Part 3: Access Reports and Graphs

STK Pro, STK Premium (Air), STK Premium (Space), or STK Enterprise
You can obtain the necessary licenses for this tutorial by contacting AGI Support at support@agi.com or 1-800-924-7244.

The results of the tutorial may vary depending on the user settings and data enabled (online operations, terrain server, dynamic Earth data, etc.). It is acceptable to have different results.

Capabilities covered

This lesson covers the following capabilities of the Ansys Systems Tool Kit® (STK®) digital mission engineering software:

  • STK Pro

Problem statement

Engineers and operators often need to determine the times one object can "access" (or see) another object. In addition, they need to impose constraints on accesses between objects to define what constitutes a valid access. These constraints could include elevation angle, sunlight or umbra restrictions, gimbal speed, range, and more. Engineers also require the ability to create reports and graphs that summarize static data or show dynamic data during animation.

Solution

With the STK software, you can determine accesses between objects and generate reports to summarize your data. Building on your fundamental understanding of the STK software, use two important tools in the STK application — the Access tool and the Report & Graph Manager — to solve this problem.

What you will learn

Upon completion of this tutorial, you will understand the following:

  • How the Access tool functions by creating accesses between two or more objects
  • How to save data externally by exporting reports
  • How to update a report's units of measure
  • How to generate prebuilt reports using quick reports
  • How to use the Stored View tool
  • How to find and use data providers with the Report & Graph Manager
  • How to create custom reports for your scenario
  • How to create 3D Graphics dynamic data displays

Video guidance

Watch the following video. Then follow the steps below, which incorporate the systems and missions you work on (sample inputs provided).

Creating a new scenario

First, you must create a new scenario, then build from there.

  1. Launch thee STK application ().
  2. Click Create a Scenarioin the Welcome to STK dialog box.
  3. Enter the following in the STK: New Scenario Wizard:
    4. Option Value
    Name AccessReportsGraphs
    Location Default
    Start 11 Dec 2025 18:00:00.000 UTCG
    Stop + 24 hr
  4. Click OK when you are done.
  5. Click Save () once the scenario loads. A folder with the same name as your scenario is created for you in the location specified above.
  6. Verify the scenario name and location and click Save.

Save () often during this lesson!

Creating the satellite tracking station

A teleport facility, which is used to track satellites, is located in Castle Rock, Colorado.

Inserting a new Facility object

Insert the teleport into the scenario as a Facility object.

  1. In the Insert STK Objects tool (), select Facility () in the Select An Object To Be Inserted list.
  2. Select From Standard Object Database () in the Select a Method list.
  3. Click Insert....
  4. Enter Castle Rock in the Name field when the Search Standard Object Data dialog box opens.
  5. Click Search.
  6. Select the entry in the Results list whose Facility Name is Castle Rock Teleport and whose Network is INTELSAT.
  7. Click Insert.
  8. Click Closeto close the Search Standard Object Data dialog box.

Viewing the tracking station in 3D

View the Castle Rock Teleport in the 3D Graphics window.

  1. Bring the 3D Graphics window to the front.
  2. Right-click on Castle_Rock_Teleport () in the Object Browser.
  3. Select Zoom To in the shortcut menu.
  4. Use your mouse to get a good view of Castle_Rock_Teleport () and the surrounding terrain.

Castle Rock Teleport and Surrounding Terrain

Streaming terrain from a Terrain Server

You can see that Castle_Rock_Teleport () is located in mountainous terrain. Terrain Server distributes Earth terrain data for analysis and visualization. By default, the STK application connects to the Ansys Geospatial Data Cloud, which is available through an internet connection to all STK users. You have the option of turning off streaming terrain and placing all your ground objects on the surface of the WGS84 ellipsoid or leaving Terrain Server on which places your ground objects at the proper altitude but uses the WGS84 as the central body. Your objects will see through the terrain and line of sight will be the WGS84's horizon unless you use Advanced Analysis Operations. For the purposes of this scenario, disable Terrain Server.

  1. Right-click on AccessReportsGraphs () in the Object Browser.
  2. Select Properties () in the shortcut menu.
  3. Select the Basic - Terrain page when the Properties Browser opens.
  4. Clear the Use terrain server for analysis check box in the Terrain Server panel.
  5. Click OKto accept your changes and to close the Properties Browser.
  6. Bring the 3D Graphics window to the front.

