Prediction Method of Visibility of GLONASS Satellites

A visibility prediction method of GLONASS satellites is presented based on the developing experience of GLONASS receiver. Given a certain known status, the spatial rectangular coordinates of the predicted satellite are calculated according to the satellite's operating law. Then the coordinates are converted to topocentric coordinates referenced to the ground observing point. The elevation angle of the satellite is computed and the visibility is obtained. The whole deducing process is discussed in detail . The orbits prediction incorporates impacts of several imperfect forces.True GLONASS almanac are used to calculate the visibility and to verify the results. This method is easily to be applied and deserves high accuracy. It is valuable in GLONASS receiver research.