update

docs/gee-sign-up.html

@@ -258,90 +258,137 @@
 
 
 <h1 class="title toc-ignore">Sign-up for Google Earth Engine</h1>
-<h3 class="subtitle">A Step-by-step guide for signing-up for a GEE
-account</h3>
+<h3 class="subtitle">A step-by-step guide for signing-up for a GEE
+account with a cloud-project</h3>
 
 </div>
 
-<div id="TOC">
-<ul>
-<li><a href="#non-commercial-users"
-id="toc-non-commercial-users">Non-Commercial Users</a></li>
-<li><a href="#commercial-users" id="toc-commercial-users">Commercial
-Users</a></li>
-</ul>
-</div>
 
-<p>Using Google Earth Engine requires an approved account. The official
-instructions for signing-up are in the Earth Engine User Guide. Review
-the steps outlined at <a
-href="https://developers.google.com/earth-engine/guides/access">Earth
-Engine access</a> and follow the instructions below for your account
-type.</p>
-<div id="non-commercial-users" class="section level2">
-<h2>Non-Commercial Users</h2>
-<p>Earth Engine is available free of cost for <a
-href="https://earthengine.google.com/noncommercial/">Noncommercial and
-Research use</a>. If you are eligible for non-commercial access, follow
-the instructions below to obtain an account.</p>
-<div id="option-1-sign-up-using-google-cloud" class="section level3">
-<h3>Option 1: Sign-up using Google Cloud</h3>
-<p>This is the preferred option for signing up for new Google Earth
-Engine accounts.</p>
-<p>Visit <a href="https://code.earthengine.google.com/register">Project
-Registration Page</a> and follow the instructions to enable Earth Engine
-access. You will have to sign-up for Google Cloud and create a new cloud
-project to be used with Earth Engine.</p>
-</div>
-<div id="option-2-sign-up-without-google-cloud" class="section level3">
-<h3>Option 2: Sign-up without Google Cloud</h3>
-<p>Non-commercial users also have an option to use the legacy sign-up
-page to get a Google Earth Engine account. Some users may not have
-necessary permissions from their organization to create a cloud project.
-This option allows you to sign-up without a Google Cloud project.</p>
-<p>Visit <a href="https://signup.earthengine.google.com/"
-target="_blank">https://signup.earthengine.google.com/</a> and sign-up
-with your Google account. You can use your existing gmail account to
-sign-up. It usually takes 1-2 days for approval. Hence do this step as
-soon as possible.</p>
-<p>Tips to ensure smooth sign-up process:</p>
+<p>As of June 2024, all users of Google Earth Engine require an account
+which is linked to a Google Cloud Project. Below are the official
+instructions for obtaining an account.</p>
 <ul>
-<li>Use Google Chrome browser.</li>
-<li>When signing up for Earth Engine, please log out of all Google
-accounts and ensure you are logged into only 1 account which you want
-associated with Earth Engine.</li>
-<li>Prefer using your university/organization email for signing up.</li>
-<li>Access to Google Earth Engine is granted via Google Groups. The
-default settings should be fine, but verify you have the correct setting
-enabled.
+<li><a
+href="https://developers.google.com/earth-engine/guides/access">Earth
+Engine access</a> for new users.</li>
+<li><a
+href="https://developers.google.com/earth-engine/guides/transition_to_cloud_projects">Transition
+Guide</a> for existing users.</li>
+</ul>
+<p>We have put together a simplified FAQ and step-by-step guide below
+for users who may not be familiar with Google Cloud.</p>
+<blockquote>
+<p>Disclaimer: The information provider below is general information to
+help new users. The cloud-integration with Earth Engine is evolving and
+may change in the future. Read to the official guides linked above for
+up-to-date information.</p>
+</blockquote>
+<hr />
+<div id="faq" class="section level3">
+<h3>FAQ</h3>
 <ul>
-<li>Visit <a href="http://groups.google.com/"
-target="_blank">groups.google.com</a></li>
-<li>Click on Settings (gear icon) and select Global Settings.</li>
-<li>Make sure the option Allow group managers to add me to their groups
-is checked.</li>
-</ul></li>
+<li><strong>Why the requirement for a Cloud Project?</strong> Previously
+- Earth Engine was a separate Google service with it’s own systems and
+was governed by its own Terms of Service. It is now integrated into
+Google Cloud Platform and is one of hundreds of other cloud offerings.
+This means that the usage of GEE is now governed by the <em>Google Cloud
+Terms of Service</em> and it uses the standard cloud methods for access,
+logging, billing etc. It helps Earth Engine team offer better
+integration with other Google Cloud offerings. Using Google Cloud
+requires a <em>Project</em> - which is just a workspace where you can
+enable different services.</li>
+<li><strong>Should I sign-up for a Cloud Project?</strong> As of June
+2024, you do not have an option to use Earth Engine without a cloud
+project. If you do not sign-up, your GEE account will stop functioning
+at some point in the future.</li>
+<li><strong>Do I have to pay for Google Cloud?</strong> Earth Engine
+remains free for <a
+href="https://earthengine.google.com/noncommercial/">Noncommercial and
+Research Use</a>. You do not need to setup a billing account or pay if
+you qualify for this category. For <a
