Book Description
Master the fundamentals of satellite communications

Highly regarded for more than a decade as both a teaching text and professional tutorial, this classic guide to satellite communications has been revised, updated, and expanded to cover global wireless applications, digital television, and Internet access via satellite.

• In-depth, textbook-style coverage combined with an intuitive, low-math approach makes this book particularly appealing to the wireless and networking markets
• New to this edition: Global wireless services, including 3G; Antenna Options, Error Coding

Customer Reviews (3)

Excellent introduction
This is an excellent introduction to the field that's pitched at the undergraduate engineering level. It's clearly and concisely written and the writing overall is much better than what I'm used to finding for most engineering texts. It uses almost no calculus, actually, but there's a fair amount of trigonometry, which shouldn't be a problem for most people who will be reading this book. Its strength is in the breadth of coverage; some of the topics, such as entireantenna design, or digital signal theory, are huge areas just by themselves that you will need other books for if you need more depth there. By the way, the Schaum's Outline on Digital Signal Processing is outstanding if you're looking to get a leg up there. It's more concise, better written, and explains concepts better than the vast majority of the texts out there.

It's also important to know the basics about radio and wireless communication before reading this book, otherwise it will just be too difficult. So you should already know something about subjects such as analog and digital signals, amplitude and frequency modulation, basic filter concepts such as low and high pass filters, amplifiers, coders and decoders,frequency detectors, antenna principles, and so on, before reading this book. There's also a fair amount of microwave information in the book, but this is easier to pick up if you already have some idea about wireless radio communication.

I agree with the other writer that one weakness of the book is it lacks coverage of the more recent developments such as current IP topologie,satellite Internet IP services like Hughes and BGAN,or discussion of current DVB-S or S2 technology, digital satellite services that are used all over the world now since 1995. However, I don't fault the book too much for that as things change so quickly now i this field that books on communications are partly outdated by the time they're published. But overall it's a very good introductory text and one that I learned a lot from. By the way, in recent weeks I've discovered that Wikipedia, the online encyclopedia, has hundreds of articles on satellite and other communications topics, including some of the ones that aren't discussed here such as DVB-S and DVB-S2, and you can use that site to bone up on them a bit.

Good Basic Overview, Not Current with Today's IP Technology
I expected the 2006 fourth edition to be more up to date with today's IP satellite technology. While the networking chapter discusses IP, it is in the contex of ATM and TDM technology with little or no information on current IP topologies and satellite Internet IP services like Hughes and BGAN among others. Additionally, there is no mention of current DVB-S or S2 technology which is widely deployed today. Roddy fails to make note of the broadcasting migration to IP with most of the broadcasting information somewhat dated.

nice breadth that covers this field
For the undergraduate or graduate student in engineering, this is a very understandable text on the basic principles of using satellites to communicate. Many topics in the field are covered. Like a comprehensive listing of existing geostationary satellites, and their orbital assignments.

For those of you who need a revision of Keplerian mechanics, Roddy supplies Chapter 2. Or if you need a quick cram on the propagation of radio waves, there is Chapter 4. And there is the all-important subject of antenna design. Whether this be for an antenna on the satellite or here on Earth.

Given that communications are of interest, various analog and digital encoding schemes are bruited. By now very well understood. Which leads into a discussion of signal and noise interference on a channel.

For all of the topics, like antenna design, or communications theory, there are certainly more indepth books. But the breadth here is a key utility of this book. ... Read more

Book Description
Includes chapters on orbital mechanics, spacecraft construction, satellite-path radio wave propagation, modulation techniques, multiple access, and a detailed analysis of the communications link. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

In Reality, the Simplified, Friendly, and Useful Results of Vector Calculus and Hardcore Newtonian-Maxwellian Intuition
The first edition of this book was assigned to me as part of a satellite communication's course.

Given that the book's focus is on various aspects of an end-to-end satellite communication's link, I must admit that the inclusion of some of the material can seem rather mysterious.In particular, the Orbital Mechanics in chapter 2 (of 1st edition) doesn't at first appear to fit with the rest of the text.

My reading of the book in school and at Hughes/Boeing Satellite Systems revealed that this was a great book.Somehow, mysteriously, always containing passages that were brief and accurate, but also extremely useful and easy-to-understand.With hindsight, even the chapter on Orbital Mechanics with its bit of vector calculus now seems a very clever way of stating the obvious.Mathematical physics not only remains extremely important and necessary but also provides the means, or in other words methods, by which the results of this text were developed. It's only in the name of efficiency that most of the text states its results without the heavy-duty machinary of mathematical physics showing.

I can now easily see and easily state that, in reality, the rest of the book contains the DIRECT RESULTS of vector calculus and Hardcore Newtonian-Maxwellian Intuition.It is a tribute to the politeness and virtue of Pratt and Bostian that despite their understanding of vector calculus in orbital mechanics and electromagnetics, their text has only the barest traces of such advanced and extremely demanding techniques.

Superficially, the text appears simple.In fact, it looks almost vocational until one ponders upon the engineering and physical situations involved, seeing them with the eyes of historical perspective.

