Path Profile Analysis / Terrain Mapping

 

Terrain Mapping

Wireless Telecom calls on years of experience for site location and surveys. Utilizing a staff of professionals, we will help you locate a potential site for your wireless system.

Sample of Terrain Map

Wireless Telecom, Inc. utilizes the latest in computer modeling technology to evaluate data collected from site surveys. This is a necessary step in reliable wireless system designs. After collecting field data from actual site surveys and associated maps, we then utilize this data in our computer assisted engineering analysis. 
This data is used to determine antennae and structure heights, path clearance,  projected propagation, path loss and coverage areas of the proposed wireless system.  This also allows us to identify sites and reject or eliminate those that fail to meet good site location criteria.

Consideration of issues such as terrain, natural and manmade obstacles, building and structures, soils and foliage, access, and utilities are taken into account when choosing a site location.  Without proper computer modeling tools a site survey alone cannot provide enough information to install a wireless link.

Path Profile Analysis

The Path Profile Analysis is not complete without computer assisted Fresnel Zone path calculations. We take the GPS coordinates that we obtain during the site visit and use them in the Fresnel zone path calculation analysis.  The Fresnel zone can be viewed as a series of concentric ellipsoids surrounding the entire microwave path. This area must be free of any obstructions (trees, structures, buildings, etc..).  
With the use of this program and topographical map data we can determine how high each antenna will need to be in order to protect the integrity of the Fresnel zone.  It must be noted however, the data alone is of little value unless you know how to interpret the results.  We will explain the results of the calculations using charts as a pictorial representation of your link as raw data is usually of little use in trying to picture a site and any obstructions that may be present between your two sites.

 

Sample of Comstudy Path Profile Graph

It would be a "coin toss" at best to attempt to put up a wireless link without performing a Path Profile first.  The money spent up front performing this Engineering study can save you thousands in the long run!  Never attempt to install a wireless system without performing this study first.  A basic Path profile consist of

  1. Physical site survey.

  2. GPS Measurements.

  3. Antenna location / Structure surveys.

  4. Fresnel Zone calculations.

  5. Terrain Mapping. 

  6. Radio Suggestion / Selection.

  7. Tower recommendations (if needed).

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