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Calibration Guide
v e r s i o n 3.1.0
AT310_MCG_E1
AT310_MCG_E1
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Introduction
To find an accurate propagation model for determining path losses is a leading issue when planning a mobile radio network.
Two strategies for predicting propagation losses are in use these days. One of these strategies is to derive an empirical propagation model from measurement data, and the other is to use a deterministic propagation model. Atolls Standard Propagation Model is a macrocell propagation model based on empirical formulas and a set of parameters.
When Atoll is installed, the SPM and Hata model parameters are set to their default values. However, they can be adjusted to
tune the propagation model according to actual propagation conditions. This calibration process of the Standard Propagation
and Hata Models facilitates improving the reliability of path loss and, hence, coverage predictions.
This guide describes the way to import and manage the necessary measurement data. It also indicates the calibration method
and the steps to calibrating the SPM and Hata models, from planning the CW measurement surveys to obtaining the final
propagation model. The resulting tuned propagation model is directly usable in Atoll as an additional model.
AT310_MCG_E1
Table of Contents
Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
2.1
SPM Formula . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
2.2
2.2.1
2.2.2
2.2.2.1
2.2.2.2
2.2.3
2.3
2.3.1
2.3.2
2.3.2.1
2.3.2.2
2.3.2.3
2.3.2.4
2.3.2.5
2.3.2.6
2.3.3
2.3.4
2.3.5
2.3.6
2.3.7
3.1
3.1.1
3.1.2
3.2
3.2.1
3.2.2
3.2.3
3.2.4
4
4.1
4.1.1
4.1.1.1
4.1.1.2
4.1.2
4.1.2.1
4.1.2.2
4.1.2.3
4.1.2.4
4.1.3
4.1.4
4.1.4.1
4.1.4.2
4.1.4.2.1
4.1.4.2.2
4.1.4.2.3
4.1.4.2.4
4.1.4.3
4.1.4.3.1
4.1.4.3.2
4.1.4.3.3
4.1.4.3.4
4.1.4.3.5
4.1.4.3.6
4.1.5
4.2
4.2.1
4.2.2
4.2.2.1
4.2.2.2
4.2.3
4.2.3.1
4.2.3.2
4.3
4.3.1
4.3.2
4.3.2.1
4.3.2.2
4.3.2.3
4.3.3
4.4
4.5
4.6
4.6.1
4.6.2
5.1
5.2
5.3
5.4
5.5
5.5.1
5.5.2
5.5.3
5.5.4
5.5.5
5.5.6
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Chapter 1
Introduction
This chapter presents the Model Calibration Guide.
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AT310_MCG_E1
1 Introduction
The Model Calibration Guide is intended for project managers or anyone else responsible for calibrating the Standard Propagation Model (SPM) or Hata Models (Okumura-Hata and Cost-Hata) using continuous wave (CW) measurements. To that end,
the Model Calibration Guide presents you with detailed information on the SPM and guides you through the calibration process of both types of models.
It is not the intention of this guide to explain in detail how to use Atoll, nor to provide detailed technical information about
Atoll projects. For information on using Atoll, see the User Manual and the Administrator Manual. For detailed technical information about Atoll projects, see the Technical Reference Guide.
The Model Calibration Guide follows the calibration process from planning the CW survey, to incorporating the CW measurements into Atoll, to using the CW measurements to calibrate the SPM.
If this is the first time you are calibrating Atolls SPM, you might want to read though the entire Model Calibration Guide. Or,
you can go directly to the chapter that interests you:
The Standard Propagation Model: This chapter describes the Atoll SPM, including the SPM formula and the Hata formula on which the SPM is based. Other aspects described include, typical SPM parameter values, making calculations
using the SPM, and recommendations for using the SPM.
CW Measurements: This chapter explains the role of CW measurements in calibrating the SPM. It also gives you information that will help you successfully plan and carry out a CW survey.
The Model Calibration Process: This chapter explains the entire calibration process for any model type:
-
This guide also contains an appendix with additional information on using CW measurements in Atoll.
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Chapter 2
Standard Propagation
Model
This chapter provides information on the
Standard Propagation Model.
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where:
PR
P Tx
K1
K2
K3
H Tx
K4
DiffractionLoss
K5
K6
K7
H Rx
effective height of the receiver antenna (i.e., mobile antenna height) (m)
K clutter
f ( clutter )
eff
eff
eff
eff
eff
eff
K hill, LOS
where,
A1 , A2 , A3 , B1 , B2 , B3
Hata parameters
Frequency in MHz
Effective BS antenna height in metres
d
a ( hm )
Distance in kilometres
Mobile antenna height correction function
C clutter
h BS
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The distance in this equation is given in kilometres as opposed to the SPM, where the
distance is given in metres.
A1 , A2 , A3 , B1 , B2 ,
Hata parameters
f
h BS
Frequency in MHz
Effective BS antenna height in metres
Distance in kilometres
If you rewrite the Hata equation using with the distance in metres as in the SPM formula, you get:
d
L = A 1 + A 2 log f + A 3 log h BS + ( B 1 + B 2 log h BS ) log ------------1000
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Frequency (MHz)
K1
GSM 900
935
12.5
GSM 1800
1805
22
GSM 1900
1930
23
UMTS
2110
23.8
1xRTT
1900
23
2300
24.7
2500
25.4
2700
26.1
3300
27.8
3500
28.3
WiMAX
If the transmitter-receiver distance is less than the maximum user-defined distance (the break distance), the
receiver is considered to be near the transmitter. Atoll will use the set of values called Near transmitter.
If the transmitter-receiver distance is greater than the maximum distance, the receiver is considered far from the
transmitter. Atoll will use the set of values called Far from transmitter.
If the receiver is in the transmitter line of sight, Atoll will take into account the set of values (K1, K2)LOS. The LOS
is defined by no obstruction along the direct ray between the transmitter and the receiver.
If the receiver is not in the transmitter line of sight, Atoll will use the set of values (K1, K2)NLOS.
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where,
H 0Tx is the ground height (ground elevation) above sea level at transmitter (m).
H 0 is the average ground height above sea level along the profile (m).
If the profile is not located between the transmitter and the receiver, HTxeff equals HTx
only.
where,
H 0Rx is the ground height (ground elevation) above sea level at the receiver (m).
K is the ground slope calculated over a user-defined distance (Distance min.). In this case, Distance min. is the distance from the receiver.
2.3.2.4 Spot Ht
If H 0Tx > H 0Rx then, H Txeff = H Tx + ( H 0Tx H 0Rx )
If H 0Tx H 0Rx then, H Txeff = H Tx
Distance min. and distance max are set to 3000 and 15000 m following ITU recommendations (low frequency broadcast f < 500 Mhz) and to 0 and 15000 m following Okumura
recommendations (high frequency mobile telephony).
These values are only used in the last two methods and have different meanings for each method.
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where,
-
H orig is the original height. The original terrain height is determined from extracted ground profile.
