Limiting my field of view in planetarium programmes

[beamer3.6m]

I have a permanent set up which due to restrictions sits right up against my house.

The view to the east and south is fine but north is a no go due to the house and west is out due to the trees.

My question is is it possible to set parameters in the these software so I know if an object is visible to me and if so how.

I have read the manuals and seems possible on the face of it but they are as clear as mud.

A simple wally guide would be great.

Software needs:

1. Skytech x

2. Stellarium

Thanks guys

[bomberbaz]

I believe stellarium allows uploading of your own personal backgrounds however I have no idea how to do this.

[bomberbaz]

try this http://www.stellarium.org/wiki/index.php/Customising_Landscapes

[beamer3.6m]

Unfortunately the link was as clear as mud.

I was hoping that I could just limit the view without having to take a photo/stitch it etc.

Why is it so complicated to just limit your view so stars do not appear in say the north etc.

[BlabyStarGazer]

Customizing the landscape in Stellarium isn't as complicated as you might think, although you'll need to be 'handy' with Photoshop or PSP.   I've made a couple of custom landscapes and the second one was far easier once the logic penny had dropped when I fiddled about with the first one!  

The second one was a location that I use where the view to the north is obstructed by a building.  The site is also at the foot of some steep hills.  The finished view achieved exactly what was needed.  I also managed to build in some pollution from stray indoor as well as outdoor lighting by using it's (afaik, undocumented) "lights layer" option.

[beamer3.6m]

Can you give me a simple (read idiot) guide to how you did this.

[alexwolf]

A super easy custom landscape for Stellarium (http://bazaar.launchpad.net/~stellarium/stellarium/trunk/files/head:/landscapes/geneva/)

[beamer3.6m]

Thanks guys.

 

I think I have mastered this now.

 

Just need to work out my angles and altitudes etc.