This is NOT 'Satellites for Dummies'...
I recently took a Satellite Communications course at the university I attend and this was the textbook.I must say this book is really expensive for what you're likely to get out of it; as the book doesn't really seem to have much of a point. It isn't very well written/edited for a book you would want to learn the subject matter from if you didn't know anything about satellite communications; and it doesn't include enough usable, pertinent data for keeping as a reference book for experienced users.Mostly the book explains concepts in a convoluted and confusing manner, doesn't fully explain them, or adds all sorts of extraneous material not explained in the book into the review sections (which we used as some of our assignments).If you like taking Microsoft computer certification tests, enjoy brain-teasers and riddles, you're already an electrical engineer/astrophysics major with a few years experience, or your last name is "Hawking" you may find this to be a good book.But, if you know little to nothing about satellite communications (orbital mechanics, transmission encoding methods, frequency spectrums, theory of radio transmissions, etc.) my suggestion is look for another book on the subject and get this one from your local library.If you MUST buy this book like I did, do yourself a favor by getting it 'Used' and save yourself some money.By the way, I was told this book is no longer used for this course for some of these same reasons.

Not a bad book but needs significant improvement
I am a lecturer and used this book for my class.

I like the material presented in this book. It contains many examples and discussion on real applications. However the organization of this book is not good. It is just like putting several people's work together without appropriate coordination of the material.

As a second edition of the book, it contains too much errors. You can find many errors in almost each chapter. I have to check carefully before I use their examples, equations and solutions. Otherwise I will get embarassed by letting the students pointing it out in my lecture. It is absolutely a shame.

If you are an engineer who are already familiar with data communications and can tell those errors, this book is a good choice. But if you are a student, I sugget you stay away from it unless it is the textbook chosen by your lecturer.

Great for a beginner
I read this book as a reference rather than a formal class textbook.As a self-studying student, the first book I bought to study satellite communications was the famouns 'Digital Satellite Communications' ritten byDr. Tri t. Ha. It is actually a quite good book. However it was just toomuch for a eginner. Too much mathmatical fomulars and too less literatualexplanation for a new concept. It took 8 months to read just one third ofthe book during my militarry service.Since I have been assigned to adigital satellite earthstation construction project recently, I needed anew book that explains more practically and easilly. This 'SatelliteCommunications' by Dr. Timothy Pratt and Dr. Charles W. Bostian.

To coverallmost all area of the satellite communications, the overall compositionis simillar to other books.At charper 3, 'SPACECRAFT', I could find fineexplanation on the satellite beam and coverage. Especially, this helps mewith understanding and analyzing the SRS-CDROM data. This is really greatfor me.Some basic and important concepts like Noise, C/N and G/T are verywell descibed in chapter 4, 'SATELLITE LINK DESIGN'. Freankly, most bookstend to jump to mathmatical method to explain concepts. The author sparedmore pages to explain the concept and the physical meaning of theterminology. I know this is a very eficient and simple way to show theexisting and potential meaning of terminology. But there are hundreds ofgood reasons to have this kind of kind book for a slowly understandingengineer like me. :-) At chapter 5 and 6 to explain the modulation,multiplexing and multiple access, there are less fomulas and more tablesand graphs. First, I read over those two chapters and went back to Dr. Ha'sbook above to learn the mathmatical expression. That's how you can expandthe concept to individual field applications.The 'Design of LargeAntennas' in chapter 9, 'EARTH STATION TECHNOLOGY' was helpful for me, too.It is pretty hard to find propper information about large antennas ahtoughyou have to face a bunch of confusing terminologies when you visit antennacompany web sites like Vertex, RSI (recently merged to Vertex to makeVertexRSI), or Datron.

I believe the combination of this ook, 'SatelliteCommunications' and 'Digital Satellite Communications' will give you almostall knowledge you need from fundamental to practical level in satellitecommunications engineering field. ... Read more

Book Description
Much has been said and written about the failure of U.S. intelligence to prevent the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, and its overestimation of Iraq's weapons of mass destruction under Saddam Hussein. This book focuses instead on the central role that intelligence-collection systems play in promoting arms control and disarmament. Ambassador Thomas Graham Jr. and Keith Hansen bring more than fifty combined years of experience to this discussion of the capabilities of technical systems, which are primarily based in space. Their history of the rapid advancement of surveillance technology is a window into a dramatic reconceptualization of Cold War strategies and policy planning. Graham and Hansen focus on the intelligence sucesses against Soviet strategic nuclear forces and the quality of the intelligence that has made possible accurate assessments of WMD programs in North Korea, Iran, and Libya. Their important insights shed a much-needed light on the process of verifying how the world harnesses the proliferation of nuclear arms and the continual drive for advancements in technology. ... Read more

Book Description
Landscapes are brought to life in this uniquely spectacular atlas, in which extraordinary satellite images can be directly compared to state-of-the-art mapping, at a variety of scales, without having to turn the page. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

The best Atlas EVER
This is truly an amazing book, one for every coffee table. I have many atlas's, but one with Satellite images next to a map is fantastic. It could be more complete with every country, but still, an amazing book to flick thru with a hot Latte in hand.

Absolutely stuuning, gorgeous book.
Great coffee table book.

The hologram images on the cover set the trend for the rest of the book. A satellite image is compared to a corresponding cartographical map of the same area.

All the great cities of the world are included ... New York, Los Angeles, New Dehli, London, Paris, Moscow, Tokyo, etc.

The book dramatically highlights the damaging effects of the greenhouse effect, plus the recent Aceh Tsunami.

DK books continue their great pictorial format/standard. This book has enough maps covering the world, to be classed as an atlas. ... Read more

Book Description

In Spies in the Sky' Patrick Norris responds to the occasion of the 50^th Anniversary of the dawn of the Space Agethe launch of Sputnik 1with a review of the most important historical applications of space science for the benefit of the human race during that half century, focusing particularly on the prevention of nuclear war. The author addresses the oft quoted conclusion that the Moon landings and the race to the Moon between the two superpowers were a side effect of the Cold War, by describing what he believes was the more important eventthe use of satellites by military to prevent the Cold War becoming a hot war. In developing the story the author casts a spotlight on a little-known aspect of the Space Age, namely the military dimension. Today military satellites represent 25 percent of all satellites in orbit, and they are just as important now in preventing regional nuclear war as they were in preventing global Armageddon more than 30 years ago.