(i) H
Res
(i 1)
orig
orig
a. If H orig ( i ) > H orig ( i 1 ) and ----------------------------------------------------- 0.05 ,
(i) H
Res
(i 1)
orig
orig
b. If H orig ( i ) > H orig ( i 1 ) and -----------------------------------------------------> 0.05
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(i) H
(i + 1)
Res
orig
orig
- 0.05 ,
a. If H orig ( i ) > H orig ( i + 1 ) and ------------------------------------------------------
(i) H
(i + 1)
Res
orig
orig
- > 0.05
b. If H orig ( i ) > H orig ( i + 1 ) and ------------------------------------------------------
4. Atoll determines the influence area, R. It corresponds to the distance from receiver at which the original terrain profile
plus 30 metres intersects the LOS for the first time (when beginning from transmitter).
The influence area must satisfy additional conditions:
-
R 3000m ,
R 0.01 d ,
R must contain at least three pixels.
When several influence areas are possible, Atoll chooses the highest one.
If d < 3000m, R = d.
5. Atoll performs a linear regression on the filtered profile within R in order to determine a regression line.
The regression line equation is:
y = ax + b
( d ( i ) dm ) ( Hfilt ( i ) Hm )
i
a = ----------------------------------------------------------------------2
( d ( i ) dm )
and b = H m ad m
where,
1
H m = --n
Hfilt ( i )
i
i is the point index. Only points within R are taken into account.
R
d m = d ---2
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regr ( i ) = a ( i Res ) + b
6. Then, Atoll calculates the effective transmitter antenna height, H Txeff (m).
H 0Tx + H Tx b
H Txeff = -------------------------------------2
1+a
If HTxeff is less than 20 m, Atoll recalculates it with a new influence area, which begins at the transmitter.
If H Txeff is less than 20 m, an additional correction is taken into account (step 7).
7. If H Txeff is less than 20 m (or negative), Atoll evaluates the path loss using H Txeff = 20m and applies a correction
factor.
Therefore, if H Txeff < 20m ,
L model = L model ( ( H Txeff = 20m ), d, f ) + K lowant
where,
20 ( 1 ( H Txeff 20 ) )
d
K lowant = --------5- ( 0.3 ( H Txeff 20 ) ) -----------------------------------------------------------------------------d
d
10
9.63 + ------------ 6.93 + -------------
1000
1000
where,
H Rx is the height of the receiver antenna above the ground (m).
H 0Rx is the ground height (ground elevation) above sea level at the receiver (m).
H 0Tx is the ground height (ground elevation) above sea level at the transmitter (m).
The calculation of effective antenna heights ( H Rxeff and H Txeff ) is based on extracted
DTM profiles. They are not performed properly if you have not imported heights (DTM file)
beforehand.
When the transmitter and the receiver are not in line of sight, the path loss formula is:
L model =K 1, NLOS + K 2, NLOS log ( d ) + K 3 log ( H Txeff ) + K 4 Diffraction + K 5 log ( H Txeff ) log ( d ) + K 6 H Rx + K clutter f ( clutter )
K hill, LOS is determined in three steps. Influence area, R, and regression line are assumed to be available.
1. For every profile point within the influence area, Atoll calculates height deviation between the original terrain profile
and regression line. Then, it sorts points according to the deviation and draws two lines (parallel to the regression line),
one which is exceeded by 10% of the profile points and the other one by 90%.
2. Atoll evaluates the terrain roughness, h; it is the distance between the two lines.
3. Atoll calculates K hill, LOS .
K hill, LOS = K h + K hf
If 0 < h 20m , Kh = 0
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+H
regr ( i
h
2
0Rx
Rx
Rx
Else K hf = 2 ( 1.616 ( log ( h ) ) + 14.75 log ( h ) 11.21 ) ------------------------------------------------------------
2.3.5 Diffraction
Four methods are available to calculate diffraction loss over the transmitter-receiver profile. These methods are explained in
the Technical Reference Guide.
Deygout
Epstein-Peterson
Deygout with correction
Millington
Along the transmitter-receiver profile, you can take one of the following into consideration:
Ground altitude and clutter height (Consider heights in diffraction option). In this case, Atoll uses clutter height information from the clutter heights file if it is available in the ATL document. Otherwise, Atoll considers average clutter
height specified for each clutter class in the clutter classes file description.
Only ground altitude.
f ( clutter ) =
Li wi
i=1
where,
L: loss due to clutter defined on the Clutter tab by the user (in dB).
w: weight determined through the weighting function.
n: number of points taken into account over the profile. Points are evenly spaced depending on the profile resolution.
1
uniform weighting function: w i = ---
i
triangular weighting function: w i = ------------n
dj
j
d i = D d' i , where di is the distance between the receiver and the ith point and D is the maximum distance defined.
di
log ---- + 1
D
log ---- + 1
D
d
----i
D
e 1
exponential weighting function: w i = ------------------------d
n
----j
D
e 1
j=1
The following chart shows the weight variation with the distance for each weighting function.
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No clutter height information is available: You do not have a clutter height file and the height per clutter class is either
not defined, or is too roughly defined. In this case, you should define a loss per clutter class and not use the height per
clutter class. For more information, see "Losses per Clutter Class" on page 64.
No clutter height file is available: You do not have a clutter height file. However, the clutter classes file has relatively
good data defining the height per clutter class and has a high enough resolution. In this case, you can use the height
per clutter class, but, if you use the height per clutter class, you must not define a loss per clutter class. For more information, see "Clutter Height per Class" on page 65.
Clutter height file is available: You have a clutter height file available that has accurate data over a resolution that is
fine enough for your network. In this case, you should use the clutter height file. But, if you use the clutter height file,
you must not use a loss per clutter class. For more information, see "Clutter Height File" on page 66.
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Figure 2.5: Settings when using clutter heights set per class
Clutter Height File
If you use a clutter height file, do not define any loss per clutter class, as illustrated in Figure 2.5. In this case, f(clutter) will be
"0;" losses due to clutter will only be taken into account in calculated diffraction. This approach is recommended if the clutter
height information is deterministic (in this case, where there is a clutter height file).
It is not necessary to define receiver clearance if the height information is from a clutter height file; the clutter height information is accurate enough to be used without additional information such as clearance. Atoll calculates the path loss if the
receiver is in the street (i.e., if the receiver height is higher than the clutter height). If the receiver height is lower than the
clutter height, the receiver is assumed to be inside a building. In this case, Atoll does not consider any diffraction for the building (or any clearance) but takes into account the clutter class indoor loss as an additional penetration loss. Nevertheless, Atoll
does consider diffraction caused by surrounding buildings. In Figure 2.6 on page 24 this diffraction is displayed with a green
line.
In order to consider indoor losses inside a building when only using a deterministic
clutter map (i.e., a clutter height map), you must clear the Indoor Coverage check box
when creating a prediction or indoor losses will be added twice (once for the entire
reception clutter class and once as indoor losses).
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Figure 2.6: Diffraction caused by surrounding buildings when the receiver is indoors
Figure 2.7: Clutter class settings when using a clutter height file
24
Chapter 3
Collecting CW
Measurement Data
This chapter provides information on collecting
continuous wave measurement data.
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AT310_MCG_E1
Raster geographic data: The SPM or Hata Models can use raster geographic data as input. It can obtain the ground
elevation information from the DTM (Digital Terrain Model) files and clutter information from either clutter classes
files or clutter heights files.