+href="https://earthengine.google.com/commercial/">Commercial Use</a>,
+you will need to setup a billing account and choose a <a
+href="https://cloud.google.com/earth-engine/pricing">Pricing
+Plan</a>.</li>
 </ul>
+<p>Ready sign-up for Earth Engine with a Cloud Project? Follow the steps
+below.</p>
+<hr />
 </div>
-</div>
-<div id="commercial-users" class="section level2">
-<h2>Commercial Users</h2>
-<p>Google Earth Engine is available as a Google Cloud service for <a
-href="https://earthengine.google.com/commercial/">Commmercial users</a>.
-You need a Google Cloud account to sign-up for Earth Engine.</p>
-<div id="new-google-cloud-users" class="section level3">
-<h3>New Google Cloud Users</h3>
-<p>If you haven’t used Google Cloud before, visit <a
+<div id="choose-a-sign-up-method" class="section level3">
+<h3>Choose a Sign-up Method</h3>
+<ul>
+<li><strong>First-time GEE Users</strong>: Visit the <a
 href="https://code.earthengine.google.com/register">Project Registration
-Page</a> and follow the instructions to enable Earth Engine access.</p>
-</div>
-<div id="existing-google-cloud-users" class="section level3">
-<h3>Existing Google Cloud Users</h3>
-<p>If you already use Google Cloud and have an existing project, visit
-<a
-href="https://developers.google.com/earth-engine/guides/access#a-role-in-a-cloud-project">Getting
-access</a> page for instructions.</p>
+Page</a> to start the <a href="#sign-up-flow">Sign-up Flow</a>.</li>
+<li><strong>Existing GEE Users</strong>: Visit the <a
+href="https://code.earthengine.google.com">Earth Engine Code Editor</a>
+and click on the account logo in the top-right corner and select
+<em>Register a new Cloud Project</em>. This will start the <a
+href="#sign-up-flow">Sign-up Flow</a>.</li>
+</ul>
+<p><img src="images/gee_sign_up/existing.png" width="75%" style="display: block; margin: auto auto auto 0;" /></p>
 </div>
+<div id="sign-up-flow" class="section level3">
+<h3>Sign-up Flow</h3>
+<ol style="list-style-type: decimal">
+<li>On the <em>Product Registration Page</em>, select
+<code>Register a Noncommercial or Commercial Cloud project</code>.</li>
+</ol>
+<p><img src="images/gee_sign_up/cloud1.png" width="75%" style="display: block; margin: auto;" /></p>
+<ol start="2" style="list-style-type: decimal">
+<li>Next, you need to choose <em>How do you want to use Earth
+Engine?</em>. Choose the <code>Paid usage</code> or
+<code>Unpaid usage</code> depending on your use case. Click
+<em>Next</em>. Since we are a training provider, we have chosen
+<em>Unpaid usage → Trainer &amp; trainees</em>. You should select the
+category that applies to you.</li>
+</ol>
+<p><img src="images/gee_sign_up/cloud2.png" width="50%" style="display: block; margin: auto;" /></p>
+<ol start="3" style="list-style-type: decimal">
+<li>In the next dialog, choose <em>Create a new Google Cloud
+Project</em>. Select <code>No organization</code> for
+<em>Organization</em> and enter a <em>Project-ID</em>. This id needs to
+be unique. A standard practice is to use the project-ID in the form of
+<code>ee-&lt;yourusername&gt;</code>. Click <em>CONTINUE TO
+SUMMARY</em>. If you have never used Google Cloud before, an error
+message will be displayed with a note <em>You must accept the Cloud
+Terms of Service before a Cloud Project can be created</em>. Click on
+the link that will open the Google Cloud Console. If you do not get the
+warning, skip to step 6.</li>
+</ol>
+<p><img src="images/gee_sign_up/cloud3.png" width="50%" style="display: block; margin: auto;" /></p>
+<ol start="4" style="list-style-type: decimal">
+<li>Choose your <em>Country</em> and review the <em>Google Cloud
+Platform Terms of Service</em> and the terms of service of <em>any
+applicable services and APIs</em>. After reviewing, click <em>AGREE AND
+CONTINUE</em>.</li>
+</ol>
+<p><img src="images/gee_sign_up/cloud4.png" width="50%" style="display: block; margin: auto;" /></p>
+<ol start="5" style="list-style-type: decimal">
+<li>Once the Terms of Service have been accepted, go back to the
+previous tab and click <em>CONTINUE TO SUMMARY</em>.</li>
+</ol>
+<p><img src="images/gee_sign_up/cloud5.png" width="50%" style="display: block; margin: auto;" /></p>
+<ol start="6" style="list-style-type: decimal">
+<li>You will be presented with a summary in the <em>Confirm your Cloud
+project information</em> dialog. Review and click <em>CONFIRM</em>.</li>
+</ol>
+<p><img src="images/gee_sign_up/cloud6.png" width="50%" style="display: block; margin: auto;" /></p>
+<ol start="7" style="list-style-type: decimal">
+<li>The project will be registered and you will be redirected to the
+Code Editor. If you are not redirected automatically, visit the <a
+href="https://code.earthengine.google.com">Earth Engine Code
+Editor</a>.</li>
+</ol>
+<p><img src="images/gee_sign_up/cloud7.png" width="50%" style="display: block; margin: auto;" /></p>
+<ol start="8" style="list-style-type: decimal">
+<li>Your code editor will now display information about the linked
+project.</li>
+</ol>
+<p><img src="images/gee_sign_up/cloud8.png" width="75%" style="display: block; margin: auto;" /></p>
+<p>Done! You are now ready to start using your Earth Engine account with
+a Cloud Project.</p>
 </div>
 