Customer Reviews (1)

Essential for working with Amateur Satellites
This book is essential for anyone wanting to work with the Amateur Satellites.It covers the history of various projects, explains the modes of operation, and shows the equipment needed to talk with the birds.Like all the ARRL books, it is easy to follow and clearly written.The only problem I have with the book is that it hasn't been updated since 1997.It doesn't have good information on some of the newer spacecraft.As an example, it talks about the soon to be launched Phase 3D satellite rather than talking about the now orbiting AO-40 (ex Phase 3D) and some of the problems it is having.Still, the technology and techniques are very valid and good for anyone wishing to work with space communications.

In case your are thinking this is difficult to start in, I've had success transmitting to and receiving from the International Space Station using just a handheld transceiver (Kenwood TH-D7A) and either an attic mounted or handheld directional antenna.I've also heard voice from (but not transmitted to) the OSCAR 14 satellite with this same setup.You don't need an equipment setup to rival NASA in order to start with the aspect of the Amateur Radio hobby. ... Read more

Book Description
This culmination of a fascinating seven-year photographic journey takes viewers through the countries and enclaves once held in orbit by the immense gravity of Moscow, the nucleus of the Soviet empire. Now each region is on its own in a chaotic political environment, sometimes without diplomatic recognition from neighbors, much less the international community. Abkhazia, an unrecognized country on the Black Sea, was once the natural pearl of the empire, where bellicose generals and productive factory managers came to relax. The spacecraft crash zones between Russia and Kazakhstan reveal a Soviet-inflected version of the entrepreneurial spirit. In Transdniester, a breakaway region of Moldova that survives by functioning as a giant black market for illicit traffic in all manner of goods, from leftover Soviet munitions to bootlegged booze, Bendiksen was expelled on the grounds that he was a "protagonist in an international spy ring." These 62 hauntingly beautiful and often arresting color photographs unsentimentally reveal the often grim circumstances in these half-forgotten regions, uniformly poor and polluted, and often politically unstable. We may not hear much about them today, but we will certainly hear more as the fall of the Iron Curtain continues to reverberate throughout the region. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

I was pleasantly surprised by this book.
As the title for this review states, I was pleasantly surprised by this book.The quality of photography is outstanding and the black border presentation is quite effective.I also found the commentary illuminating, albeit a bit on the short side. But I must say that the subject matter is just fascinating.I have always been fascinated by the USSR/former USSR and Bendiksen's photographs do an outstanding job of conveying the quality of life that exists in those countries. That region has undergone some huge and traumatic changes in a very short period of time and this book captures the raw essence of those changes.

Satellites
This book gives a very illustrated insight into the fringe of the former USSR. Extremely interesting to read and the photographs are amazing, very atmospheric.
The images of the crash zone for the Russian space program are my favorite, they're like weird movie-sets.

Michiel

Beautifully documented with a lyrical eye!
I've never written an Amazon review, but after finding this book, I want to say how much I loved it! Jonas Bendiksen takes a remarkable concept: the former Soviet Republics as "orbiting satellites held together by the gravity of Moscow" and through his photographs exposes the complexities of obscure regions in which he spent years traveling.It is beautifully documented with a lyrical eye. It is also a book that deserves many visits because the images evoke layers of emotions.The photographer is obviously passionate about revealing a collective truth that lies among the ruins of the former Soviet Union.

Too bad
Everithing makes you think you'll find a lot of photographs of satellites inside this book: the title, the cover and the description... but there are only 3 nice photos at all.

[...]: Images from the Soviet Fringe Show Decayed Orbit
That Bendiksen's space shot metaphor for the rise and fall of the outskirts or the former Soviet Union is particularly apt is made clear by the images in the book. It begins with the industrial black market wasteland of Transdniester, and finishes on the debris strewn plains of Kasakstan waiting for space junk to fall so that it can be scavenged for precious metals. None of now independent places that he traveled to in creating this collection of images have prospered in the wake of the fall of the USSR, and the overwhelming picture is of people living in the concrete ruins of the soviet state. Images of ruins and people that are beset by the ravages of time, weather and war, but refuse to collapse completely into rubble. ... Read more

Book Description
Satellite communications refers to the utilisation of geostationary orbiting satellites to relay the transmission received from one earth station to one or more earth stations. They are the outcome of research in the area of communications whose objective is to achieve ever-increasing ranges and capacities with the lowest possible costs.
Since publication of the first edition, satellite communications systems have become increasingly sophisticated. This revised, updated and extended fourth edition covers the entire field of satellite communications engineering from the techniques of orbital mechanics and radio wave propagation to the design of communication links and earth stations.
* Features an improved presentation of satellite applications with regards to services
* Discusses the most recent developments in this evolving field, including MPEG2, concatenated coding, digital TV and examples of transmission of digital telephony
* Practical approach and extensive illustrations are highly valued by student audience
* A single source, comprehensive and thorough reference covering the entire field of satellite communications engineering.
New features include:
* An updated section on the evolution of satellite communications and the deployment of services
* Inclusion of MPEG2, concatenated coding and coded modulation
* Discusses examples for the transmission of digital telephony, digital TV and date, introduction of DVB-s (Digital Video Broadcasting by satellite) standard
* Complete re-organisation of Chapters 5 and 6 resulting in a unique new Chapter 5 entitled 'Service Oriented Satellite Networks'
* Recent developments in deployable antennas
* Lithium batteries
* New launchers such as Atlas 3 and 4
A leading edge resource for advanced students, engineers and designers in the field of satellite and mobile radio communications and also communication engineers. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Outstanding Reference for the field of Satellite Communications
This book provides an outstanding reference for the subject of satellite communications.Very thorough and extensive, covering much more than just link budget calculation considerations.Surprisingly easy to read and comprehend.

