The GPS Horizon

As Seen at Various Latitudes
Implications of Orbital Inclination
Images generated with "Visual GPS" software

 

Los Angeles, California

The GPS horizon as viewed from 33.30 North, 117.50 West, near Los Angeles, CA.

No satellites appear in the northern sky at elevations below about 60 degrees.

 

Johannesburg, South Africa

The GPS horizon as viewed from 26.00 South, 27.50 East, near Johannesburg, South Africa

No satellites appear in the southern sky at elevations below about 50 degrees.

 

Entebbe, Uganda

The GPS horizon as viewed from 00.03 North, 32.27 East, near Entebbe, Uganda

Satellites are visible to the horizon both east and west.
No satellites appear in northern or southern skies below about 20 degrees.

 

Wick, Scotland

The GPS horizon as viewed from 58.35 North, 03.23 West, near Wick, Scotland

No satellites ever appear directly overhead.
Satellites transiting the Equator 180 degrees away in longitude can be seen
appearing above the northern horizon at elevations up to about 12 degrees.