Clutter classes files describe the land cover (dense urban areas, buildings, residential areas, forests, open areas, villages
etc.). In these files, the ground is represented by a grid where each pixel corresponds to a code allocated to a main type
of cover, in other words, to a clutter class. Clutter height maps describe the altitude of clutter over the DTM with one altitude
defined for each pixel. Clutter height maps can offer more precise information than defining an altitude per clutter class
because, in a clutter height file, it is possible to have different heights within a single clutter class.
DTM and clutter class files must be of a sufficiently high resolution to obtain a high-quality and accurate results in a
calibration project. The resolution of geographic data should typically be:
Vector data: Vector maps, representing at least major roads, are useful for planning and verifying measurement
survey routes.
Scanned maps: Scanned maps are useful for planning and verifying measurement survey routes in urban areas.
Since drive test data are made on a real network, part of the measured signal is actually due to interference.
Using directional antennas implies that the propagation calculation strongly depends on the accuracy of antenna patterns, and only the measurement points in the direction of the main beam are relevant.
Several frequencies are measured for drive test data, although the SPM or hata models are calibrated only for a base
frequency.
The sampling rate of each measured station is low because a lot of stations are scanned at the same time. Therefore,
the Lee criterion cannot be fulfilled (see "Guidelines for CW Measurement Surveys" on page 54).
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Only the signal from the best server is scanned and, therefore, the signal level is measured over only a short distance
from each transmitter. Therefore, the model will only be calibrated for coverage predictions and not for the evaluation
of interference.
Therefore, you should plan CW measurement surveys if you need measurements to calibrate the SPM or Hata models.
However, before planning and performing CW a measurement survey:
Determine the number of required propagation models depending on representative area types (urban, suburban,
flat_rural, hilly_rural, etc.), and on the number of frequency bands (GSM 900, GSM 1800, UMTS, etc.). One propagation model for each "area typefrequency band" pair must be calibrated.
Select a representative area of each area type, where the measurement survey campaigns will be performed.
For each area type, select at least 8 sites (6 for calibration and 2 for verification), which respect the conditions
described in "Guidelines for CW Measurement Surveys" on page 54.
For each selected site, define a survey route, which respects the conditions described in "Guidelines for CW Measurement Surveys" on page 54.
Ensure that it will be possible to respect all other criteria described in "Guidelines for CW Measurement Surveys" on
page 54 when performing the measurement survey.
A minimum of about eight stations should be measured for each propagation model to be calibrated. The exact
number of stations depends on the terrain.
To avoid problems if the measurements of one or more stations must be rejected, a minimum of 10 stations for each propagation model to be calibrated is recommended.
28
The stations should have good RF clearance, in other words, the stations selected should not be obstructed in any
direction.
An omnidirectional antenna should be used.
The antennas on the measured stations should represent the full variation of antenna heights (typically from 20 m.
to 50 m.) in the area covered by the survey. A histogram displaying the antenna heights can be a useful tool in
determining what antenna heights should be represented.
The terrain within a relevant radius around each selected station should be representative of the entire area covered by the survey. For example, in a relatively flat region, all rural stations selected should be surrounded by relatively flat terrain within a radius of 10 km; a station surrounded with hilly terrain would not give measurements
representative of the entire area.
If there is a variety of different types of clutter in the survey area (open, urban, suburban, dense urban, etc.), there
should be as equal a distribution as possible of the major clutter categories within a relevant radius of each station.
There should be sufficient roads available to enable easy access with transmission equipment on all sides of each
station.
AT310_MCG_E1
Measurement surveys should be performed over a long enough distance to allow the noise floor of the receiver to be
reached. Typical distances are:
-
The measurement routes must be laid out so that they have equal numbers of samples near as well as far from the
station in all directions.
The survey routes should not cross forests or rivers; such clutter types should be avoided. Even profiles between the
transmitter and the receiver should not cross such kinds of clutter, if these types of clutter are not especially representative of the area. These points will have to be filtered out during the calibration process.
When planning the survey routes, any proposed routes should be presented for approval to the project manager in
the form of vector maps in a format that can be imported in Atoll.
The maps used to plan the survey routes should use the same projection system as the scanned maps in the Atoll calibration project. This will allow you to validate the survey routes beforehand.
The GPS of the CW measurement equipment should be configured to match that of the mapping data.
If possible, before actually making the survey, you should try to ensure consistency between the coordinates given by
the GPS on the survey route with those used in Atoll by making a test drive without taking measurements.
The area to be covered by the CW measurement survey must be scanned before performing the drive test to ensure
that there is no interference.
Only one frequency must be measured during a single survey.
The frequency measured must be clean:
-
For GSM, there must be 3 contiguous unused channels (i.e., a clearance of 200 kHz on either side of the measured
signal).
For UMTS and CDMA2000, there must be one unused carrier. This can be verified by checking whether the reception level is at zero when the transmitter is off.
The Lee criterion must be satisfied in terms of sampling rate to overcome the effects of fast fading.
At least 36 samples must be collected over a distance of 40. But, because the required rate depends on the highest
speed the vehicle would travel during the survey, the vehicle speed must be adapted accordingly. The following table
provides a list of required rates corresponding to different vehicle speeds in order to respect the Lee criterion for a
frequency 900 MHz.
60
45
90
68
120
90
150
113
The measured signals over the distance of 40 should be averaged, with the mean signal level (50th percentile) being
the one stored.
The maximum distance between 2 stored measurement points should be equal to one half the resolution of the
clutter file used. This is necessary to obtain a good representative sample of each clutter class.
At least 5,000 points per station must remain after averaging. A typical number of points per measured station is
between 10,000 and 20,000 points.
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Measurement data: The radio data collected should meet the following criteria:
-
The measurements to be imported should correspond to the average of the measured signals over the distance
of 40.
The maximum distance between 2 stored measurement points should be equal to one half the resolution of the
clutter class file used. This is necessary to obtain a good representative sample of each clutter class.
The survey should have at least 5,000 points per station. A typical number of points per measured station is
between 10,000 and 20,000 points.
A rooftop sketch: A rooftop sketch must be provided indicating the locations of:
-
Panoramic photographs: Panoramic photographs should be taken from each rooftop of each station starting from
north and turning clockwise. These photographs should show the surroundings in all directions. The azimuth and station number should be recorded for each photograph.
Transmission data: The following data should be recorded for all stations:
-
Reception data: The following data should be recorded for all stations:
-
Vector maps: Vector maps of each survey route should be collected to be imported into the Atoll calibration project
prior to the measurement survey.
You can find an example of a survey site form in "Survey Site Form" on page 89.
30
Chapter 4
The Model Calibration
Process
This chapter explains the model calibration process.
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AT310_MCG_E1
2. Calibrate the SPM: When the CW measurement data has been selected and filtered, you can begin calibrating the
model. You must first set a few initial parameters in the propagation model and then you can begin the calibration
process, using either the automated or the assisted method. After calibration, Atoll offers several different ways for
you to analyse the calibrated propagation model.
-
3. Finalising the calibrated propagation model: When you have calibrated the propagation model and are satisfied with
the results, you must make a few final adjustments to compensate for values that could not be calibrated due to
missing or incomplete data. The missing values can be extrapolated from existing data or from standard values.
