The Vegetation Layer uses satellite imagery to help identify areas of a field that may require additional attention.
NDVI (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index) measures vegetation health and vigor by comparing reflected near-infrared light with absorbed red light. Healthy vegetation typically appears greener, while areas with lower vigor appear closer to red.
NDVI can help identify where to investigate, but it does not determine the cause of an issue.
Access the Vegetation Layer
Open the Map Control Panel.
Select the toggle next to Vegetation.
Choose one of the available vegetation views:
Latest Vegetation Index (NDVI)
Short-Term Change
Long-Term Change
Latest Visible Crop
Latest Vegetation Index (NDVI)
The Latest Vegetation Index displays the most recent satellite imagery available for your property.
Key Information
Imagery is captured by Sentinel-2 satellites.
Resolution is 10 m x 10 m per satellite pixel.
Colors are optimized for color-blind accessibility.
Only high-quality imagery is displayed.
View Block Details
Select a block on the map to view:
Image date
Average NDVI
Uniformity
What is Average NDVI?
Average NDVI is the average NDVI value across all satellite pixels within a block.
What is Uniformity?
Uniformity measures how consistent NDVI values are across a block and is calculated using the Coefficient of Variation (CV).
Short-Term Change
Short-Term Change compares the two most recent high-quality NDVI images.
Use this view to identify:
Recent changes in crop conditions
Areas of improving vegetation
Areas of declining vegetation
Change Colors
Blue = Increase in greenness
Yellow = Little or no change
Red = Decrease in greenness
Select a block to view the imagery dates and associated statistics.
Long-Term Change
Long-Term Change compares the latest image with an image captured approximately 30–45 days earlier.
Use this view to:
Monitor longer-term crop performance
Identify persistent problem areas
Track vegetation development over time
Select a block to view the imagery dates and associated statistics.
Latest Visible Crop
The Latest Visible Crop layer displays the most recent visible imagery available for your property.
Use this view to:
Assess crop density
Evaluate vegetation coverage
Identify areas with sparse vegetation
Interpreting NDVI
NDVI is most useful for identifying areas that may require field scouting.
Areas with lower greenness or declining greenness may indicate potential issues such as:
Irrigation problems
Nutrient deficiencies
Pest pressure
Other crop stress factors
Additional investigation is required to determine the underlying cause.
Image Availability and Quality
Only imagery that meets quality standards is displayed.
Image quality may be affected by:
Cloud cover
Cloud shadows
Bare soil
Reflective ground covers or shade cloth
Satellite data quality issues
How Current Is the Latest Image?
Sentinel-2 satellites typically revisit the same area every 5 days. If a recent image does not meet quality requirements, an older image may be displayed.
To view the image date, select a block and review the image details.
Why Don't I See NDVI Imagery?
NDVI imagery may be unavailable if:
The Vegetation layer is turned off.
Recent imagery does not meet quality standards.
A block was recently created or updated and imagery is still processing.
The block has not been added to your account.
New or updated blocks may take up to 48 hours before imagery becomes available.
FAQs
What is NDVI?
NDVI (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index) is a satellite-based measurement used to assess vegetation health and vigor.
What do the NDVI colors mean?
Greener areas generally indicate healthier or more vigorous vegetation. Areas closer to red may indicate lower vegetation health or areas that need investigation.
What is the image resolution?
NDVI imagery is displayed at a 10 m x 10 m resolution, with each pixel representing a 10 m x 10 m area on the ground.
What does Short-Term Change show?
Short-Term Change compares the two most recent high-quality NDVI images to highlight recent changes in vegetation.
What does Long-Term Change show?
Long-Term Change compares the latest image with imagery from approximately 30–45 days earlier to show longer-term vegetation trends.
How often is NDVI updated?
Imagery is updated whenever new high-quality Sentinel-2 imagery is available. Under normal conditions, new imagery is typically available every few days.
Can NDVI tell me what is wrong with my crop?
No. NDVI highlights areas that may require attention but does not identify the specific cause of crop stress.