The following plot types are provided for models using trajectories produced by the orbit generator:

Parameter as a function of orbital time

World map

A plot showing the orbit trace on a longitude-latitude map.

3D-View of the orbit

A plot showing the orbit in three dimensions with respect to the GEO GEI coordinate system.

Viewing angles. Three angles are defined to specify the viewpoint. The first two angles determine the position of the Earth's rotation axis with respect to the screen, whilst the third produces motion about the Earth's rotation axis, as illustrated in the figure below.

Viewing angles for 3D-visualisation

The different rotations are executed in the same order as described here.

1. The starting position puts the Earth's rotation axis vertical and the Greenwich meridian pointing towards the viewer (top left figure).
2. First, the 3D-image is rotated about a horizontal axis in the plane defined by the screen. A positive angle tilts the north pole towards the viewer and the south pole away from the viewer (top right figure, 30°).
3. Then, the 3D-image is rotated about an axis perpendicular to the screen. A positive angle tilts the Earth's rotation axis to the left (i.e. counterclockwise, bottom left figure, 10°).
4. Finally, a rotation about the Earth rotation axis is executed. A positive angle rotates the Earth in a clockwise direction, such that, if the north pole is positioned in the upper part of the drawing, the meridian with the specified longitude will be pointing towards the viewer (bottom right figure, -60°).

VRML Representation

A plot showing the orbit in three dimensions with respect to the GEO coordinate system. This representation requires a VRML plug-in for the browser that is used.