-
4. Deploying the calibrated propagation model: The final propagation model can now be deployed to the transmitters
for which it was calibrated.
-
From a template: You can create a new Atoll document from a template. Atoll is delivered with a template for each
technology you will be planning for. For information on creating a document from a template, see the User Manual.
From an existing document: If you already have an existing document covering the CW measurement survey area,
you can make a copy of it to use in the calibration process so that you can calibrate the propagation model without
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making changes to the original document. For information on making a copy of an existing document, see the User
Manual.
Once you have created the calibration document, you must set a few necessary parameters and import or create the preliminary data. These steps are explained in the following sections:
For more information on the projection and display coordinate systems in Atoll, see the User Manual.
Digital Terrain Model: The DTM describes the elevation of the ground over sea level and is indispensable in a calibration project.
Clutter Classes: The clutter class geo data file describes land cover or land use. Either clutter classes or clutter heights
must be present in a calibration project.
Clutter Heights: Clutter height maps describe the altitude of clutter over the DTM with one altitude defined per pixel.
Clutter height maps can offer more precise information than defining an altitude per clutter class because, in a clutter
height file, it is possible to have different heights within a single clutter class.
The only propagation models that can take clutter heights into account in calculations are
the Standard Propagation Model and WLL model.
Vector Maps: Maps with possible survey routes defined as vectors can be imported to verify the planned survey
routes against other maps.
Scanned Images: Scanned images are geographic data files which represent the actual physical surroundings, for
example, road maps or satellite images. They are used to provide a precise background for other objects. Although
they are not used in calculations, they can be used to verify the accuracy of proposed survey routes.
WMS Raster-format Geo Data Files: Raster images from a Web Map Service (WMS) server. The image must be in TIF
format and be referenced in the document; it can not be embedded. You can use a WMS image to add a precise background for other objects, or to add place names, or a map of roadways. WMS images are not used in calculations.
For more information on any of the geographic data formats that can be used in Atoll, see the User Manual, and the Technical
Reference Guide. For information on importing geographic data, see the User Manual.
The position of the CW measurement points. When you import the data, you must indicate which columns give the
abscissa and ordinate (XY coordinates) of each point.
The measured signal level at each point.
The imported files can also contain other information, such as point names and field characteristics, that can be used to define
the display of measurement points, for example, to filter points.
You can import a single CW measurement file or several CW measurement files at the same time. If you regularly import CW
measurement files of the same format, you can create an import configuration. The import configuration contains information
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AT310_MCG_E1
that defines the structure of the data in the CW measurement file. By using the import configuration, you will not need to
define the data structure each time you import a new CW measurement file.
In this section, the following are described:
).
7. Click the Setup tab (see Figure 4.1). If you already have an import configuration defining the data structure of the
imported file or files, you can select it from the Configuration list on the Setup tab of the Import of Measurement
Files dialogue. If you do not have an import configuration, continue with step 8.
a. Under Configuration, select an import configuration from the Configuration list.
b. Continue with step 9.
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Figure 4.1: The Setup tab of the Import of Measurement Files dialogue
d. In the Measurements box, select the field that contains the value of the measured signal for each defined point.
e. Click OK to close the CW Measurement Setup dialogue.
f. If there is other data available in the file, in the table under File, define the Type for each additional column of
data.
9. Once you have defined the import parameters, click Import. The CW measurement data are imported into the current
Atoll document.
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3. Select Import from the context menu. The Open dialogue appears.
4. Select the file or files you want to open.
You can select contiguous files by clicking the first file you want to import, pressing SHIFT
and clicking the last file you want to import. You can select non-contiguous files by pressing
CTRL and clicking each file you want to import.
5. Click Open. The Import of Measurement Files dialogue appears.
6. On the General tab:
a. Enter a Name for the CW measurement. By default, the CW measurement is given the name of the file being imported.
b. Under Reference Transmitter, select the Transmitter with which the CW measurements were made, its technology, and its transmitting Frequency during the measurement survey.
c. Under Receiver, enter the Height of the receiver, the Gain, and the Losses.
d. Under Measurements, define the Unit used for the CW measurements.
e. If the Coordinates used for the CW measurement data are different than the one displayed, click the Browse button (
).
7. Click the Setup tab (see Figure 4.1). If you already have an import configuration defining the data structure of the
imported file or files, you can select it from the Configuration list on the Setup tab of the Import of Measurement
Files dialogue. If you do not have an import configuration, continue with step 8.
a. Under Configuration, select an import configuration from the Configuration list.
b. Continue with step 9.
d. In the Measurements box, select the field that contains the value of the measured signal for each defined point.
e. Click OK to close the CW Measurement Setup dialogue.
f.
If there is other data available in the file, in the table under File, define the Type for each additional column of
data.
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9. If you wish to save the definition of the data structure so that you can use it again, you can save it as an import configuration:
a. On the Setup tab, under Configuration, click Save. The Configuration dialogue appears.
b. By default, Atoll saves the configuration in a special file called "MeasImport.ini" found in Atolls installation folder.
In case you cannot write into that folder, you can click Browse to choose a different location.
c. Enter a Configuration Name and an Extension of the files that this import configuration will describe (for example,
"*.csv").
d. Click OK.
Atoll will now select this import configuration automatically every time you import a drive test data path file with
the selected extension. If you import a file with the same structure but a different extension, you will be able to
select this import configuration from the Configuration list.
You do not have to complete the import procedure to save the import configuration and have it available for future use.
When importing a CW measurement file, you can expand the MeasImport.ini file
by clicking the button ( ) in front of the file in the Setup part to display all the
available import configurations. When selecting the appropriate configuration, the
associations are automatically made in the table at the bottom of the dialogue.
You can delete an existing import configuration by selecting the import configuration under Setup and clicking the Delete button.
10. Once you have defined the import parameters, you can import the selected files:
-
When importing several files for the same transmitter: Click Import All. The CW measurement data are imported
into the current Atoll document.
When you click the Import All button, Atoll does not import files that do match the
currently selected import configuration. It displays an error message and continues with
the next file.
Click Import. The CW measurement data are imported into the current Atoll document.
ii. Click the General tab to ensure that the information on the General tab, especially the Reference Transmitter
selected, reflect the current file being imported.
iii. If necessary, click the Setup tab and redefine the import configuration for the current file being imported.
iv. Click Import to import the current file.
v. Repeat these steps for each file being imported.
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c. Select the columns in the imported file that give the X-Coordinates and the Y-Coordinates of each point in the CW
measurement path file.
You can also identify the columns containing the XY coordinates of each point in the CW
measurement path by selecting them from the Field row of the table on the Setup tab.
d. In the Measurements box, select the field that contains the value of the measured signal for each defined point.
e. Click OK to close the CW Measurement Setup dialogue.
f.
If there is other data available in the file, in the table under File, define the Type for each additional column of
data.
8. On the Setup tab, under Configuration, click Save. The Configuration dialogue appears.
a. By default, Atoll saves the configuration in a special file called "MeasImport.ini" found in Atolls installation folder.
In case you cannot write into that folder, you can click Browse to choose a different location.
b. Enter a Configuration Name and an Extension of the files that this import configuration will describe (for example,
"*.csv").
c. Click OK.