Editing Castle Rock Teleport's properties

Castle_Rock_Teleport () appears to be floating. The STK application is still referencing the Facility object's altitude based on the WGS84 altitude from the Standard Object Database. Change its altitude by updating its properties on the Position page.

  1. Open Castle_Rock_Teleport's () Properties ().
  2. Select the Basic - Position page when the Properties Browser opens.
  3. Select the Use terrain data check box in the Position panel.
  4. Click Applyto accept your changes and to keep the Properties Browser open.
  5. Return to the 3D Graphics window.

Castle Rock Teleport On Top of the WGS84 ellipsoid

Castle_Rock_Teleport () is now referencing the surface of the WGS84 ellipsoid.

Understanding access

The simplest definition of "access" is the ability of one object to see another object during a period of time. An access is defined by two or more objects — a primary object and an associated object or objects — for which the access is computed. Once an access is created, it maintains a close relationship with the defining objects. If either of the defining objects is changed in such a way that the access times may be altered, the access is automatically recomputed. Also, if either of the defining objects is removed from the scenario, the access is automatically removed. See the technical notes on access computations for more information.

Understanding access constraints

The first condition for access is geometric line of sight, meaning the ability to draw a straight line between the positions of two objects. Additionally, there may also exist other conditions for access, called constraints. Access constraints are imposed by you. When you are determining access times for a given pair of STK objects, you can apply access constraints to model requirements and limitations (placed on each object) to meet your mission objectives. You can restrict Castle_Rock_Teleport's () field of view by setting constraints on it.

  1. Return to Castle_Rock_Teleport's () Properties ().
  2. Select the Constraints - Active page.

    3. Note that the Line of Sight constraint is selected. The Line of Sight constraint computes whether the line of sight between two objects is obstructed by the ground, or, in this case, the WGS84 ellipsoid.

  3. Click OK to close the Properties Browser without making any changes.

Attaching a Sensor object to Castle Rock Teleport

You can also restrict and visualize Castle Rock Teleport's field of view by using a Sensor object that models the properties of the antennas at the site. For instance, if a combination of antennas provide a 360-degree field of view over a range of 1,500 kilometers, you can use one Sensor object to model that combined field of view.

  1. Insert a Sensor () object using the Insert Default () method.
  2. Select Castle_Rock_Teleport () when the Select Object dialog box opens.
  3. Click OK.
  4. Right-click on Sensor1 () in the Object Browser.
  5. Select Rename in the shortcut menu.
  6. Rename the Sensor1 () to CR_FOV.

    7. CR_FOV is an acronym for Castle Rock field of view.

Setting the half angle of the sensor

A simple conic sensor pattern is defined by a simple cone angle.

  1. Open CR_FOV's () Properties ().
  2. Select the Basic - Definition page.
  3. Enter 90 deg in the Cone Half Angle field.

    4. Pay attention to half angles. In this instance you are setting a half angle of 90 degrees. Therefore, your field of view is actually 180 degrees.

  4. Click Applyto accept your changes and to keep the Properties Browser open.

Setting the Sensor's constraints

Most of the Sensor object's constraints are identical to its parent Facility object's constraints. However, the field of view constraint is now available. Only Sensor objects have this constraint. If this check box is selected, access is denied if the associated object is not within the field of view as defined by the angle settings for the sensor type in question. In this case, you also want to add a new Range constraint to the sensor. The range is measured as the distance between two objects. Set a Max Range constraint of 1500 kilometers on the sensor.

  1. Select the Constraints - Active page.
  2. Click Add new constraints () in the Active Constraints toolbar.
  3. Select Range in the Constraint Name list when the Select Constraints to Add dialog box opens.
  4. Click Add.
  5. Click Close to close the Select Constraints to Add dialog box.
  6. Select the Max check box in the Constraint Properties Range panel.
  7. Enter 1500 km in the Max field.
  8. Click OKto accept your changes and to close the Properties Browser.

Viewing the sensor's field of view in 3D

View the sensor's constrained field of view in the 3D Graphics window.

  1. Bring the 3D Graphics window to the front.
  2. Zoom To Castle_Rock_Teleport ().
  3. Zoom out enough to see CR_FOV's () field of view.

Castle rock's field of view

Inserting OneWeb satellites

Use the Standard Object Database to propagate several OneWeb satellites into your scenario, which you'll use to calculate access from your sensor.

