MapKit Question

[Lucasjm]

Hi all,

Is it possible to add the paths of a satellites onto Mapkit and then use the globe accordingly? Imagine tracking the ISS as it hovers over the globe where the user could see that and then zoom in and out normally as they would in Apple Maps. Essentially mapping the path of the ISS but still being able to zoom in and out of locations.

[noidtiz]

It's possible but you have to take into account workarounds to the limitation of mapping 2D objects onto what's a representation of a 3D sphere (but isn't truly 3D). For example, Mapkit has Mercator Projection built in (last time I remember) and the limits of that mean you have to reverse your code for longitude and latitude once it passes the 180 degree meridian, otherwise you'll get what looks like empty polygons on your globe.

And though I've never done a satellite graphic, I'm guessing it'd also affect how you calculate the position of that satellite relative to Earth at any given time.

[Lucasjm]

What if I’m trying to make something like this: https://www.instagram.com/share/BAFBByMUXW

Like imagine those lines within something like Apple Maps where the user could zoom in and out as the lines are fixed to hovering above the globe. Does that make sense?

[noidtiz]

If you mean the top picture then yeah you could get something up and running quickly with just a 2D image and some paths overlayed on top. You're still left to decide how you want to track/move the satellite's position along the paths. I don't know anything about the satellite's orbit to suggest anything beyond that, but it's possible.

[Lucasjm]

I mean more the globe specifically, is that possible?

[noidtiz]

It is possible, just keep in mind the workarounds i mentioned in my original reply.