I was surprised not to see very many sample problems or homework sets at the end of the chapters, but the equations and information contained in the body of the text is more than enough to provide insight into most satellite communications problems.In addition, the authors frequently provide a conclusion section at the end of the chapters that gives some ideas on how to approach certain types of problems.

Highly recommended.

Best book for your life
If you are really interested to understant the satellite systems, and this is the best of the books for you. The book give you a lot of in deep infomation of the satellite system and have a lot of calculation. The calculation is not easy to understand at all, so this book is not good for the beginner.

Excellent detail a great student text
Looking for a detailed but straight forward way to learn about satellite communication systems? Maybe your a student looking for study support material on this subject? Well you just found the ultimate book!

Maralet al have put together an excellent step by step approach to understandingthis complex subject. The space and ground segments get equal detailedtreatment with system design methods and analysis of all the components.This leads to a walk through of link budget calculation including exampleswith specific technical objectives.

If I could only have one SatelliteComms book then this is it!

my favorit book
Satellite Communications Systems , I think that is an important for my work . ... Read more

Book Description
This indispensable handbook to the digital satellite TV revolution places you at the vortex of a dazzling world of entertainment. This brand-new ninth edition provides everything you need to know about selecting, installing, operating, and maintainingyour own satellite TV system. DBS, digital video compression, HDTV, and other innovations coming your way are alsopresented in a down-to-earth style that is accessible to everyone. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

The World of Satellite Television
this is one of the most useful books for novice, who is in the field of satellite television,I thank the Amazon .com for introducing such books to the world, plg perera. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

REVIEW 2 of 3: Day: Eye in the Sky : Corona Story
Of the 3 books on this subject which I have so far read, this was the first book I obtained and read.The book is a compilation of papers/speeches of a meeting.The most accurate picture can be gained byhaving all three books (sorry, but more $ to Amazon, and you may tire ofseeing certain images again).This book represents rare original sourcematerial from cold war history. There are some good pointers in theAppendix.Careful reading of papers talk about computing (++) and what isnow regarded as "virtual reality" (++).Day's book has a chapteron the Soviet Zenit program lacking in other books (++).

Peebles' Coronabook has more chapters on the human side of the recovery and process (minorDay--).

The most technical, expensive, longest-delivery time, andmost professional is McDonald's ASPRS book on this same meeting.A chapterdetails the Corona earth model (++, math).The appendices include redactedoriginal reports (++) and some marginally reproduced space images (++). The book also has a pointer to the breast cancer X-ray ID which the NRO/CIAclaim to have released.These will not be found in Day.

Presentation of an amazing US intellegence program
>This book is less a narrative and more a series of accounts byindividuals throughout the life of the CORONA project. As such, itreads a bit differently from a single-author non-fiction book. However, this form adds detail, personal perspective, and color to the account of the project.I hope that future books can be written using this material and the newly declassified government material to write a full account of the CORONA program and its heirs and its impact to international affairs.END

A detailed account of early U.S. satellite imaging
The genesis of this book was a conference in May 1995 which brought together many of the main players in the CORONA project at the time it was declassified.The book contains chapters by different authors on specific aspects of the project including its historical context, technical development, impact of the resulting intellignce, etc.A short chapter on the corresponding Soviet "Zenit" project is also included.The different chapter authors bring interesting perspectives and specialist knowledge at the expense of some repetition.The photographs are also very nice.This is a more scholarly and comprehensive treatment than the Peebles book on the same subject. ... Read more

Book Description
This is a modern textbook that guides the reader through the theory and practice of satellite orbit prediction and determination. Starting from the basic principles of orbital mechanics, it covers elaborate force models as well as precise methods of satellite tracking. Emphasis is on numerical treatment and a multitude of algorithms adopted in modern satellite trajectory computation are described in detail. The accompanying CD-ROM includes all source codes written in C++ and relevant data files for applications. The result is a powerful and unique spaceflight dynamics library which allows easy software extensions by the user. An extensive collection of Internet resources is provided through WWW hyperlinks to detailed and frequently updated online information on spaceflight dynamics. The book addresses students, scientists working in the field of navigation, geodesy and spaceflight technology and satellite engineers and operators focusing on spaceflight dynamics. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

This is NO Satellite Orbits for Dummies.....
I found this book to be extremely well written with just the right mix of explanation and formulaes.

I bought this book in order to complete a project for a University assignment and the CD containing all of the source code in the book, made my life much easier. I could quickly whip up a working prototype of exactly what I needed.

I would recommend this to anyone for who was wondering how Physics and the laws of Nature relate to equations and programming.

To the authors, thank you for a wonderful book - bringing me up to speed in a few short weeks on a very complex subject.