  1. Insert a Satellite () object using the From Standard Object Database () method.
  2. Enter oneweb in the Name or ID field when the Search Standard Object Data dialog box opens.
  3. Click Search.
  4. In the Results list, select the following satellites using the Common Name column whose Data Source is AGI's Standard Object Database:
    • ONEWEB-708
    • ONEWEB-707
    • ONEWEB-706
  5. Click Insert.
  6. Click Close to close the Search Standard Object Data dialog box after the Satellite () objects have been propagated.

Using the Access tool

The Access tool enables you to select the objects and the time period associated with an individual access, enables you to manage all defined accesses, and provides multiple methods to display your access results.

Computing access

You want to analyze when a OneWeb satellite passes through CR_FOV's field of view.

  1. Click Access... () in the STK Tools toolbar.
  2. Click Select Object...to the right of the Access for field when the Access tool opens.

    3. When the Access tool opens, the object currently selected in the Object Browser is selected as the primary object. This is denoted in the Access For field at the top of the tool.

  3. Select CR_FOV () in the Select Object dialog box.
  4. Click OK.

    5. "Access for" now shows Castle_Rock_Teleport-CR_FOV. This is the object form which you're looking.

  5. Multi-select all the Satellite () objects in the Associated Objects list.
  6. Click

You are computing access from CR_FOV to all the Satellite objects. You can see that once you compute the access, the Satellite objects' graphics have changed in the list. The names of the Satellite objects are now in bold and are marked with an asterisk. There is also a key () icon with a green () check mark, which represents a computed access. In the 2D Graphics window, there is a static highlight between the two objects. In the 3D Graphics window, a line connects the two objects when you animate the scenario and the objects have access each other.

Viewing accesses in the 2D Graphics window

Prior to generating any reports or graphs, you can quickly view any accesses you might have be looking at the 2D Graphics window. The Graphics options available via the Access tool allow you to define the display of the access intervals in the 2D Graphics window.

  1. Bring the 2D Graphics window to the front.
  2. Click Zoom In () in the 2D Graphics window toolbar.
  3. Hold down your left mouse button, draw a box around and center your view on Castle_Rock_Teleport ().
  4. Use your mouse's scroll wheel to zoom out until you see the access lines in the vicinity of Castle_Rock_Teleport ().

2D Graphics Access Lines

The access lines don't tell you which satellite was seen, but shows you when satellites passed through the sensor's field of view and the sensor accessed them.

Viewing the access intervals in the Timeline View

The Timeline View can be used to visualize a variety of time intervals within your scenario.

  1. Look at the Timeline View.

    2. Timeline View with Access Intervals

    You can see multiple accesses and the times that actual access intervals occur. It's possible, depending on your analysis period, that some or all of your satellites will not have an access.

  2. Return to the Access tool.

Generating an Access report

In the Reports panel, you can generate an Access report that provides access times between one object and one or more selected objects. Global statistics are provided if more than one object is selected.

  1. Ensure all the satellites are selected in the Associated Objects list.
  2. Click Access... in the Reports panel.

    3. If there is an access between the Sensor object and a Satellite object, the report tells you when and for how long the access takes place. If an access doesn't exist, the report will say No Access Found.

  3. Scroll through the report to become familiar with the layout.
  4. Close the Access report once you are done.

Generating an Access graph

In the Graphs panel, you can generate an Access graph that provides access times between one object and one or more selected objects.

  1. Return to the Access tool.
  2. Click Access... in the Graphs panel.

    3. When you generate a graph, the zoom in function is automatically on.

  3. Locate the first access in the graph.
  4. Using your mouse, hold down the left mouse button and draw a box around the access.

    5. This can be done multiple times until the graph is filled with the one access.

  5. Place the cursor at the beginning of the access. A text box will appear with information about the access start time.

    6. Graph with Access Start Time

  6. When done, click Zoom Out () until you see the whole graph.
  7. Close the Access graph when you are finished.

Generating an Azimuth Elevation Range (AER) report

In the Reports and Graphs panel, you can generate an AER report or graph with azimuth, elevation, and range data.

  1. Return to the Access tool.
  2. Ensure all the satellites are selected in the Associated Objects list.
  3. Click AER... in the Reports panel.

    4. Since the access is taking place from an object on the ground, an azimuth of zero (0) degrees is True North. The elevation is based on the central body (WGS84). The range is calculated from the center point of the FROM object to the center point of the TO object. Remember, the Satellite objects must enter the Sensor object's field of view in order to be accessed.

