Satellite habitat evidence · Updated 2026-09-30
Compare vegetation evidence with the terrain.
RidgeRead Satellite Habitat Evidence maps observed greenness, seasonal change and moisture with their observation dates. See where vegetation conditions differ, then combine that evidence with cover, terrain, pressure and access.
Free includes 3 analyses per month. Pro Monthly is $4.99/month. See current plans and annual availability.
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Best for
- Comparing recent greenness and vegetation moisture signals.
- Checking seasonal change against a date-matched baseline.
- Understanding observation dates and confidence before choosing a scouting area.
Not for
- Locating individual elk or confirming edible forage.
- Treating missing or snow-covered observations as poor habitat.
Example: two openings above the same drainage
Compare recent greenness first, then seasonal change and the moisture view. A stronger moisture signal can justify a closer look, but only after checking valid observation counts, snow flags and the cutoff date.
Next compare each opening with adjacent cover and a realistic approach. Satellite vegetation indices do not identify forage species, digestibility or current elk use. A greener opening without security or access may be the weaker scouting choice.
Read the evidence behind the color
The three views use recent NDVI for greenness, recent minus date-matched baseline NDVI for seasonal change, and NDMI for the moisture signal. The inspector exposes observation windows, counts, confidence, effective resolution and cutoff date.
Cloud gaps and snow can limit usable observations. Low-confidence or missing coverage should reduce certainty, not be filled in by assumptions. The baseline comparison helps distinguish seasonal differences from a single attractive image.
Check active coverage and offline dates
Habitat Evidence is an optional analytical layer with published regional coverage. Availability changes as regional datasets are released; the area and date shown in the app are the source of truth. It is not a promise of nationwide live satellite coverage.
When included in a supported offline download, the layer retains the selected publication and cutoff date. It does not refresh in the field without connectivity. Check the available layers and current plan before downloading.
Sources and scope
FAQs
- Does this show current elk locations?
- No. It shows vegetation observations and derived indicators. Ground verification, cover and access remain necessary.
- How recent is the imagery?
- Read the observation window and cutoff date in the inspector. The layer is a published observation product, not a live camera.