Understanding Satellite Footprint Maps

[GreatFTA]

I have been looking at the satellite footprint maps throughout the internet, including this site. Could someone help me get a better understanding on reading these maps?
I see numbers in a circled area that has like 48, 49, 50, etc. Say I am on a certain area (where I live) and the covered area has the number 46. The other numbers surrounding my area is 39 to 48. The higher the number, better signal strength?
What about the sizes of the dishes?
I included one attachment to help you see what I am talking about.
I want the maximum service from my satellite dishes.
Thanks for your help!

 

[oceansatellite]

Here's an example from lyngsat, each map page will have a chart on the right hand side telling u what size dish u need.

Galaxy 19 at 97.0°W - LyngSat Maps

 

[Mr Tony]

yes the higher the number the better the signal. But also note that stations may transmit at different power which affects those

Here's an example from lyngsat, each map page will have a chart on the right hand side telling u what size dish u need.

and with those numbers, take a HUGE grain of salt. According to that map I can get C-Band with a 80cm dish....hardly

 

[GreatFTA]

Ok, great! Thank you Guys! I learned something new.
Now to figure out the cm part...

 

[GenBap]

I find satbeams much easier and simplier to use, but I know lyngsat is the number 1 choice. Anyway here is the website for satbeams. Select the satellite, go to your location on the google map and it gives the eirp, a dish size in cm and inches. SatBeams - Satellite Coverage Maps - Sat Footprint Intelsat 10-02 (Intelsat 1002, Intelsat Alpha-2, Intelsat X-02) / Thor 5 (Thor 2R) / Thor 6

 

[GreatFTA]

Thanks, GenBap!