  4. Scroll through the report to become familiar with the layout.
  5. Close the AER report once you are done.

Exporting reports and graphs

There are times when you create a report or graph that you want to save the original data because you are going to make property changes to one or all of the objects used in the report or graph. Maybe you need to save a report as a text file (.txt) in order to parse the data with a script. You might need to save the data as a spread sheet. Are you creating a slide presentation? You can save your graphs as Bitmap files (.bmp) or Joint Photographic Experts Group file (.jpg) etc.

Creating an Access report

Focus on ONEWEB-0706_61611 (). This Satellite object has the longest total duration.

  1. Return to the Access tool.
  2. Select ONEWEB-0706_61611 () in the Associated Objects list.
  3. Click Access... in the Reports panel.
  4. Note the total number of accesses and the total duration.

    5. Number of Accesses and Total Duration

    Your total duration value might not be exactly what you see in this image but it should be close.

Creating an external text document

Save your report as a text file.

  1. Click Save as text () in the reports toolbar.
  2. Ensure you are saving to your scenario folder (AccessReportsGraphs) when the Save Report dialog box opens.
  3. Enter Castle Rock to OneWeb 0706 in the File name field.
  4. Click Save.

Viewing the text document outside of the STK application

You can use the text editor of your choice (for example, Notepad or Notepad++) to open the report you j just created. The data are outside of the STK application, so any further property changes to the objects won't be reflected in this report.

  1. Open Windows File Explorer.
  2. Browse to your scenario folder (e.g. C:\Users\<username>\Documents\STK_ODTK 13\AccessReportsGraphs).
  3. Double-click on the text document named Castle Rock to OneWeb 0706.txt.

    4. As you can see, the text document is similar to the STK Access report format.

  4. Close the text document once you are done.
  5. Close Windows File Explorer.
  6. Return to your Access report in the STK application.

Saving an external .csv file

Clicking Save as .csv () allows you to save the report which you can open using Excel.

Using other report options

If you right-click on the report and select the Export shortcut menu, you will get the following additional export format choices:

  • To Excel: Exports data to Excel as a .CSV or .txt file.
  • To CSV Format: Exports data to Excel as a .CSV file.
  • Complete: Exports data to Excel as a .CSV file. It includes summary information, such as minimum and maximum calculations.
  • Setup: Sets export options for your report.

To understand all your options, see the Working with Reports help page.

Saving an external graph

To save a graph externally, you generate the graph then click Save as text (). You get the option of saving it in a number of formats, including bitmap (.bmp), metafile (.emf), JPEG (.jpg), Windows metafile (.wmf), and portable network graphics (.png).

To understand all your options, see the Working with Graphs help page.

Extending CR_FOV's range

Extend CR_FOV's range to see how it affects your data.

  1. Open CR_FOV's () Properties ().
  2. Select the Constraints - Active page when the Properties Browser opens.
  3. Select Range in the Active Constraints list.
  4. Enter 2000 km in the Range panel's Max field.
  5. Click OK to accept your change and to close the Properties Browser.

Refreshing the Access report

The Access report is showing the old data. Apply the new range constraint to the report.

  1. Return to your Access report.
  2. Click Refresh (F5) () in the Access report toolbar. You also have the option of selecting the F5 key to refresh a report.
  3. Compare your new data to your old data. You have the same number of accesses, but your durations are longer.

Changing the report's units

In the Access report toolbar, clicking Report Units () opens the Units dialog box that allows you to change the units of measure for the report. The Units dialog box will display all dimensions relevant to the report. Change the Access report's time dimension to minutes.

  1. Click Report Units () in the report toolbar.
  2. Select the Time Dimension in the Units Access dialog box.
  3. Select Minutes (min) in the New Unit Value list.
  4. Click OK.
  5. The Duration is now reported in minutes instead of seconds.

Saving a quick report

A quick report retains the customized object, time and unit settings of the displayed report or graph. This enables you to easily re-create your output. Unlike .txt and .csv files, a quick report is saved inside of the STK application. Also, if you save a report or graph as a quick report and make property changes that affect the data, the next time you open the Quick Report, the changes will be reflected. If you don't want to lose old data, save it outside of the STK application.

Saving a new quick report

Save your Access report as a new quick report.