Atoll will now select this import configuration automatically every time you import a drive test data path file with
the selected extension. If you import a file with the same structure but a different extension, you will be able to
select this import configuration from the Configuration list.
You do not have to complete the import procedure to save the import configuration and have it available for future use.
When importing a CW measurement file, you can expand the MeasImport.ini file
by clicking the Expand button ( ) in front of the file in the Setup part to display all
the available import configurations. When selecting the appropriate configuration,
the associations are automatically made in the table at the bottom of the dialogue.
You can delete an existing import configuration by selecting the import configuration under Setup and clicking the Delete button.
The defined configurations are stored, by default, in the file "MeasImport.ini",
located in the directory where Atoll is installed. For more information on the
MeasImport.ini file, see the Administrator Manual.
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Discrete values: defines the display of each CW measurement point according to the value of a selected field. This
display type can be used to distinguish CW measurement points by one characteristic. For example, you could use
this display type to distinguish CW measurement points by the clutter type they are on, or by their reference transmitter.
i.
Select the name of the Field by which you want to display the objects.
ii. You can click the Actions button to access the Actions menu. For information on the commands available, see
"Using the Actions Button" on page 40.
-
Value intervals: defines the display of each object according to set ranges of the value of a selected field. This display type can be used, for example, to distinguish population density, signal strength, or the altitude of sites.
i.
Select the name of the Field by which you want to display the objects.
Advanced: allows you to display measurement points by more than one criterion at a time.
only available for transmitters; Atoll automatically assigns a colour to each transmitter, ensuring that each transmitter has a different colour than the transmitters surrounding it.
i.
Click the symbol in the table below. The Symbol Style dialogue appears.
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Predictions and CW measurements are shaded differently. Nevertheless, you can obtain a
similar colouring by excluding the last break of the CW path display. To do this, select the
Filter up to Last Break check box.
When "Discrete Values" is the selected display type, you select Shading to choose a Start Colour and an End Colour.
Defining the Visibility Scale
You can define a visibility range for CW measurement points. A measurement point is visible only if the scale, as displayed on
the zoom toolbar, is within this range. This can be used to, for example, prevent the map from being cluttered with symbols
when you are at a certain scale.
Visibility ranges are taken into account for screen display, and for printing and previewing printing. They do not affect which
measurement points are considered during calculations.
To define the visibility range:
1. Access the Display tab of the Properties dialogue as explained in "Defining the Display of CW Measurements" on
page 39.
2. Enter a Visibility Scale minimum in the between 1: text box.
3. Enter a Visibility Scale maximum in the and 1: text box.
For most object types, you can also display object information in the form of a tool tip that
is only visible when you move the pointer over the object. This option has the advantage
of not filling the map window with text. For more information on tool tips, see "Defining
the Tip Text" on page 41.
Defining the Tip Text
For most object types, such as sites and transmitters, you can display information about each object in the form of a tool tip
that is only visible when you move the pointer over the object. You can display information from every field in that object
types data table, including from fields that you add.
To define tip text for an object type:
1. Access the Display tab of the Properties dialogue as explained in "Defining the Display of CW Measurements" on
page 39.
2. Click the Browse button (
) beside the Tip Text box. The Field Selection dialogue appears.
to remove it.
You can also display information about data objects in the form of a label that is displayed
with the object. Given the large number of CW measurement points in a CW survey, defining labels that are always visible is not recommended.
Once you have defined the tool tips, you must activate the tool tip function before they appear.
To activate the tool tip function:
) on the toolbar. Tool tips will now appear when the pointer is over the object.
red
shading from red to blue (9 intervals)
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The entries in the Legend column will appear in the Legend window.
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The measurement points might appear potentially invalid, they might be in clutter classes that are of no significance
in terms of the propagation model to be calibrated, they may show extreme signal levels, they might be too close to
the transmitter, or they might suffer from too much diffraction.
The zones where the measurement points are located might be in an area where the results can not be considered
accurate (for example, any points coming from behind a directional antenna should not be used in a calibration
project).
If you wish, you can permanently delete the points you filter out. You can always re-import the original measurement data if
you want to add those points again. Or you can filter them out for the current calibration, but leave them in the measurement
data.
Filtering CW measurement data is made in several steps. Depending on the CW measurement data available and the individual calibration project, it is possible that not all steps will be necessary, however, the basic steps are:
1. Filtering by clutter class: The first step in filtering CW measurement data is to filter out points by clutter class. Typically
you will want to remove all points on clutter classes that are represented by less than 5% of the total measurement
points in the CW survey. For information on filtering by clutter class, see "Filtering on Clutter Classes" on page 44.
2. Filtering by signal strength and distance: The next step is to filter out points that lay outside of a defined range of
signals and that are either too close to or too far from the reference transmitter. For information on filtering by distance and signal strength, see "Signal and Distance Filtering" on page 45.
3. Removing sections that are not representative: The final step in filtering CW measurement data consists of examining
the CW measurement data to remove points that are affected by obstruction or that are potentially invalid, i.e., measurement points affected by diffraction or measurement points that are too high or too low. For information on filtering by distance and signal strength, see "Filtering by Geo Data Conditions" on page 50.
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If you set filters on the CW Measurements folder, any filters set on individual CW
measurement paths will be erased.
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In this section, filtering out CW measurement points based on the signal strength or their distance from the reference transmitter is explained:
4.1.4.2.1
Typical Values
The values to be used to filter CW measurements depend on a lot of factors. In this section, some typical values are given.
These values are by definition general. Atoll provides a filtering assistant that can be used for each CW measurement path; it
is highly recommended to use the filtering assistant to define a specific signal and distance filters for each CW measurement
file. For information on the filtering assistant, see "Using the Filtering Assistant on CW Measurement Points" on page 47.
When filtering out CW measurement points by signal strength, generally, signal levels above -40 dBm are filtered out, because
they would be inaccurate because of receiver overload. When you filter on the minimum signal level, the sensitivity of the
receiver and tolerance have to be considered. Therefore, signals below Receiver Sensitivity + Target Standard Deviation
have to be filtered out to avoid the effect of noise saturation in the results. A typical value for the minimum signal level filter
can be then considered to be:
-120 + 8 = -112 dBm
When filtering out by distance from the reference transmitter, measurement data at a distance of less than 200 m from the
station should be discarded because these points are too close to the station to properly represent the propagation over the
whole area. A typical maximum value is 10 km for rural areas.
4.1.4.2.2
Distance between CW measurement point and reference transmitter: Enter the Min. Distance and Max. Distance. Atoll will keep only CW measurement points which are within this range.
Measured signal: Enter the Min. Measurement and Max. Measurement. Atoll will keep only CW measurement
points whose value is within this range.
You can also use this dialogue to filter on the following criteria:
-
Clutter class: For information on filtering by clutter class, see "Filtering on Clutter Classes" on page 44.
Angle with the antenna azimuth: For information on filtering by the angle with the antenna azimuth, see "Filtering
by Angle" on page 54.
Additional fields: For information on filtering with additional fields, see "Creating an Advanced Filter" on page 47.
4. If you want to keep the measurement points inside the focus zone, select the Use focus zone to filter check box.
5. If you want to permanently remove the measurement points outside the filter, select the Delete Points Outside Filter
check box.
