Methodology

This page documents how giomap handles data, so anyone — a buyer, an auditor, or an operator — can understand and check it.

Observed data, not accusations

We separate observed loss (a satellite-measured fact, e.g. "N hectares of tree-cover loss") from any attributed risk ("linked to", "exposed to", "may"). We never state that a company is responsible for deforestation. Concession boundaries and ownership are public records that change over time; we date-stamp them and cite the source.

"Tree-cover loss" is not "deforestation"

Following Global Forest Watch's own guidance, satellite "tree-cover loss" includes harvesting, fire and natural causes and is not the same as illegal deforestation. Loss inside a managed concession may be lawful selective logging. We label signals accordingly.

Confidence tiers

Events are tagged Reported (an unverified satellite alert — a starting point for investigation, not a conclusion), Assessed (analyst-reviewed), or Confirmed (documented or official). Deforestation alerts prioritise speed over certainty; a single unconfirmed alert is never published as a claim against a named company.

Dates

Where relevant we separate the imagery date (when the satellite saw it) from the analysis date (when we reviewed it).

Indicative boundaries

Boundaries are simplified for web display and are indicative, not survey-grade. The compliant, survey-grade artifact is the Plot Pack.

Right of reply & corrections

If you are an operator or you believe any data is wrong or out of date, we publish corrections and a right of reply. Email [email protected].