  1. Click Save as quick report () in the Access report toolbar.
  2. Click Quick Report Manager... () in the Data Providers Toolbar.
  3. Enter Sensor to OneWeb 0706 in the Name column.

    4. You can add any text to the Description field.

  4. Select the Enter key.
  5. Clear the Show on Load check box.

    6. Show on Load will automatically open the report whenever you open the scenario. Without having the Access tool open, you can generate the report from the Quick Report Manager by clicking Create.

  6. Click OK.
  7. Close the Access report.
  8. Close the Access tool.

Viewing the quick report

With your quick report created, open it from the Quick Report Manager.

  1. Open the Quick Report Manager () drop-down menu.
  2. Select Sensor to OneWeb 0706 ().

Setting the Scenario Time from a report

Using the quick report (Access report), there are a couple of simple ways to set your animation time from the report. You will focus on the first access start time.

Using the shortcut menu

There are two ways you can set the animation time from your report; one is to use the shortcut menu.

  1. Right-click on the first access start time in the report.
  2. Select Start Time in the shortcut menu.
  3. Select Set Animation Time in the Start Time submenu.
  4. Look in the Animation Toolbar's Current Scenario Time field. It matches the start time of the first access.
  5. Click Reset () in the Animation Toolbar.

Copying the animation time from the report

Another way is to copy and paste a particular time from your report to the Current Scenario Time field.

  1. Return to the Access report.
  2. Highlight the first access start time.
  3. Right-click on the highlighted time.
  4. Select Copy () in the shortcut menu.

    5. The Ctrl+C keyboard shortcut will also work.

  5. Click inside the Current Scenario Time field.
  6. Right-click on the highlighted time.
  7. Select Paste () in the shortcut menu.

    8. The Ctrl+V keyboard shortcut will also work.

  8. Select the Enter key.

Your scenario's animation has jumped to the first instance that CR_FOV accesses ONEWEB-0706_61611.

Using the Stored View tool

Use the Stored View tool to store the current view from your 3D Graphics window. When you store a view, that view includes all of the 3D Graphics window properties and the window position and direction settings. Therefore, it is important to make sure that you manipulate the view and set all properties exactly the way you want them before saving or modifying a view.

Setting up for a stored view

Configure your 3D Graphics window for the view you want to create.

  1. Bring the 3D Graphics window to the front.
  2. Zoom To ONEWEB-0706_61611 ().
  3. Adjust the view so that you can see ONEWEB-0706_61611 () and Castle_Rock_Teleport ().

    3D view Castle rock accesses oneweb 0706

    The 3D Graphics window view shows the moment ONEWEB-0706_61611 enters CR_FOV's field of view. The line that appears between OneWeb 0706 and Castle Rock is an access line.

Viewing the access in the 2D Graphics window

You can view the access in the 2D Graphics window.

  1. Bring the 2D Graphics window to the front.
  2. Adjust your view so that you can see ONEWEB-0706_61611 () and Castle_Rock_Teleport ().

2D view Castle rock accesses oneweb 0706

The 2D Graphics window view shows the moment ONEWEB-0706_61611 enters CR_FOV's field of view. The line that appears between OneWeb 0706 and Castle Rock is an access line.

Creating a new stored view

Create a new stored view at the moment of first access between ONEWEB-0706_61611 and CR_FOV.

  1. Bring the 3D Graphics window back to the front.
  2. Make sure you have a good view of the ONEWEB-0706_61611 (), CR_FOV's () and part of the sensor's field of view in the background.
  3. Click Stored Views () in the 3D Graphics toolbar.
  4. Click New in the Stored View 3D Graphics 1 - Earth dialog box.
  5. Change the View Name of view0 to Sat First Access.
  6. Click OK.

Selecting a stored view

With your stored view created, reset your animation time and view to see the change.

  1. Click Reset () in the Animation Toolbar.
  2. Click Home View () in the 3D Graphics toolbar.
  3. Open the Stored Views () drop-down menu.
  4. Select Sat First Access.

The 3D Graphics window jumps back to the view and the time set in the view.

Using the Report & Graph Manager

You can generate the following types of output for most STK objects using the Report & Graph Manager, which is available from the Analysis menu or the Data Providers toolbar:

  • Reports that summarize static data.
  • Reports that update during animation. These reports, called dynamic displays, enable you to view changes to selected elements over a period of time.
  • Graphs that summarize static data.
  • Graphs that update during animation. These graphs, called strip charts, enable you to view changes to selected elements over a period of time.