If you permanently delete measurement points and later want to use them, you will have
to re-import the original measurement data.
6. Click OK. The selected CW measurement data will be filtered according to the defined parameters.
The filter settings can also be saved to a filter configuration which can be retrieved afterward.
You can also filter out CW measurement points on signal strength or distance on a single CW measurement path by using the
Filtering assistant (see "Using the Filtering Assistant on CW Measurement Points" on page 47).
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AT310_MCG_E1
4.1.4.2.3
=X
<> X
<X
>X
<=X
>=X
*X*
*X
X*
6. Click OK to filter the data according to the criteria you have defined.
Filters are combined first horizontally, then vertically.
The filter settings can also be saved to a filter configuration which can be retrieved afterward.
You can also filter out CW measurement points using an advanced filter on a single CW measurement path by using the Filtering assistant (see "Using the Filtering Assistant on CW Measurement Points" on page 47).
The Clear All button resets the existing filters.
4.1.4.2.4
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When moving the mouse over the graph, the related distance, measurement, and
point index are displayed in the left of the dialogue.
The Clear All button resets the existing filters.
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Areas that suffer from diffraction: Areas that suffer from a large amount of diffraction should be filtered out because
they are not representative of the entire area. For more information, see "About Diffraction" on page 50.
Sections that are not representative of the survey area: Certain measurement points may not be representative of
the entire area. For more information, see "About Specific Sections" on page 50.
Areas around the reference transmitter where obstacles prevent proper propagation: Some measurement points
should be removed because their reception is affected by obstructions between the measurement point and the reference transmitter. As well, measurement points that are behind a non-omni-directional antenna should be removed.
For more information, see "About Specific Sections" on page 50.
Areas with potentially invalid points: Measurement points with a signal level that is significantly higher or lower than
the CW measurement points around them should be removed, as they could be invalid. For more information, see
"About Potentially Invalid Measurement Levels" on page 51.
4.1.4.3.1
You can delete CW measurement points from the data table: "Deleting a Selection of Measurement Points" on
page 53
You can draw a filtering zone: "Using Filtering Zones on CW Measurement Points" on page 54
You can filter out the points by their angle with the reference transmitter: "Filtering by Angle" on page 54.
About Diffraction
CW measurement points that suffer from a large amount of diffraction should be filtered out because they are not representative of the entire area. For example, if there are three diffraction peaks in the profile between the station and the measurement points theres a greater chance of errors and thereby a negative influence on calibration.
You can use the CW Measurement Analysis and the Point Analysis to quickly review each measurement path for measurement points that have too many diffraction points. The profile between the site and the CW measurement point is displayed
in the Point Analysis window (see Figure 4.8).
4.1.4.3.2
A section where the profile between the transmitter and the receiver includes a forest area (unless this configuration
is representative of the survey area)
A section where the profile between the transmitter and the receiver passes over water (unless this configuration is
representative of the survey area)
A section of measurement points on a bridge
A section of measurement points in a tunnel
A section where the profile between the transmitter and the receiver is obstructed near the transmitter
A section of CW measurement points behind an antenna that is not omni-directional.
50
Selecting them in the data table: For information, see "Deleting a Selection of Measurement Points" on page 53
Creating an exclusion zone: For information, see "Using Filtering Zones on CW Measurement Points" on page 54
AT310_MCG_E1
4.1.4.3.3
Filtering them out by their angle to the antenna: For information, see "Filtering by Angle" on page 54.
Once you have verified the signal level, potentially invalid measurements can be selected and deleted or filtered out by:
Selecting them in the data table: For information, see "Deleting a Selection of Measurement Points" on page 53
Creating an exclusion zone: For information, see "Using Filtering Zones on CW Measurement Points" on page 54
Filtering them out by their angle to the antenna: For information, see "Filtering by Angle" on page 54.
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c. Set the Display type to "Value intervals" and select signal strength from the Field list. For more information, see
"Defining the Display Type" on page 40.
4. Add the CW measurement points to the legend, as explained in "Adding CW Measurement Points to the Legend" on
page 41.
5. Select View > Legend Window. The Legend window appears.
6. Define the grid around the reference transmitter:
a. Right-click the reference transmitter in the map window. The context menu appears.
b. Select Grid from the context menu. The Radial Grid dialogue appears.
c. Define a radial grid around the reference transmitter that covers the survey area.
d. Click OK.
By examining the displayed CW measurement points on the map, you can see on the map whether the propagation
loss is spatially homogeneous.
Using the CW Measurement Analysis Tool
You can use the CW Measurement Analysis Tool to analyse variations in the signal level on all points on the CW measurement
path. The CW Measurement Analysis Tool indicates any sudden drop in signal level or any areas where the received signal
does not match your expectations.
To analyse data variations using the CW Measurement Analysis window.
1. Click the Network tab in the explorer window.
2. Click the Expand button ( ) to expand the CW Measurements folder.
3. Click the Expand button ( ) to expand the folder with the CW measurement path you want to analyse.
4. Right-click the CW measurement path. The context menu appears.
5. Select Open the Analysis Tool from the context menu. The CW Measurement Analysis window appears (see
Figure 4.10).
The CW measurement path appears in the map window as a line connecting the reference transmitter and the CW
measurement point, which is indicated by the pointer (
).
7. You can display a second Y-axis on the right side of the window in order to display the values of a second variable. You
can select the secondary Y-axis from the list on the right-hand side on the top of the CW Measurement Analysis Tool
window.
8. You can change the zoom level of the CW Measurement Analysis window in the following ways:
-
Zoom in or out:
i.
Right-click the CW Measurement Analysis window on one end of the range of data you want to zoom in on.
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AT310_MCG_E1
iii. Right-click the CW Measurement Analysis window on the other end of the range of data you want to zoom in
on.
iv. Select Last Zoom Point from the context menu. The CW Measurement Analysis window zooms in on the data
between the first zoom point and the last zoom point.
9. Click the data in the CW Measurement Analysis window to display the selected point in the map window. Atoll will
recentre the map window on the selected point if it is not presently visible.
If you open the table for the CW measurement path you are displaying in the CW
Measurement Analysis Tool window, Atoll will automatically display in the table the
data for the point that is displayed in the map and in the CW Measurement Analysis
Tool window.
4.1.4.3.4
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Figure 4.11: Displaying the measurement path and the data table (in a second tab group)
4.1.4.3.5
4.1.4.3.6
Filtering by Angle
When you have sections of the CW measurement path that are obstructed by obstacles in the profile close to the transmitter
between the CW measurement point and the reference transmitter or when the antenna is not completely omni-directional,
you can filter out CW measurement points that are outside of a set angle from the reference transmitter antenna beam.
To define a filter by angle:
1. On the Network tab of the explorer window, right-click the CW measurements whose points you want to filter by
angle:
-
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All CW measurements for a single reference transmitter: Click the Expand button ( ) to expand the CW Measurements folder and right-click the folder of the reference transmitter.
Relative: Select Relative if the antenna is directional. The entered angles will then be offset from the antennas
azimuth.
Absolute: Select Absolute if the antenna is omnidirectional. Because an omnidirectional antenna has no azimuth,
the entered angles will then be offset from the north.