Superb textbook on Maths of Satellite Orbit determinations
Satellite Orbits, Models, Methods and Applications is a great reference on Satellite orbit computation/determination. Chapters include; 1. Around the world in hundred minutes 2. Introductory Astrodynamics 3. Force Model 4.Numerical Integration 5. Time and Reference Systems 6. Satellite Tracking and Observation Models 7. Linearization 8. Orbit Determination and Parameter Estimation 9. Applications + Apendices and list of symbols.
This bookýs emphasis is on the mathematical methods and algorithms used in modern satellite trajectory computations. It also contains extensive list ofWWW URLs on spaceflight dynamics.
Hardcover book measures 24 X 16 centimeters, contains 370 glossy pages with a dozen of color photos in the first chapter but lots of graphics ( Ground projections of satellite orbits, perturbations of satellite orbits, orbit determination analysis, ý ) and comes with a CD-ROM on the applications usable in Win98 / NT4.0 or Linux SUSE 7.2.
Excellent textbook designed for post-graduate students and engineers working in the field of spaceflight dynamics, navigation and geodesy.
Philip CORNEILLE

Excellent software
The sections dealing with orbit estimation are very sketchy. Needs to filled out with specific and detailed computational algorithms (e.g. Escobal).
Excellent! software, however.

Outstanding book
This book is a very thorough review of Orbital Mechanics.Current, up to date material that goes from the basics to graduate level.Outstanding CDROM has a lot of source code and compiled applications.The best book I've come across on this subject, highly recommended.

The best book in the field of numerical astrodynamics so far
This book gives a very good overview of numerical orbit determination methods. I would recommend it to anyone who has the basic knowledge of astrodynamics and is interested in orbit determination. It deals with different force models, numerical integration methods, time and reference systems and filter methods. Every chapter has exercises at its end. These exercises are extremely helpfull for understanding the theory of this chapter. The CD-ROM accompanying the book is absolutely great. It contains all source code (C++) for the different exercises in the book. ... Read more

Book Description
Offering readers a concise and yet comprehensive reference, Satellite Technology provides a unique coverage of both the principles and applications in this wide field. This book covers the technological and application aspects of satellites in one volume, ensuring not only extensive coverage of communications-related applications of satellites, but also other important applications such as remote sensing, weather forecasting, navigation, scientific and military.

The essentials of satellite technology are explained, by giving an introduction to the fundamental topics such as orbits and trajectories, launch and in-orbit operations before going on to describe satellite hardware, communication techniques, multiple access techniques and link design. Topics range from the history and evolution of satellites, and the laws governing motion of artificial satellites around earth, to multiplexing techniques, satellite subsystems and link design fundamentals.

• Amply illustrated with a large number of figures and photographs, as well as relevant mathematics and design examples
• Contains a large number of problems with solutions, which would particularly benefit students at undergraduate and graduate levels
• Companion website provides a complete compendium on features and facilities of satellites and satellite launch vehicles from past, present and planned futuristic satellite missions for various applications

The coverage of satellite technology together with its applications make the book an essential reference book for professionals, R&D scientists and engineers and students at undergraduate and postgraduate level. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Satellite technology and applications
The book is unique and one of its kind in content and presentation. It is such a nice and comprehensive blend of technology-related and application-related aspects of satellites. I would like to highlight two special features. One is comprehensive treatment of non-communication applications of satellites. Second is simple and very easy-to-understand description of technological aspects related to satellite orbits, trajectories and launch procedures, which are otherwise considered as very difficult topics. Congratulations to both authors for successfully attempting such a work, which was badly needed by students, researchers and professionals alike. And congratulations to publishers on bringing out the book in an amazing production get-up.
... Read more

Book Description

Eric D. Conway and the Maryland Space Grant Consortium present a fascinating introduction to the interpretation of satellite imagery, a technology of increasing importance for a wide variety of scientific applications. Prepared in association with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), this extensively illustrated text and accompanying CD-ROM offer a thorough overview of the use of satellite technology in Earth and planetary science, weather forecasting, and environmental research.

The book covers the foundations of remote sensing, the types of satellites, and the basics of satellite image interpretation. Other topics include geographical, oceanographical applications, and atmospheric science applications of satellite imagery. With a fully indexed glossary, this well-written and thoughtfully presented text is ideal for science teachers, undergraduate and graduate students, professionals working in the field of operational meteorology, and others interested in knowing more about interpreting satellite imagery. The accompanying CD-ROM of satellite images enables the user to zoom in on many images (some of which appear in color), use overlays to identify important elements in the satellite image, and keep a notes file. The program requires a Macintosh, Windows, or Windows 95 operating system.

Customer Reviews (4)

Great guide
Great information on how to read satellite images. Will greatly help in Meteorology studies whether you're a student or a more advanced hobbyist.It is best to have an introduction into meteorology such as "Meteorology Today" before reading this book. It will help in your understanding of the text.

good textbook
I am just getting started in the class where I am using this book and so far it is quite informative

Narrow Focus
I was disappointed as the material covered only meterology.While very good, I was hoping for some coverage of vegetation and geology.

Set of worksheets to provide practical exercises
I hope to meet help for my RS course to undergraduate university students ... Read more

Book Description
The third edition of this unique encyclopedia lists all satellites ever in orbit.It describes more than 22,000 satellites, payloads, plateforms, rockets and debris clusters from all countries, including the thousands of man made objects that remain in orbit from as far back as 1958 as well as thousands that are no longer in orbit. ... Read more

Book Description
THE DEFINITIVE REFERENCE ON SATELLITE COMMUNICATIONS Satellite Communications, Third Edition is the latest update of the reference widely regarded as the most complete and accessible intro to this dynamic area of engineering. This edition has been revised to include the hottest applications in a rapidly growing field with expanded coverage of CDMA…new Internet via satellite and digital TV broadcasting chapters…an expanded section on geostationary orbits…error correction coding…and a preview of coming applications and growth. Author Dennis Roddy’s authoritative and readable treatment provides you with:

