# Quickstart

The fastest way to get started is to add some example data and explore the user interface. This lets you try out all the features without having to set up credentials.

## Add an example dataset

When you open [Earthscale](https://app.earthscale.ai/), there is a sidebar on the left-hand side that shows your current map and allows you to add new data.

Click on **"Add new dataset"**

<figure><img src="https://cdn.earthscale.ai/docs/assets/add-new-button.webp" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

To test things out, we're going to register a public cloud dataset. To do so, switch to the **Cloud Source** tab, and use the following URL as an example `Dataset URL`:

```
gs://earthscale-public/samples/era5-10-timesteps.zarr/
```

<figure><img src="https://cdn.earthscale.ai/docs/assets/cloud-source.webp" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Click `Continue` to proceed. Earthscale will now read the metadata (location on the map, resolution, projection, etc.) from the dataset. Once this process is finished, the dataset should appear on the map.

## Editing the visualization

Now, try switch the band and/or update the maximum value to update the visualization in real time. To do so, you can either use the three dots and then select `Edit Visualization` or&#x20;

<figure><img src="https://cdn.earthscale.ai/docs/assets/viz-menu.webp" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="https://cdn.earthscale.ai/docs/assets/viz-editor.webp" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

You can use the arrow at the top right of the editor to get back to the map or alternatively press `Esc`.

## Click on the map to get pixel info

To get the exact value of a pixel, just click on it:

<figure><img src="https://cdn.earthscale.ai/docs/assets/pixel-info.webp" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

This places a marker at the exact location that was clicked. On the right-hand side, you can find the coordinates of the point as well as the pixel values for all bands at this location.

All visible datasets at the clicked point are queried, but you can disable or enable specific ones by **clicking the table button** ![](/files/WpfBXYDzohI5NDj7FxfW) on the right-hand side.

## Working with multidimensional data

The ERA5 weather dataset that we have added in the first step has a `time` dimension. The Dataset Card allows you to step through the different timesteps&#x20;

After adding one of these, you can see the all dimensions as well as their currently displayed value below the dataset in the sidebar:

<figure><img src="https://cdn.earthscale.ai/docs/assets/time-slider.webp" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

**Click a pixel** to see additional options for multidimensional datasets. Then **Click the chart icon** ![](/files/Ueuh3TM6BINoCWVKMc0x) to query the history of the pixel value at the current location:

<figure><img src="https://cdn.earthscale.ai/docs/assets/time-pixel-info.webp" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## Next steps

<table data-view="cards"><thead><tr><th></th><th data-hidden data-card-cover data-type="files"></th><th data-hidden data-card-target data-type="content-ref"></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Access Your Own Data</td><td><a href="/files/J1qg7TM8ycsQpaUNoEoV">/files/J1qg7TM8ycsQpaUNoEoV</a></td><td><a href="/pages/Q1A8eyuey5DMwCHDATJy">/pages/Q1A8eyuey5DMwCHDATJy</a></td></tr><tr><td>Use Earthscale Tile Servers in Your Products</td><td><a href="/files/96cwFXqkBuvWht7yJyW1">/files/96cwFXqkBuvWht7yJyW1</a></td><td><a href="/pages/xMhJirwH2VO6brjCeodA">/pages/xMhJirwH2VO6brjCeodA</a></td></tr><tr><td>Get Started with the Python API</td><td><a href="/files/6osfqCc5ROdYh1qgBNN8">/files/6osfqCc5ROdYh1qgBNN8</a></td><td><a href="/pages/Gardwj3Ek5cqTIfFIE9v">/pages/Gardwj3Ek5cqTIfFIE9v</a></td></tr></tbody></table>


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# Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation

If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter:

```
GET https://docs.earthscale.ai/earthscale-documentation/quickstart.md?ask=<question>
```

The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.