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Horizon Model Editor

The Horizon Model Editor allows you to create a model of any obstructions at your observing location. The local horizon model can be used to determine whether an object is visible at a given time and place while taking into account obstructions. This includes obstructions at ground level (trees and building) or near the zenith (an overhang). Each location in the database may have a horizon model, but it is likely that you will want to create models only for the locations that you use most often that have obstructions. You can create only a lower portion, only an upper portion, or both as befits your observing location.

Important: A local horizon model increases compute times when it is applied in a report. The more points there are in your model, the more accurate it is but the more compute time is required. Create a local horizon model that captures the minimum detail necessary to meet your needs.

Model Name is a descriptive name of 50 characters or less for the model .

Entering the Lower and Upper Models

The lower and upper portions of your model are entered one at a time. Points in each portion of the model can be entered maually or you can use your ASCOM-enabled mount or digital setting circles to transfer telescope positions as points in the model. Begin with the Lower Model if needed, and then complete the Upper Model if needed.

Adding Points

Entering Manually

Beginning with due North (0° azimuth), enter points in the Azimuth and Altitude edit boxes. Azimuth must be between 0° and 360° inclusively; altitude must be between 0° and 90° inclusively. Click Add Point to create the point in the appropriate list box. Continue entering points in increasing order of azimuth. When a point is added (or edited), the Horizon Model graph at the bottom of the editor window is updated to show a depiction of the model. Use it to verify that you are entering the model properly.

Entering Using the Telescope

Begin by pointing the telescope due North (0° azimuth) and enter the point by clicking Add Telescope Point. Continue entering points by moving the telescope eastwards from north along your desired horizon line and clicking Add Telescope Point until you reach 360°. As each point is added, the Horizon Model graph in the bottom of the editor window displays a depiction of the model as you build it.

Editing Points

You can edit a point in the list box by clicking on the azimuth or altitude cell that requires editing. Type the new value into the cell and press Enter to change the cell or Escape to revert to the previous value. The change in the point's values are reflected in the Horizon Model graph at the bottom of the editor window.

Deleting Points

To remove a point from the list box, click on the first cell in a row (the small gray one). A black triangle is displayed in the small gray cell to show that the entire point is selected. Press Delete Selected Point or the Delete button on the keyboard to remove the point. You must confirm that you want to delete the point. If you need to remove all points from the list box, click Delete All Points. Again, you must confirm that you want to remove all points in the list box.

Press OK to accept changes to the local horizon model, or Cancel to leave the model unchanged.