Full descriptions of hardware, including satellite structures, antennas, earth stations, and onboard systems
Cutting-edge applications such as wireless Internet, telephony, Global Positioning Systems (GPS), and worldwide broadcasts of digital TV
New information on ATM, TCP/IP, and LEO networking over satellites, mobile systems, and onboard switching
Details on methods, orbits, links, access, signals, modulation, and interference
All examples and problems worked in MathCad, with mathematical complexities pared to a minimumDownload Description
Satellite Communications, Third Edition is the latest update of the reference widely regarded as the most complete and accessible intro to this dynamic area of engineering. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

Satellite Communications for the Masses...
Mr. Dennis Roddy's book is an amazing introduction to the daunting field of Satellite communications.His layout and explainations are easy to understand, for both amateurs and experts alike. This is a great introductory book for any budding satellite engineering or someone interested into the "hows and whys" of satellites.

The inclusion of problems and exercises also extends the flexibility of this book for use as a TEXTbook for undergraduate or graduate satellite engineers. Even if you're not a student, the problems will give your grey-matter a workout. Buy it, if the price suits you.

Complete Garbage
Roddy should be ashamed of this publication.As a third edition textbook, one would hope the that numerous typos and VERY NUMEROUS mathematical operation errors would have been corrected by now.Roddy switches symbols from example to example, sometimes even within the same example!!!!Mathematical constants such as the speed of light, circumfereance of the earth, etc... are very often wrong.After reading 10 chapter's of this book, I have learned not to take any of Roddy's published standards at face value and I google them all for accuracy.This is very hard text to learn from unless you already know the 3-4 synominous terms that Roddy might use to explain the principles he is trying to explain.There is also a lot of "poof" calculations, where everything is thrown into mathcad and a result pops out.Not a good textbook for beginers or intermediates.

Good overall, but slow reading
As most text books usually are, this book is slow reading. However, it is very thorough and covers the subject completely.

Good Concepts, Bad Mathmatics
While the book covers a wide range of topics and does a fairly good job at introducing the reader to satellite communications; there are many glaring errors contained in this edition.
Many of the equations given are incomplete or simply wrong.Many of the chapter problems have similar problems and nearly every section has incorrect chapter answers given in the back of the book.
Professionals with a grasp of the material may find the book useful however students and those new to the material will have trouble following the mathematical concepts due to misleading equations and incorrect examples given throughout the book.

Roddey; very good intermediate level book.
This book is very suitable for either an undergraduate EE student, or an interested laymen with modest communications knowledge (i.e. HAM radio, etc..).Roddey's writing style is fairly clear and crisp, and other reviewers are on the mark.

The technical content is fairly thorough for introductory
to intermediate purposes.However, this is definately not a "reference" or "bible" type book; nothing too exotic is contained therein.

The book has some nicely written chapters on general communications theory (i.e. channel capacity, etc..),
however, the content and treatment is skimpy.
If your interested in satellite communications but
don't know much about die-hard communications theory,
you'd be better of getting a companion book specifically
for that purpose [i.e. Sklar or Proakisl; both authors
have books called "Digital Communications"].

All in all, the book delivers what it promises and is
worth the price... Probably one of the top 4 books to
get on Satellite Communications... Also look into
[Timothy Pratt book; Gerard Maral book; and also Tri T Ha for those looking for a much more advanced book]. ... Read more

Book Description

A stunning, state-of-the-art exploration of our planet, this fascinating, lavishly illustrated atlas combines National Geographic's renowned cartographic authority with the drama and detail of satellite images of the Earth's surface. Captured with the latest sophisticated technology and techniques, seamlessly blending photographic-quality "eye-in-the-sky" views with computerized mapping, the dramatic, innovative, colorful images in this book reveal, continent by continent, an endless variety of landforms, rivers, and vegetation zones, together with such human landmarks and features as borders, roads, and place-names.

Whole-world satellite maps examine everything from topography and plate tectonics to climatic, atmospheric, and oceanic patterns. In addition, dozens of close-ups show the Earth's astounding range of terrains and habitats in dramatic three-dimensional perspectives, from the towering Himalaya of Asia to the depths of the Pacific's Mariana Trench; from the emerald, river-laced Amazon rain forest to the frigid polar ice caps; from the empty African deserts to the teeming metropolises of Europe and Asia.

Organized around four key themes -- land-forms, forces of nature, human impact, and major cities -- the informative, always engaging text amplifies the book's arresting images with engrossing clarity, explaining how they were obtained, what they show, and what we can learn from them. Often, such views are created by recording devices that "see" far beyond our human senses into the invisible parts of the electromagnetic spectrum, exposing otherwise hidden characteristics, while radar images reveal undersea contours, buried geological features, massive weather systems, and more.

A vision that only the most modern, space-based scientific equipment can deliver, this is the Earth as you have never seen it before -- a panoramic, high-tech portrait of our planet as we stand on the threshold of a new millennium.

EYES IN THE SKY

Satellites have opened a new window on our world -- and this extraordinary atlas shows exactly how, with a stunning collection of 275 colorful, on-of-a-kind images from high above the Earth. Combining cutting-edge photographic technology with state-of-the-art computerized cartography, the National Geographic Satellite Atlas of the World presents a revealing portrait of our planet at the dawn of a new millennium.

