Field Guide

How to SkyCheck a campsite.

A repeatable, light-weight checklist for testing the sky above camp. Use it on your next trip — your notes can become part of the verified guide.

In This Guide

cell_tower Signal Test
satellite_alt Starlink Test
sunny Solar Test
star Stars Test
photo_camera Photo + Drone Notes

cell_tower

Step 1

Signal Test

Signal doesn't just mean bars. SkyChecked looks at the full communication picture — cell, WiFi, Starlink, and field communication conditions like line of sight, terrain, and radio-friendly openness.

1. Turn off WiFi on your phone so the test runs on cellular only.
2. Run a speed test (Speedtest.net, Fast.com, or similar).
3. Screenshot the download speed, upload speed, and ping.
4. Note the carrier (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, etc.), the time of day, the site number, and the weather conditions.

graphic_eq

Field Communications Notes

Sub-layer of Signal

For remote sites, terrain and line of sight matter as much as carrier coverage. Note what you see and hear, even without specialized gear.

5. Note line-of-sight conditions: open horizon, ridgelines, valleys, or visual blocks toward nearby towns.
6. Note terrain and canopy: dense forest, open meadow, dunes, or mixed cover.
7. If you carry FRS / GMRS radios, run a short range test between two points on the property and note results.
8. If you're a licensed ham operator, note general terrain readiness and whether a repeater list is needed for the area.
9. Suggest a Field Comms Rating: Open, Mixed, Limited, or Unknown.

info

Important. Ham radio notes are intended for licensed amateur radio operators. Repeater access, frequencies, and local rules should be checked before travel. SkyChecked does not guarantee emergency communication access. Always carry appropriate emergency gear and follow FCC rules, property rules, and local regulations.

satellite_alt

Step 2

Starlink Test

1. Open the Starlink app and run the obstruction checker.
2. Screenshot the obstruction map and any reported percentage.
3. Take a wide sky photo from the spot you'd actually place the dish.
4. Note nearby trees, buildings, hills, or canopy that could block sightlines.

sunny

Step 3

Solar Test

1. Note morning, midday, and afternoon sun coverage on the site.
2. Take photos facing east, south, and west to capture the angles.
3. Note whether roof solar would be useful here, and where a portable panel could go.

star

Step 4

Stars Test

1. Note nearby lights — campground lamps, neighboring towns, headlights along access roads.
2. Note canopy openness and how much horizon is visible.
3. Take night-sky photos if conditions and gear allow.
4. Mention meteor showers, the Milky Way, moonrise, or general night-sky usefulness for the dates you visited.

photo_camera

Step 5

Photo + Drone Notes

1. Note sunrise and sunset views and the directions they face.
2. Mark tripod-friendly locations — flat, stable, with a clear angle.
3. Note open areas suitable for aerial content where it's permitted.

Drone disclaimer

Drone use depends on property rules, FAA airspace, local regulations, weather, wildlife, and safe operating conditions. Always confirm before flying.

Take the Next Step

Send your notes — or apply to become a field tester.

Community notes help point us in the right direction. SkyChecked Verified reports are field-tested using a repeatable review process.

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