> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://satdocs.hydrosat.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://satdocs.hydrosat.com/faqs.md).

# FAQs

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<summary>I didn't receive my Discovery Platform invitation email. What should I do?</summary>

Please check your spam inbox. If you still don't see the invitation email, reach out to <support@hydrosat.com> for assistance.

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<summary>Can I browse the catalog even if I haven't ordered any data?</summary>

Yes! Fill out the More Information form on [our website](https://hydrosat.com/data-discovery-platform/) in order to request browse access to our catalog.

You can also check out our Open Data Program, which you won't need an account to access.

</details>

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<summary>What is STAC?</summary>

STAC stands for "SpatioTemporal Asset Catalog". It's a standardized framework for indexing, cataloging, and describing geospatial data. It makes Hydrosat data easier to work with, especially if you're integrating it with data from other sources.

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<summary>What do the different assets in a STAC item represent?</summary>

Each STAC item includes several assets representing the individual data and metadata files associated with the scene. Items from different collections have different assets, as defined on our [Product Details](/product-details.md) page.

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<summary>I can only download thumbnail assets for certain scenes. Where's the rest of the data?</summary>

You have full access to the scenes you've ordered and thumbnail-only access to the rest of the catalog.

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<summary>What do the different values in the cloud mask mean?</summary>

The cloud mask encodes information about clear or cloudy conditions present within each pixel.&#x20;

Specifically, the cloud mask contains bit-packed pixel values; each pixel value is a decimal representation of binary strings, in which each bit represents a different condition.

For simplicity, we recommend using the look-up table below. The table displays common pixel values and their meanings.&#x20;

<table><thead><tr><th data-type="number">Value</th><th data-type="checkbox">Clear</th><th data-type="checkbox">No data</th><th data-type="checkbox">Cloud</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>0</td><td>true</td><td>false</td><td>false</td></tr><tr><td>1</td><td>false</td><td>true</td><td>false</td></tr><tr><td>2</td><td>false</td><td>false</td><td>true</td></tr></tbody></table>

If you see a value of 2 in the cloud mask, for example, this would indicate cloudy conditions.

You can also review our how-to guide on using the cloud mask for additional information.

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<summary>Where can I check the online status of the STAC API, Accounts API, or Discovery Portal?</summary>

Check out our [status page](https://status.hydrosat.com/) for information about whether our services are online. You can even subscribe to notifications about the online status.

If you are having issues with access, or you notice the services are offline for a prolonged period, don't hesitate to contact our [support team](mailto:support@hydrosat.com).

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<summary>I want to learn more about Hydrosat's data products. Where can I find more information?</summary>

You can find additional details in our product guide. Please reach out to your organization point of contact if you don't already have this document.

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<summary>Can I use the STAC API with QGIS?</summary>

Though we recommend using [Discovery Portal](/discovery-portal.md) for a superior browsing experience, it is possible to connect to our STAC API from QGIS.&#x20;

Begin by [getting access to a client ID and secret](/stac-api-reference-and-specification/authentication.md). Then right-click the `STAC` option in the QGIS browser add a `New STAC Connection` . Fill out the Authentication form as shown to set up the connection and click `Save`. The `Token URL` is `https://auth.hydrosat.com/oauth2/token`&#x20;

{% hint style="info" %}
If you do not see the Grant flow: Client Credentials option, update your installation of QGIS. The necessary authentication configuration is only supported on newer versions of QGIS.
{% endhint %}

<figure><img src="/files/oDSFhAFHNUQhLc9qywLB" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="/files/4lG5en7BNtRpE9qgnUtS" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

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