Sat-finder iPhone app shows instant line-of-sight Innovative dish installation app DishPointer has combined the iPhone's camera and GPS to show exactly which satellites are available, live and on site.
The augmented reality app overlays the geostationary arc on the iPhone camera image so you can see which satellites are obscured by buildings and trees, or simply below the horizon.
What a cracking idea.
UPDATE: App just got approved and is out now! Apple just needs to clear the iTunes caches around the world and it should be visible on the iTunes store.
Very surreal, this is the next generation satellite finder: Point your iPhone anywhere towards the sky and see all the satellites lined up, on the live video screen! At a glance, you’ll see where the satellite is and whether any trees or buildings are blocking the line of sight. Think of multi-lnb dishes and now you know where to place your dish best. Doing a site survey and setting up a dish is going to be a piece of cake with this app. This is a truly useful augmented reality app for the professional and diy enthusiast alike.
The app uses the gps, accelerometer, and the compass of the new iPhone 3GS. Just move the phone up and down and left and right and the satellite arc will follow the live video on the display. The compass has a bit of a lag though, so when doing quick sideways movements the satellite arc is trying to catch up but then settles to the correct position.
Expect this app to be released with the iPhone OS 3.1 update. In the meantime check out the other DishPointer apps.
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