7. Click OK.
The filter settings can also be saved to a filter configuration which can be retrieved afterward.
You can also filter out CW measurement points using a filter by angle on a single CW measurement path by using the Filtering
assistant (see "Using the Filtering Assistant on CW Measurement Points" on page 47).
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If not enough base stations are available (in other words, if there are fewer than eight base stations per propagation model
being calibrated), you should use all the base stations for calibration. You can verify the calibration later by using the same
measurement paths as in the calibration process.
When selecting base stations for calibration and for verification, you should keep the following guidelines in mind:
For calibration: Select paths that cover the entire area so that all the area characteristics can be taken into account
during the calibration process.
For verification: Select several paths (the number depends on the total number of available paths) that are within the
covered area and not at the outer boundaries. Ensure that the areas covered by the verification paths are also covered
by the calibration paths.
Verification Sites:
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Maximum Distance (m): Under Near Transmitter, ensure that Maximum Distance (m) is set to "0." If this parameter is not set to "0," it will be forced to "0" during the automatic calibration process because the algorithm can
not calibrate a dual-slope model.
Method: The Method you choose depends on the relief of the survey area to be used in calibration. The automatic
calibration process adapts antenna height (as set in the transmitter properties) during calculations according to
the characteristics of the profile between the transmitter and the receiver. You can either set the method yourself
now, or it can be set automatically during the automatic calibration process.
Diffraction:
-
Method: You can select the method use to calculate diffraction. The Millington method can only calculate one diffraction edge. All other diffraction methods can calculate three diffraction edges.
Other Parameters:
-
Hilly Terrain Correction: The correction for hilly terrain correction cannot be modified by the automatic calibration process and therefore you must set it beforehand. If you decide to manually adjust these parameters, the following configurations are recommended:
For hilly terrain:
-
Effective Antenna Height: Under Effective Antenna Height, select "5 - Enhanced slope at receiver" as the
Method.
Hilly Terrain Correction: Under Other Parameters select "1 - Yes" to activate the Hilly Terrain Correction.
Effective Antenna Height: Under Effective Antenna Height, select "1 - Height above average profile" as the
Method.
Hilly Terrain Correction: Under Other Parameters select "0 - No" to deactivate the Hilly Terrain Correction.
Kclutter: Ensure that Kclutter is set to "1." Kclutter is the multiplicative factor of loss if the losses defined per clutter
class are used inn the SPM formula.
Limitation to Free Space Loss: Select "1 - Yes" to activate Limitation to Free Space Loss. Activating Limitation to
Free Space Loss ensures that unrealistic values are not taken into account during the automatic calibration
process.
Profiles: Select "0 - Radial" from Profiles. Activating radial optimisation ensures that profile extraction is precise
enough for the purposes of calibration while ensuring that calculation time is significantly improved.
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K6: Ensure that K6 is set to "0." Because the K6 coefficient is a direct multiplicative factor of the receiver height in
the formula used to calculate path loss, it can influence propagation results in an unrealistic way.
K7: The K7 coefficient has little influence on the performance propagation model and can usually be set to "0." It
is a direct multiplicative factor of the log of the receiver height in the formula used to calculate path loss; an incorrect setting can influence propagation results in an unrealistic way.
Other Ki values will be calibrated during the automatic calibration process.
Clutter Taken into Account in Diffraction: Given the impact that clutter heights have when calculating loss by diffraction, this method should only be used when the height information available is very precise.
If clutter height files or high resolution (5m) clutter class files are available, select "1 - Yes" to have clutter taken
into account in diffraction. If you select "1 - Yes", you must set Kclutter to "0" on the Parameters tab of the Properties dialogue, to ensure that the calibration will not calculate clutter losses.
If there is no clutter heights file available and the clutter class files are low resolution, select "0 - No" to not have
clutter taken into account when calculating diffraction. The effect of clutter on propagation will be taken into account using clutter losses, which will be calculated during the calibration process. The calculated clutter losses can
be associated with a weighting function, which can be chosen after the calibration process.
Receiver on top of clutter: Select "0 - No", unless you are calibrating a model to be used for fixed WiMAX and LTE
receivers. This option is only used for fixed receivers which are located on top of buildings.
Under Clutter Taken into Account, you can set the following parameters under Range:
-
Max. distance: This parameter indicates the distance from the receiver for which clutter losses will be considered
via a weighting function, with an effect on the influence of clutter on total losses which diminishes with distance
from the receiver. Set this value within the typical range [150 m; 500 m] depending on the model type you are
currently calibrating, where the lower value corresponds to a dense urban model whereas the upper value is compliant with a more rural model.
The effect of this value is to simulate the real diffraction along the path which a result of the several obstacles located in front of the receiver. If you set this value to "0", clutter classes will be considered like in Hata models
where only the clutter class on which is located the receiver is considered in the path loss evaluation.
Weighting Function: Select the weighting function which is the mathematical formula used to calculate the weight
of the clutter loss on each pixel from the pixel with the receiver in the direction of the transmitter, up to the
defined maximum distance.
DU = Dense Urban
U = Urban
Tx
Rx
DU
DU
DU
Maximum Distance
Figure 4.14: Calculating the total clutter loss between the transmitter and the receiver
In the example in Figure 4.14, the defined maximum distance indicates that only the clutter losses on the first six
pixels will be taken into account when calculating the total loss. How the losses on each pixel within the maximum
distance are taken into account when calculating the total loss depends on the weighting function. There are four
possible weighting functions:
-
58
Uniform
Triangular
AT310_MCG_E1
Logarithmic
Exponential.
Figure 4.14 displays how the clutter loss of each pixel will be taken into consideration. In Figure 4.14, the value of
each pixel is displayed as a function of its distance from the receiver. With the uniform weighting function, the
clutter loss of each pixel within the maximum distance is simply added. With the other three functions, the clutter
loss of each pixel diminishes according to a mathematical formula. For more information on the weighting functions and on the mathematical formulas used, see the Technical Reference Guide.
Figure 4.15: Comparative behaviour of the clutter weighting functions in the SPM
If clutter losses are not taken into account by the propagation model, clutter loss weighting
will not have an effect.
Under Parameters per clutter class, you can set the following parameters for each clutter class:
-
Automatic: Using acceptable data ranges that you set for the K1 to K6 variables, the automatic calibration process
attempts to reduce the mean error and standard deviation of measured values versus calculated values. The automatic calibration process selects the method for calculating diffraction.
Assisted: The assisted calibration process enables you to display the correlation of the K1 to K6 variables to the mean
error. There are some parameters that have more influence on error than others. You will usually proceed by adjusting
the value of the variable that correlates the most with the mean error to reduce the mean error and standard deviation.
Both methods have their advantages. The automatic calibration process is simpler and more straight-forward. As well, the
results are constrained by limits you set. On the other hand, any solution given by the automatic calibration process is a purely
mathematical solution. So, before using a propagation model calibrated using only the automatic calibration process, you
should ensure of its relevance in a realistic environment.
The assisted calibration process relies on your input to set the values for the K1 to K6 variables. It gives you more control over
the calibration process but, because there is no defined range set, it can lead to a mathematical solution that bears little rela-
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tion to the physical environment. For this reason, the assisted calibration process is better suited to advanced users who can
apply their experience to the calibration process.
