I’m trying to create a web application that shows real-time cloud animations using satellite imagery, similar to zoom.earth. The main challenge is finding reliable satellite imagery sources and implementing smooth animations with proper time controls. The application needs to:
Display global cloud coverage
Update in real-time or near real-time
Allow users to scrub through timeline
Provide smooth transitions between different time intervals
Maintain high-resolution imagery at various zoom levels
I’ve tried multiple satellite imagery sources:
Himawari – no document and implementation also not working
NASA GIBS – Complex implementation, delayed updates , imagery black layers
GOES – Limited coverage area
Meteomatics – API limitations
RAMMB Slider – Integration challenges
OpenWeather – Resolution not suitable for requirements
Expected Behavior:
Seamless cloud animation similar to zoom.earth
Real-time updates as new satellite data becomes available
Smooth transitions between time intervals
High-resolution imagery at all zoom levels
User-friendly timeline controls
Actual Results:
Gaps in coverage
Delayed updates
Choppy transitions between layers
Limited resolution at certain zoom levels
Basic timeline functionality
Questions:
Are there alternative satellite imagery sources I haven’t explored?
What techniques would work best for smooth layer transitions?
How can I implement real-time updates efficiently?
Are there specific libraries for timeline controls in this context?
Are there less-known APIs that might better suit this project?
Any guidance and code/documentation on these aspects would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!