials

None.

#### Community and Support

None.

## Tool provider

Unknown but the site has been registered via a Russian domain name service

## Advertising Trackers

* [x] This tool has not been checked for advertising trackers yet.
* [ ] This tool uses tracking cookies. Use with caution.
* [ ] This tool does not appear to use tracking cookies.

| Page maintainer    |
| ------------------ |
| Riccardo Giannardi |
|                    |


---

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