Feature Request: EO Satellite target viewing

[DeletedUser1781801786]

I wasn't sure where to put this, but I've been examining how satellites work in the game. One of the elements of interest is the ability to follow the 'ground-track' of a satellite as it moves through the scenario.

For SAR or radar-based satellites, one can use the Surface Sensors indicator to get a good idea of where a satellite can 'see'. However, there does not seem to be an equivalent feature for optical/EO satellite sensors. They exist, their presence can be detected using the Satellite Pass Predictions option in the Game menu, but there is no visibility on-screen for where they are able to view.

When communicating with others, this sometimes causes confusion. A way to view the optical view of an EO satellite would be a great feature to add!

Thank you!

[stww2]

This is true for all EO/IR sensors too. My vague recollection is that when the question of why there are no range things for these sorts of sensors has come up, the answer has been that there are so many variables that affect at what distance targets are spotted that such a UI indication wouldn't be very helpful and would be potentially misleading. See the following P Gatcomb video for a tutorial on how to determine the possible detection ranges of visual sensors: https://youtu.be/hCvQYbFYlt4

[thewood1]

That is a great video. His entire channel is a must view for CMO.

[DeletedUser1781801786]

So yeah - P Gatcomb's tutorials are amazing. I agree 100%! The one you cited is great for learning how to detect from an aerial perspective (wouldn't we all just love to have a fleet of SR-71s to help us out in a small air campaign!). It's really good for that. However, as you noted, even for aerial passive sensors (photographs, imagery, etc.) there is not 'target circle' which indicates the potential area for detection.

I fully understand that for some, a target circle could indicate an area where units will be detected rather than a range where they could be detected. However, in my mind I would rather know the possible range for my sensor than have no indicator available at all. Detection of any kind is never a 100% guaranteed possibility and I think most realize that. Plus as stww2 mentions, there are many external elements which could affect that range (haze, clouds, any other element which could the optical range of light). I understand that, but I'd still like to know what the maximum range for my optical sensor could be from a given location.

Thanks for your feedback.

[c3k]

Another upvote for P Gatcomb. I'm trying to go through all his videos. Pure gold.