What is a footprint map?
A footprint map illustrates how the signal of a satellite beam is distributed on the surface of the earth. It should be noted that satellites usually have several beams that covers different areas of the earth and have different transmissions/TV-channels.
Why do I need a footprint map?
By using a footprint map you can see if a satellite beam is receivable at your location and also get an estimate of the dish size needed to pick up the signal.
How do I use the footprint maps?
If you want a list of receivable satellite beams that cover your location or which dish size is required to receive a specific beam, you can use the BeamFinder tool. Begin by the using the setup wizard and follow the instructions. If you already know the satellite you are interested in, click on satellites in the menu bar at the top.
How do I interpret a footprint map?
Look at your location on the earth on the overview footprint map and see if the location is within the red oval, i.e. above the horizon, and also within the coloured surface that indicates the coverage. To get a more detailed map, please click on the overview map. In the detailed footprint map the signal strength is indicated by red colour (strong signal) and blue colour (weak signal). Look at the numbers on the level curves to get the signal strength in dBW and use the table to the left to get an estimate of the dish size you need to receive the signal. If you use the BeamFinder tool, your location is indicated by a red dot in the footprint maps. Below the footprint you will have information about the signal strength, possibly estimated dish size and information needed to aim your dish.
How reliable are the footprint maps?
You should use them with caution, the footprint maps gives you an indication if a beam is receivable and a basic idea of the dish size needed. Though you should not purchase equipment based on this information alone, talk to your local satellite dealer or other satellite users in your area to get more information.
The footprint does not cover my location, does this mean that I can not receive it?
If your location is below the horizon, i.e. not inside the red oval in the map, it is impossible to receive it. If your location is above the horizon but not covered by the footprint you still might be able to receive it, e.g. if your location is near the boundary of the footprint map and you have a large satellite dish. Also, please note that some footprint maps only are a part of the whole coverage area, this is seen as horizontal or vertical "cuts" in the footprint maps. Finally some satellites are also known to "leak" to areas not officially covered.
I know I can receive a satellite beam at my location, why is it not covered by the footprint map?
Outside the footprint map one might still pick up signals with a larger dish and/or high quality equipment. Also some footprint maps are only part of the whole coverage area; this is seen as horizontal or vertical "cuts" in the footprint maps. For these footprint maps areas outside the footprint map might be covered. Finally some satellite beams are known to "leak" to areas not officially covered.
The footprint covers my location, why can I not receive any signal?
The ability to receive a signal depends on several factors, e.g. the dish size, the quality and type of the LNB used, the correct aiming of the dish etc. Also, the actual signal strength may differ significantly from the one indicated in the footprint map at certain locations.
Can I use a SatStar footprint map on my own webpage?
Yes, you may use a few footprints on your own website provided that you do not modify the image, include a link to www.satstar.net and send an email to info@satstar.net with the URL to your website. For more information, please refer to our Terms of Use.
Why are some satellite footprint maps missing?
Some satellite operators do not publish official footprint maps. Also, the majority of the maps we have are for C and Ku-band, but we do have a few L/S/Ka-band maps too.
How are the SatStar footprint maps made?
We base our footprints from the most recent official ones available from the satellite operators. First we use special software to extract the data from these footprints and estimate the map projection used, i.e. how the earth is presented in two dimensions, which can be done in many ways. Then we create vector data for the level curves and raster data for the signal strength in the coverage area. Finally we make the footprint images using the vector and raster data. The raster data is also used in the BeamFinder tool to get an estimate of a satellite beams signal strength at a specific location.
I need custom made satellite footprint maps, is it possible for SatStar to provide these?
Yes, we can provide custom made footprint maps using any background worldmap, different projections and in higher resolutions. For more information, please contact sales@satstar.net.
I need vector and/or raster data of satellite footprint beams to develop an application, is it possible for SatStar to provide these?
We might licence the use of our footprint data for third party applications, for more information please contact sales@satstar.net.
and TV guide data from the internet.
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If you would like to download sample listings data files for a selection of TV channels, please contact us at sales@satstar.net or log in with the username and password for your listings account.