 <!-- Comment Section Powered by utterances -->

gee-sign-up.Rmd

@@ -1,11 +1,11 @@
 ---
 title: "Sign-up for Google Earth Engine"
-subtitle: "A Step-by-step guide for signing-up for a GEE account"
+subtitle: "A step-by-step guide for signing-up for a GEE account with a cloud-project"
 fontsize: 12pt
 output:
   html_document:
     df_print: paged
-    toc: yes
+    toc: no
     toc_depth: 2
     highlight: pygments
     includes:
@@ -26,42 +26,84 @@ header-includes:
 classoption: a4paper
 ---
 
-Using Google Earth Engine requires an approved account. The official instructions for signing-up are in the Earth Engine User Guide. Review the steps outlined at [Earth Engine access](https://developers.google.com/earth-engine/guides/access) and follow the instructions below for your account type.
+As of June 2024, all users of Google Earth Engine require an account which is linked to a Google Cloud Project. Below are the official instructions for obtaining an account.
 
-## Non-Commercial Users
+* [Earth Engine access](https://developers.google.com/earth-engine/guides/access) for new users.
+* [Transition Guide](https://developers.google.com/earth-engine/guides/transition_to_cloud_projects) for existing users.
 
-Earth Engine is available free of cost for [Noncommercial and Research use](https://earthengine.google.com/noncommercial/). If you are eligible for non-commercial access, follow the instructions below to obtain an account.
+We have put together a simplified FAQ and step-by-step guide below for users who may not be familiar with Google Cloud. 
 
-### Option 1: Sign-up using Google Cloud
+> Disclaimer: The information provider below is general information to help new users. The cloud-integration with Earth Engine is evolving and may change in the future. Read to the official guides linked above for up-to-date information.
 
-This is the preferred option for signing up for new Google Earth Engine accounts.
+----
 
-Visit [Project Registration Page](https://code.earthengine.google.com/register) and follow the instructions to enable Earth Engine access. You will have to sign-up for Google Cloud and create a new cloud project to be used with Earth Engine.
+### FAQ 
 
-### Option 2: Sign-up without Google Cloud
+* **Why the requirement for a Cloud Project?** Previously - Earth Engine was a separate Google service with it's own systems and was governed by its own Terms of Service. It is now integrated into Google Cloud Platform and is one of hundreds of other cloud offerings. This means that the usage of GEE is now governed by the *Google Cloud Terms of Service* and it uses the standard cloud methods for access, logging, billing etc. It helps Earth Engine team offer better integration with other Google Cloud offerings. Using Google Cloud requires a *Project* - which is just a workspace where you can enable different services.
+* **Should I sign-up for a Cloud Project?** As of June 2024, you do not have an option to use Earth Engine without a cloud project. If you do not sign-up, your GEE account will stop functioning at some point in the future.
+* **Do I have to pay for Google Cloud?** Earth Engine remains free for [Noncommercial and Research Use](https://earthengine.google.com/noncommercial/). You do not need to setup a billing account or pay if you qualify for this category. For [Commercial Use](https://earthengine.google.com/commercial/), you will need to setup a billing account and choose a [Pricing Plan](https://cloud.google.com/earth-engine/pricing).
 
-Non-commercial users also have an option to use the legacy sign-up page to get a Google Earth Engine account. Some users may not have necessary permissions from their organization to create a cloud project. This option allows you to sign-up without a Google Cloud project.
+Ready sign-up for Earth Engine with a Cloud Project? Follow the steps below.
 