Here are shots taken by astronauts that allow us to share the awed excitement they felt when they saw the Earth as few humans ever have. Here, too, are views that go beyond the limits of our senses into the realm of near infrared, thermal infrared, and radar imaging to plumb the depths of the oceans, explore the remotest regions of the planet, and uncover long-buried traces of lost cities and hidden geological features such as giant meteorite craters and ancient river-beds. Dramatic three-dimensional panoramas display an astonishing variety of terrains, from the Himalaya to the polar ice cap, from the rain forests of Asia and South America to the arid expanse of Africa's Sahara. Whole-world maps offer new insights into climate and weather patterns, topographic and oceanic features, and the impact of humankind upon our global environment.

Boasting clear, concise text that explains how satellites function and what their data can tell us, along with scores of illustrations and diagrams that complement unique images from the High Frontier, this remarkable atlas is innovative, forward looking, and utterly fascinating -- a book in the best National Geographic tradition of cartographic excellence. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

What in the world?
As a child, I was always fascinated by maps, and fascinated by astronomy.In many ways, this book combines those fascinations in one truly remarkable text.Every page is a full-colour plate, showing satellite-produced images of the entire world in multiple respects.

The organisation of the book is basic, as any other atlas; the major sections include the World, North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia/New Zealand, and Antarctica.In addition to these major sections, there are shorter pieces on satellites (both history of satellites and how satellites work), the future, and credits/index sections.

This is no simple book of maps.There are typical geopolitical maps, to be sure, as apart from the basic outlines, it is sometimes hard to tell what is being shown in the photographs.However, pride of place certainly belongs to the photographs, from both the visible light spectrum and non-visible (ultra-high and -low) spectrums.These show geological topography, physical features, vegetation, climate, oceans, population, constructed/built-up features, and more.

With regard to the oceans, there are different types of satellite images which show temperature variations, depth, underwater vegetation, geological fault lines, and even pollution.There is a fascinating section showing the seasonal variations of ocean temperature and motion due to El Nino effects.

Similarly, with population and developed areas, it is mesmerising to see the differences and similarities across the various continents.Cities look very much the same in many respects from space in the distant view; the dominant characteristics at ranges that cover tens of miles is often the contours and geological/natural formations that surround a city.However, when close-up ranges are shown, the human constructions become apparent, and the cities show their unique characters based on the population in connection with their environments.One particularly fun photograph is a composition photograph showing the lights at night around the world.This particular map shows dense population around cities, particularly coastal cities; however, this can be deceptive, as the more highly populated country of India puts out less light at night than the lesser populated but more technologically advanced North America and Europe.

This is a wonderful way to look at the world, to see the kinds of things that a traditional map with boundaries and countries would not show.Done with the quality photography and explanation that is the hallmark of National Geographic, this large-format book would look at home equally on the shelf of a student of any age as well as the coffee table of a well-appointed home.

One of a Kind
Satellite photos let us see the lands as they really look like.However, the coloring of the pictures may be artificial or real, depending on whether they have been tempered with.Artficial coloring is sometimes done deliberately (like for the purpose of contrast), of course.

This atlas is too short.We can use far more detailed photographs.For instance, California alone requires a whole chapter unto itself.Also, it's been five years since publication, and far more powerful satellites are now being used for cartography.

Still, this book is a good start, and the quality is excellent.For those of us who aren't planning wars, we don't need photos of the Predator or the Global Hawk quality.This will do.

Beautiful, Informative
Shows the world in all its glory. Get a full color birdseye of pollution, urbanization, natural/industrial disasters, and many amazing natural phenomena.

Really excellent.

My number one possession
The National Geographic Satellite Atlas of the World, is a must own for anyone with any amount of interest in geography.

Satellite imagery itself is still relatively new, and so the imediate impact of these pictures on a viewer is overwhelming. To look at these images and realize that this one of the many views from space is mystifying. But thats not the only reason to look at these pictures.

National Geographic selected an excellent assortment of images for this atlas. From natural phenomenon (such as a three part image of Mt. St. Helens before, during, and after eruption or the beautiful image of Hurricane Fran) to social phenomenon (the Mexico-California border, and the three part image of the construction and land reclamation of Singapores Changi Airport)this atlas adds to the value of a traditional atlas because the relationships it does show expand on the story that is geography.

Also, it is far worth the cost, in that the paper stock is very high quality, the image resolution is amazing, and the color printing is excellent.

There has to be something wrong with it you say? Well, merely the same problem with every hard cover book that has a paper dust jacket. The jacket is fragile.

Interesting maps.
This is a very different and interesting Atlas: you will have the feeling of looking at the ground from the space.
But I wanna say sth. bad: I think this map is not a good one if you want to expand your knowledge of countries, cities... And the satelite pictures are not well orgnized in the atlas. It will take time to identify where is a detailed map from, and the detailed maps (added together) cover only a very small part of the world. So in some sense, this is an "enjoyment" of satellite pictures other than a world atlas.
But overall, I rank this atlas a very good one. ... Read more

Book Description
At the right distance the arresting presence of mountain ranges and the sheer artistry of graceful coastlines and meandering rivers emerge from the landscape. Terrains both strange and familiar become unfathomable abstractions from above. As the Earth's surface changes, and our ability to capture the impact of physical geography and human demography through satellite imaging improves, snapshots from outside the atmosphere are frequently turned to as valuable tools for understanding. More than a collection of aerial photographs or an example of a high-tech art form, the Satellite Atlas of the World is a detailed rendering of scientific data. Within this book, the latest satellite technology has been used to produce images of unparalleled clarity and color, providing beautiful photographs of countries, seas, mountains and lakes from an entirely new perspective.Covering six continents, the atlas begins with long shots of each region, moving in to focus on specific countries as well as familiar landmarks such as the Pyramids at Giza along with magnificent views of world's cities. Continent by continent, the magnification is progressively refined in a series of stunning pictures as the camera moves closer to the Earth. A brief introduction discusses the imaging techniques and mapping scales used, and captions on each page supply the reader with nuggets of historical and statistical information about each of the areas captured digitally.More than a reference book or an album of artwork, the Satellite Atlas of the World is a unique representation of Earth in transition. Enthusiasts of photography and geography alike will marvel at the highest, widest, most densely populated and unusual terrains in images that offer an unforgettable portrait of our planet in the 21st century. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Great photos, but doesn't supplant a typical atlas
This is a marvelous oversized book, reasonably priced, with stunning images from high up in the sky of much of terrestrial Earth.I look at it more as a work of art, and less as a reference you'd expect from a typical atlas of the world.If you need a reference of roads, and cities, and any specifics, look elsewhere.However, if you want to visualize Antarctica in the raw, or the Atlas Mountains in Morocco, or the Vatnajokull Glacier in Iceland, then this is your book.