Opening the Report & Graph Manager

Open the Report & Graph Manager and focus on data for a single satellite.

  1. Click Report & Graph Manager... () in the Data Providers toolbar.
  2. Change the Object Type to Satellite in the upper-left corner of the Report & Graph Manager.
  3. Select ONEWEB-0706_61611 () in the Object List.

Object Type for a Report or Graph

Multiple objects can be selected, but for this scenario, focus on ONEWEB-0706_61611.

Defining the Time Period for the Report or Graph

You can specify the period of time during which data is reported. You can view the available options in the Time Properties panel. For this analysis, you will keep the default settings.

Managing report and graph styles

You can manage the report and graph styles.

  1. Ensure () the Installed Styles () folder in the Installed Styles list is expanded.
  2. Take a close look at the two entries for Classical Orbit Elements located in the Installed Styles () folder.

    3. One is a graph style () and one a report style ().

  3. Notice the lock icons on each.

    4. Locked Reports and Graphs

    The reports and graphs located in the Installed Styles list are read only cannot be customized. However, they can be duplicated, and those duplicates can be customized.

  4. Select the Classical Orbit Elements () report.
  5. Click Generate.
  6. Take a look at the report.
  7. Close the Classical Orbit Elements report when you are finished.
  8. Return to the Report & Graph Manager.
  9. Look at the very top of the styles field.

    10. The Classical Orbit Elements () report is now available in the My Favorites () folder.

Understanding data providers, groups and elements

The content of any report or graph is generated from the selected data providers for the report or graph style. Data providers, data provider groups, and data provider elements are the organizing principles of the data provider functionality. The STK software provides hundreds of prebuilt reports and graphs using the data providers. You have the option of using prebuilt reports and graphs or you can customize the properties of a static or dynamic report or graph. You can also create your own reports and graphs. It's a good idea to understand the hierarchy of data providers, groups and elements.

Understanding data providers by object

View the data providers used for the Classical Orbit Elements () report.

  1. Right-click on the Classical Orbit Elements () report in the Installed Styles () folder.
  2. Select Duplicate () in the shortcut menu.
  3. Select the Content page when the Properties Browser opens.

    4. The left side shows all the data providers for the object type (in this case, a Satellite () object) and on the right side are the Report Contents.

  4. Look at the Report Contents list.

    5. The report is broken out into the following data providers, groups and elements:

    • Time
    • Data Provider: Classical Elements
    • Data Provider Group: J2000
    • Data Provider Elements: Time (UTCG), Semi-major Axis (km), Eccentricity, etc.
  5. In the Report Contents list, select Classical Elements-J2000-Semi-major Axis.
  6. Look in the Data Providers list.

    7. You can see the hierarchy of Data Provider - Data Provider Group - Data Provider Element: in this case, Classical Elements () - J2000 () - Semi-major Axis ().

Customizing reports

You can customize the properties of a static or dynamic report. In this scenario, you're focusing on ONEWEB-0706_61611. Maybe you're preparing for a briefing. Instead of using the argument of perigee, true anomaly and mean anomaly data provider elements, you require J2000 X Y Z Cartesian Position elements. You can customize the Classical Orbit Elements report by removing the elements you don't need and adding the required elements.

Customizing the units of measure

Change units of measure for a report style or a displayed report.

  1. Return to the Report Contents list.
  2. Select Classical Elements-J2000-Semi-major Axis.
  3. Below Report Contents, click Units...

    4. The current distance unit is being reported in kilometers (km).

  4. Clear the Use Defaults check box in the Units dialog box.
  5. Select Meters (m) in the New Unit Value list.

    6. Your custom report will use meters instead of kilometers for the semi-major axis.

  6. Click OK to close the Units dialog box.

Removing the default data provider elements

Before adding any new data provider elements, remove some existing ones.

  1. In the Report Contents list, select the following:
    • Classical Elements-J2000-Arg of Perigee
    • Classical Elements-J2000-True Anomaly
    • Classical Elements-J2000-Mean Anomaly
  2. Click Remove.

Customizing the report's contents

As previously stated, you will replace argument of perigee, true anomaly and mean anomaly data provider elements with J2000 x, y, and z Cartesian Position data provider elements.

  1. Remove the asterisk (*) at the top of the Data Providers list, in the Filter field.
  2. Enter Cartesian in the Filter field.
  3. Click Filter.