-Visit [https://signup.earthengine.google.com/](https://signup.earthengine.google.com/){target="_blank"} and sign-up with your Google account. You can use your existing gmail account to sign-up. It usually takes 1-2 days for approval. Hence do this step as soon as possible.
+----
 
-Tips to ensure smooth sign-up process:
+### Choose a Sign-up Method
 
-- Use Google Chrome browser.
-- When signing up for Earth Engine, please log out of all Google accounts and ensure you are logged into only 1 account which you want associated with Earth Engine. 
-- Prefer using your university/organization email for signing up.
-- Access to Google Earth Engine is granted via Google Groups. The default settings should be fine, but verify you have the correct setting enabled.
-    - Visit [groups.google.com](http://groups.google.com/){target="_blank"}
-    - Click on Settings (gear icon) and select Global Settings.
-    - Make sure the option Allow group managers to add me to their groups is checked.
+* **First-time GEE Users**: Visit the [Project Registration Page](https://code.earthengine.google.com/register) to start the [Sign-up Flow](#sign-up-flow).
+* **Existing GEE Users**: Visit the [Earth Engine Code Editor](https://code.earthengine.google.com) and click on the account logo in the top-right corner and select *Register a new Cloud Project*. This will start the [Sign-up Flow](#sign-up-flow).
 
-## Commercial Users
+```{r echo=FALSE, fig.align='left', out.width='75%'}
+knitr::include_graphics('images/gee_sign_up/existing.png')
+```
 
-Google Earth Engine is available as a Google Cloud service for [Commmercial users](https://earthengine.google.com/commercial/). You need a Google Cloud account to sign-up for Earth Engine.
+### Sign-up Flow
 
-### New Google Cloud Users
+1. On the *Product Registration Page*, select `Register a Noncommercial or Commercial Cloud project`.
 
-If you haven't used Google Cloud before, visit [Project Registration Page](https://code.earthengine.google.com/register) and follow the instructions to enable Earth Engine access.
+```{r echo=FALSE, fig.align='center', out.width='75%'}
+knitr::include_graphics('images/gee_sign_up/cloud1.png')
+```
 
-### Existing Google Cloud Users
+2. Next, you need to choose *How do you want to use Earth Engine?*. Choose the `Paid usage` or `Unpaid usage` depending on your use case. Click *Next*. Since we are a training provider, we have chosen *Unpaid usage → Trainer & trainees*. You should select the category that applies to you. 
 
-If you already use Google Cloud and have an existing project, visit [Getting access](https://developers.google.com/earth-engine/guides/access#a-role-in-a-cloud-project) page for instructions.
+```{r echo=FALSE, fig.align='center', out.width='50%'}
+knitr::include_graphics('images/gee_sign_up/cloud2.png')
+```
+
+3. In the next dialog, choose *Create a new Google Cloud Project*. Select `No organization` for *Organization* and enter a *Project-ID*. This id needs to be unique. A standard practice is to use the project-ID in the form of `ee-<yourusername>`. Click *CONTINUE TO SUMMARY*. If you have never used Google Cloud before, an error message will be displayed with a note *You must accept the Cloud Terms of Service before a Cloud Project can be created*. Click on the link that will open the Google Cloud Console. If you do not get the warning, skip to step 6.
+
+```{r echo=FALSE, fig.align='center', out.width='50%'}
+knitr::include_graphics('images/gee_sign_up/cloud3.png')
+```
+
+4. Choose your *Country* and review the *Google Cloud Platform Terms of Service* and the terms of service of *any applicable services and APIs*. After reviewing, click *AGREE AND CONTINUE*.
+
+```{r echo=FALSE, fig.align='center', out.width='50%'}
+knitr::include_graphics('images/gee_sign_up/cloud4.png')
+```
+
+5. Once the Terms of Service have been accepted, go back to the previous tab and click *CONTINUE TO SUMMARY*.
+
+```{r echo=FALSE, fig.align='center', out.width='50%'}
+knitr::include_graphics('images/gee_sign_up/cloud5.png')
+```
+
+6. You will be presented with a summary in the *Confirm your Cloud project information* dialog. Review and click *CONFIRM*.
+
+```{r echo=FALSE, fig.align='center', out.width='50%'}
+knitr::include_graphics('images/gee_sign_up/cloud6.png')
+```
+
+7. The project will be registered and you will be redirected to the Code Editor. If you are not redirected automatically, visit the [Earth Engine Code Editor](https://code.earthengine.google.com).
+
+```{r echo=FALSE, fig.align='center', out.width='50%'}
+knitr::include_graphics('images/gee_sign_up/cloud7.png')
+```
+
+8. Your code editor will now display information about the linked project. 
+
+```{r echo=FALSE, fig.align='center', out.width='75%'}
+knitr::include_graphics('images/gee_sign_up/cloud8.png')
+```
+
+Done! You are now ready to start using your Earth Engine account with a Cloud Project.