My personal favorites: Bourtange in the Netherlands, Rome, Venice, Vesuvius, Moscow, Mecca, Yemen, UAE (a number of great photos), Iran(check out the Great Salt Desert), the Ganges Delta and the Lena Delta, Mauritania, Algeria (chicken skin), Australia, the Amazon, and many more.

Again, if you are looking for a map, go elsewhere.This is stunning photography from a perspective not seen by humans standing on this earth.

Incredible to stunning pictures of the earth
This volume has more than 200 full color and false color satellite images of the surface of the earth.They've been selected for their interesting aspects and their beauty, although in a few cases images taken at two different times are presented so that a comparison can be made betweenearlier and later.Of current (September, 2005) interest is the photo on page 223: New Orleans and Lake Pontchartrain.Part of the caption reads: "Damming of the Mississippi river north of New Orleans has prevented vital silt from reinforcing the river delta, with the result that the city is slowly sinking into the gulf of Mexico."

If you're interested in the earth or if you have a child or children over about 11 years old this would be a very good volume to own.

Many years ago I bougt a NASA volume "Mission to Earth: Landsat Views the World."That was published in 1976 and also had many stunning images.The advances in photographic and satellite imaging technologies since then have been remarkable and the photographs in the newer book very much show those advances. ... Read more

Book Description
The Digital Satellite TV Handbook and companion CD-ROM will serve as your complete interactive course in the new digital satellite TV technologies. This textbook, which provides a comprehensive overview of all the digital satellite TV platforms currently in use world-wide, includes the essential satellite coverage maps and transmission parameters that readers will need to receive
digital TV services from any location around the world. It
also presents those aspects of digital video compression and high
definition TV that are of the highest relevance to installers,
technicians, and other satellite professionals working in the global
direct-to-home (DTH) satellite TV industry. The Digital Satellite TV
Handbook analyzes the hardware requirements of digital DTH receiving
systems by comparing and contrasting the new digital TV technologies
with earlier analog TV transmission systems, so that readers can
readily grasp all of the details required to make the transition from
the analog era of yesterday to the new all-digital world of the
future.


The Digital Satellite TV Handbook is based on the author's extensive
experience as an instructor for private corporations and trade
associations around the world. To facilitate the learning experience,
the author has included a series of "Quick Check" exercises and answer
keys so that readers can determine for themselves whether or not they
have adequately understood the various course segments provided.
Mathematical formulas that are relevant to course content also are
presented at the end of each chapter. Best of all, the companion CD-ROM
version of the Handbook, which may be opened by any Internet browser
software program, contains numerous Internet hyperlinks. Readers can
click on any textbook hyperlink to immediately access hundreds of
additional pages of supplementary information from the world-wide web or
obtain information updates concerning the current operations of
satellite system operators and digital TV programmers around the globe.The CD-ROM also gives readers access to full-color versions of all the
textbooks, footprint maps, charts and other illustrations.

A graphic-intensive training manual
"Quick Check" exercises in each chapter
Mathematical formulas relevant to each chapter's content ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Outdated
This book is not worth the money. It has outdated information and in my opinion is poorly written. Save your money.

A good first book.
I found this book to be a good introduction to Satellite TV. It was an easy read. I think I went through the whole thing in a weekend.The first half of the book is pretty general. The second half is focused more onspecific home satellite TV systems (I skimmed this part). The book comeswith a CD-ROM which has color copies of many of the books figures. ... Read more

Book Description
The most complete guide to installing and servicing digital Satellite Systems-- the fastest-growing home entertainment technology since tv itself Packed with easy-to-master tips and techniques on: Setting up DSS equipment; Siting and positioning the dish; Mounting the dish on any surface; Installing and grounding coax cable; Prewiring new homes for satellites and multiple TVs; Advising your customers on the powerful advantages of DSS service; And much, much more! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Out of date info
I should have paid attention to the date of publication as there was no info on triple-head multi-satellite LNB dish reflectors.The book has some useful information but mostly, it is a hodge-podge of fact sheets and PR photos from manufacturers.Not worth the money.

Not a too much technical literature
When I decided to purchase this book , I was looking for a technical one , where I could learn about system characteristics , how does it work , installation , maintenance , etc. Chapter 6 , for example , has a lot of menu descriptions .Chapter 8 has around 40 pages describing DSS available programing.Those information are more suitable for the owner manual . This book is not updated , it mentions service providers that don't exist any more.Repeated information appears in different chapters .

A waste of money-just republished manufacturer sheets
Chock-full of worthless promotional drivel, the author has the temerity to not only copy manufacturer spec sheets, but to copy them multiple times. Grab some DSS promo literature at the local Radio Shack... it'll be more upto date and free. ... Read more