    4. This narrows down your choices to only those data providers containing Cartesian elements.

  4. Expand () the Cartesian Position () data provider.
  5. Expand () the J2000 () data provider group.
  6. Move () the x, y, and z data providers () to the Report Contents list.
  7. If desired, use the up () and down () arrows to place elements where desired.
  8. Click OK to accept your changes and to close the Properties Browser.

Generating a custom report

With your new report style saved, generate your custom report. First, however, you need to close, then reopen the Report & Graph Manager for the new report style to be available.

  1. Expand () the My Styles () folder in the Styles list.
  2. Right-click on Classical Orbit Elements ().
  3. Select Rename in the shortcut menu.
  4. Rename Classical Orbit Elements () to My Classical Orbit Elements.
  5. Click Generate...

    6. The custom report is showing the semi-major axis in meters and the J2000 X Y Z Cartesian Position elements. The report is in 60 second increments which can be changed in the Time Properties field if desired or selecting Show Step.

  6. Close the report when you are finished.

Creating a display of dynamic data

You can generate reports that update during animation. These reports, called dynamic displays or strip charts, enable you to view changes to selected elements over a period of time.

Generating a new dynamic display

  • When using the Generate As: Report/Graph option, static data were generated for the report. To generate animated data, select the Generate As: Dynamic Display/Strip Chart option when generating a report. Data will update during animation of the scenario for the report.
    1. Ensure the My Classical Orbit Elements () report is selected.
    2. Select the Dynamic Display/Strip Chart option in the Generate As field in the Styles panel.
    3. Click Generate.
    4. Click Reset () in the Animation toolbar.
    5. Click X Real-time Animation Mode ().
    6. Click Start () to animate the report.

      7. The dynamic display updates as the scenario animates.

    7. Click Reset () when finished.
    8. Close all open reports and the Report & Graph Manager.

    Creating a new dynamic 3D Graphics data display

    The 3D Graphics Data Display properties allow you to display dynamic data for the specified object in the 3D Graphics window. This feature is useful when presenting information that requires both visual and textual data. If you record a movie of your scenario, the data will appear in the movie.

    1. Open ONEWEB-0706_61611's () Properties ().
    2. Select the 3D Graphics - Data Display page.
    3. Click Add....
    4. Select My Classical Orbit Elements in the Styles list when the Add a Data Display dialog box.
    5. Click OK to close the Add a Data Display dialog box.

      6. Settings in the Position panel automatically places the data in the top left portion of the 3D Graphics window. You can add more data to the window and then change the position. Note other selections for appearance and background.

    6. Click OKto accept your changes and to close the Properties Browser.

    Viewing the dynamic data display in action

    View your dynamic data display in the 3D Graphics window.

    1. Bring the 3D Graphics window to the front.
    2. Open the Stored Views () drop-down menu.
    3. Select Sat First Access.

      4. 3D Graphics Window Dynamic Data

      The stored view now shows the moment ONEWEB-0706_61611 enters CR_FOV's field of view and important data pertaining to ONEWEB-0706_61611 is displayed in the 3D Graphics window.

    4. Click Start () in the Animation toolbar to animate the scenario. Data updates dynamically in the 3D Graphics window.
    5. Click Reset () when finished.

    Summary

    You began by inserting Castle Rock Teleport and creating an antenna field of view by using a Sensor () object. Next, you propagated multiple OneWeb satellites. Using the Access tool, you computed an Access report, an Access graph, and then an Azimuth Elevation Range report between the CR_FOV Sensor () object and the three OneWeb satellites. Next, you focused on and created an access to ONEWEB-0706_61611 (). Using the Access report, you learned how to create external .txt and .csv files from the report and how to export data from the STK application. You then learned how to set animation times and how to create a quick report and a stored view. The Report & Graph Manager came next, where you learned what data providers, data provider groups, and data provider elements are, and how to create a custom report. You ended by placing dynamic data from the custom report onto the 3D Graphics window.

    Continue to Lesson Four: Movies and Visual Data Files.

    On your own

    Throughout the tutorial, hyperlinks were provided that pointed to in depth information of various subjects. Now's a good time to go back through this tutorial and view that information. Try creating new views or custom reports. Place a Sensor () object on a Satellite () object, add cities from the city database, and create accesses from the Satellite () object to the ground sites. Explore and have fun!