Visualisation Tools

Darksun’s visualisation layer translates simulation data into intuitive graphics so you can reason about missions at a glance.

3D Scene Layers

• Orbit Lines – Rendered using high-resolution polylines built from propagated segments. Colours reflect spacecraft status (planned vs executed).
• Ground Tracks – Dynamic polylines on the planet surface, updated with coverage data.
• Sphere of Influence (SOI) – Transparent spheres indicate transition boundaries.
• Communication Links – Optional link visualisers highlight active line-of-sight connections.
• Surface Markers – Collision warnings, points of interest, and landing targets are rendered as billboards.

Manage layers via Settings → Display or the scene overlay in the top-right corner of the canvas.

Camera Controls

• Free Orbit – Rotate with right mouse drag, pan with middle mouse, zoom with scroll.
• Focus – Right-click any body or spacecraft and choose Focus to centre it. The camera adjusts distance automatically.
• Orbital Perspective – Use the Spacecraft detail window to snap to a spacecraft-centric view aligned with its trajectory.

Post-Processing & Effects

• Lens Flare – Toggle for cinematic visuals when viewing the Sun or bright bodies.
• Atmospheric Scattering – Applied to planets with atmospheres for realistic limb lighting.
• Constant Screen Size – Icons and markers maintain readability regardless of zoom level.

These options are available under Settings → Visual Effects.

Groundtrack Window

• Coverage – Heatmaps show coverage density over user-defined time ranges.
• Segment Filters – Focus on daytime passes, high-elevation tracks, or specific orbital segments.
• Markers – Embedded builders generate markers for collisions, sphere-of-influence transitions, and custom events.

Orbit Graph

• Charts – Plot altitude, inclination, eccentricity, argument of periapsis, and more.
• Comparisons – Overlay multiple spacecraft or planned vs executed tracks.
• Interaction – Hover to read values, drag to zoom into specific epochs, export data as CSV.

Sharing the View

• Share Window – Copies the current session URL (including simulation state) to the clipboard and offers a “Share via email” shortcut.
• Orbit Graph CSV Export – Download orbit graph samples from the Orbit Graph window for analysis in external tools.

Visual cues work best when tuned to your workflow. Combine display toggles, integrator settings, and mission planner outputs to keep the scene readable while you iterate.