Formula Used
This calculator uses a spherical Earth and a geostationary satellite radius of 42164 km.
Observer vector: R = (Re + h) [cos φ cos λ, cos φ sin λ, sin φ]
Satellite vector: S = Rg [cos λs, sin λs, 0]
Range vector: ρ = S - R
Azimuth: atan2(east component, north component)
Elevation: atan2(up component, horizontal component)
LNB skew estimate: atan2(sin Δλ, tan φ)
Magnetic azimuth: true azimuth - magnetic declination
How to Use This Calculator
Enter the observer latitude and longitude in decimal degrees. Use negative values for west longitude and south latitude.
Enter the geostationary satellite longitude. Then add observer height and magnetic declination if known.
Use the obstruction fields when checking a tree, wall, roof, or nearby pole.
Press Calculate. The result appears above the form and below the header section.
Use CSV for spreadsheet records. Use PDF for printing or job notes.
Example Data Table
| Location |
Latitude |
Longitude |
Satellite Longitude |
True Azimuth |
Elevation |
Range |
Skew |
| Karachi |
24.8607 |
67.0011 |
76.5 |
158.298° |
59.030° |
36567.211 km |
19.604° |
| New York |
40.7128 |
-74.0060 |
-97.0 |
213.047° |
37.340° |
37989.310 km |
-24.416° |
| London |
51.5074 |
-0.1278 |
28.2 |
145.443° |
25.365° |
39035.938 km |
20.674° |
Satellite Pointing Overview
A satellite dish works best when its face is aimed at the correct point in the sky. For geostationary satellites, that point depends on three values. These are your latitude, your longitude, and the satellite longitude. The calculator turns those coordinates into practical pointing data. It gives true azimuth, magnetic azimuth, elevation, slant range, and polarization skew.
Why Azimuth Matters
Azimuth is the horizontal direction of the satellite. It is measured clockwise from true north. A value near 180 degrees points south. A value near 90 degrees points east. Installers usually rotate the mast first, then fine tune the dish slowly. Magnetic declination is optional because a compass reads magnetic north. When declination is entered, the tool also shows a compass heading.
Why Elevation Matters
Elevation is the vertical angle above the local horizon. A positive elevation means the satellite is above the horizon. A low elevation can be blocked by trees, walls, roofs, or nearby hills. The obstruction checker estimates clearance at a selected distance. This helps you decide whether the chosen mounting point has a usable line of sight.
Range and Skew
Slant range is the straight distance from your location to the satellite. It is useful for link planning notes and comparison work. Polarization skew shows how the LNB may need to be rotated. Skew signs can vary by receiver brand, dish label, and local convention. Always compare the value with your equipment manual before locking the feed horn.
Best Practice
Use decimal coordinates for the best result. Keep west longitudes negative and east longitudes positive. Keep south latitudes negative and north latitudes positive. Confirm that the satellite longitude is for a geostationary satellite. Level the mast before aiming. Enter a local magnetic declination when using a handheld compass. Use the CSV export for records. Use the PDF export for job reports. After finding the numbers, adjust the dish in small movements. Watch the receiver signal quality, not only signal strength. Tighten all bolts after the best quality reading is found. Record weather conditions too. Heavy rain, wet leaves, and loose brackets can change readings. Recheck alignment after storms. Clear labeling makes future service faster for every technician during routine inspections and upgrades later.
FAQs
What is satellite azimuth?
Satellite azimuth is the horizontal pointing direction. It is measured clockwise from true north. A value of 180 degrees points toward true south.
What is satellite elevation?
Elevation is the vertical angle above the horizon. A positive value means the satellite is above the local horizon and may be reachable.
Can I use compass direction directly?
Use magnetic azimuth for a compass. True azimuth is based on true north. Magnetic declination converts true direction into a compass heading.
What does LNB skew mean?
LNB skew is the estimated feed rotation angle. It helps align polarization. Receiver brands may use different sign conventions, so check the manual.
Why is my elevation negative?
A negative elevation means the satellite is below your local horizon. That satellite cannot be aimed from that location using normal line of sight.
Does observer height matter?
Height has a small effect for normal installations. It can help with technical records and slightly improves the geometric range estimate.
What longitude sign should I use?
Use positive longitude for east. Use negative longitude for west. Use the same rule for the satellite orbital longitude.
Can this check trees or buildings?
Yes. Enter obstruction distance and height above dish level. The calculator estimates clearance along the elevation line.