Plotting satellite antenna radiation patterns

Approaches for visualizing satellite antenna radiation patterns are presented. Gain-level contours drawn over a geographical map give the clearest quantitative information. A three-dimensional surface plot displays the qualitative shape of the radiation pattern more naturally. Giving a 3-D effect to level contours allows quantitative and qualitative information to be combined, but it can only be used to complement the other plots. These methods of visualization all use plotters to produce their images. The hidden-point algorithm for 3-D contour plots is described.<
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