Starlink dishes need a clear, unobstructed view of sky. In camping and vanlife settings the real obstructions are usually terrain and trees — a mountain valley, a dense treeline, or a ridge can physically block satellites low on the horizon in specific directions, which this tool accounts for using real elevation data where available. Satellites low on the horizon (under ~25°) also give a weaker, noisier signal on their own, even with a clear view. When few satellites sit above 40°, the dish has fewer good options to connect to and handoffs between satellites get rougher.

This is a free Starlink coverage checker built for campers, vanlifers, and backpackers deciding where to park. It shows real-time Starlink satellite sky geometry, live rain fade impact, and terrain-based obstruction (from real elevation data) for 26 preset camping and vanlife locations across Europe, plus any custom coordinates you enter. Satellite positions come from live orbital data (CelesTrak), terrain from the Copernicus digital elevation model, and weather from Open-Meteo — nothing here is simulated or guessed. You can also drag in your own obstruction mask if a tree, awning, or roofline near your exact spot isn't captured by the terrain data.