The recommended approach is to combine both calibration methods, by first using the automatic calibration process and then
fine-tuning the results of the calibrated propagation model using the assisted calibration method.
Both calibration processes are started using the same method.
To start the calibration process:
1. Click the Parameters tab in the explorer window.
2. Click the Expand button ( ) to expand the Propagation Modules folder.
3. Right-click the copy of the SPM that you want to calibrate. The context menu appears.
4. Select Calibration from the context menu (see Figure 4.16). The Calibration Wizard window appears.
Automatic calibration: When you select the automatic calibration method, you set the acceptable ranges for variables and Atoll attempts to find a solution that minimises the error between measurements and predictions and
their standard deviation.
Assisted calibration: When you select the assisted calibration method, you can adjust each variable of the propagation model using a correlation matrix which indicates which variables have the greatest impact on the mean
error.
When you select the assisted calibration method, you can select the check boxes of LOS or NLOS to indicate
whether you want to work with the LOS or NLOS sets of variables or with both.
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Figure 4.17: Path and calibration method selection for SPM Calibration
7. Click Next.
-
If you selected Automatic calibration, continue with "The Automatic Calibration Wizard" on page 61.
If you selected Assisted calibration, continue with "The Assisted Calibration Wizard" on page 62.
The filters defined in the properties of each CW measurement path will be taken into
account in the calibration process.
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Ki
Minimum
Maximum
K1
100
K2
20
70
K3
-20
20
K4
0.8
K5
-10
Leave the K6 parameter unselected. You can set the K7 parameter to "0" as well as it has
little influence on the performance propagation model.
d. Click OK.
3. Click Next to start the calibration process.
After the calculations have completed, a results window appears with the previous parameters and methods and
current parameter values and methods (see Figure 4.19).
The previous and the current statistics are also displayed in terms of the root mean square, the standard deviation
and the mean error (error = predicted - measured).
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Figure 4.20: Table listing the correlation of the SPM variables to the global error
When the correlation coefficient is close to one, the graph showing the regression is a vertical line; this indicates that the
global error depends strongly on the variable. When the correlation coefficient is close to zero, the points are scattered
around a horizontal line; this indicates that the correlation between the error and the variable is limited. It means that if the
variable if modified, this will not improve the error.
To use the assisted calibration wizard to reduce the mean error:
1. In the table, select the variables that you want to modify to reduce the mean error. To select more than one variable,
press CTRL as you click the other variables.
2. Click the Identify button. The assisted calibration wizard attempts to bring the correlation as close to zero as possible.
Under Statistics, you can compare the Root Mean Square, the Average, and the Standard Deviation before and after.
If you want to adjust the losses per clutter class to reduce the mean error, the maximum distance, as defined under
Range on the Clutter tab of the propagation models Properties dialogue, must be set to "0". If the maximum distance
is set to any other distance, Atoll will ask you if you want to force the maximum distance to "0" before letting you
modify the losses per clutter class.
If you are not satisfied with the changes made when you clicked Identify, you can undo
them by clicking Reinitialise.
Calibration is complete when the Root Mean Square, the Average, and the Standard Deviation are as close to zero as
possible.
3. Click Statistics to view a report on the statistics of the propagation model, using the current parameter values.
Under Model Parameters, the settings defined in General and Clutter tabs of the propagation models Properties
dialogue are summarized: formulas, methods, distances, diffraction method, and losses per clutter class.
Under Global Statistics, the number of CW measurement points which match any filter criteria is given, along with the
mean, standard deviation, and minimum and maximum values for variables such as the error, error (LOS), error
(NLOS), log(d), log(HTxeff), Diff, log(d)log(HTxeff), and HRxeff.
Under Statistics per Clutter Classes, number of points, mean, and standard deviation for each clutter class are given.
Under Correlation Matrix, is a matrix of all parameters.
4. When you are satisfied with the results, click Commit to update the Ki factors of the propagation model with the
changes.
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Verification Sites:
64
Add diffraction loss: The Okumura-Hata propagation model can take into account losses due to diffraction, using
a 1-knife-edge Deygout method, and using the ground altitude given in the DTM. For detailed information on the
Deygout method, see the Technical Reference Guide. The calculations take the curvature of the earth into account.
Select "1 - Yes" if you want the propagation model to add losses due to diffraction. You can weight this diffraction
for each Hata environment formula (See "Creating or Modifying Environment Formulas" on page 65)
Limitation to free space loss: When using a Hata-based propagation model, it is possible to calculate a theoretical
path loss that ends up being lower than the free space loss. In Atoll, you can define any Hata-based propagation
model to never calculate a path loss that is lower than the calculated free space loss per pixel. Select "1 - Yes" if
you want the propagation model to limit the path loss calculated per pixel to the calculated free space loss.
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6. Click OK.
Add: To create a new formula, click the Add button and modify the parameters of the formula.
Delete: To delete a formula, select the formula and click the Delete button.
Modify: To modify an existing formula, select the formula and modify the parameters.
You can weight the diffraction loss by setting the diffraction multiplying factor
within the range [0;1].
Constant values and diffraction multiplying factor can be evaluated using the Automatic Calibration Wizard for each environment formula. For information on the
Automatic Calibration Wizard, see "Running the Hata Calibration Process" on
page 66.
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Figure 4.22: Path and calibration method selection for a Hata-based model
6. Click Next.
7. For each parameter you want to calibrate, select the check box of the parameter in the Parameter column.
8. Define the range of each parameter to be calibrated:
a. Click the parameter in the Parameter column.
b. Click the Define Range button. The Define Range dialogue appears.
c. Set the Min. Value and Max. Value for the variable.
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Minimum
Maximum
A1
100
B1
100
Diffraction Factor
d. Click OK.
9. Click Next to start the calibration process.
After the calculations have completed, a results window appears with the previous parameters and methods and
current parameter values and methods (see Figure 4.24).
The previous and the current statistics are also displayed in terms of the root mean square, the standard deviation
and the mean error (error = predicted - measured).
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Figure 4.25: Selecting the calibrated model for all CW measurement paths
3. Calculate signal levels for all CW measurement points:
a. Right-click the CW Measurements folder. The context menu appears.
b. Select Calculations > Calculate Signal Levels from the context menu. Atoll calculates the signal levels for all CW
measurement paths.
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To use the CW Measurement Analysis tool and the Point Analysis tool to analyse elements of a CW measurement path:
1. Click the Network tab of the explorer window.
2. In the CW Measurements folder, clear the display check box beside all CW measurement paths except the one you
want to display.
This will limit the number of points displayed to the ones you want to examine.
3. Right-click the CW measurement path you want to analyse. The context menu appears.
4. Select Open the Analysis Tool from the context menu. The CW Measurement Analysis Tool opens.
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You can select an additional characteristic of the CW measurement path from the list on the right.
The Profile view of the Point Analysis window displays the profile between a reference transmitter and the selected
CW measurement point. As well, Atoll displays the strength of the received signal from the selected transmitter as
well as any diffraction peaks.
The propagation model used to generate the results on the Profile tab of the Point
Analysis Tool window is the model defined in the properties of the reference transmitter.
You can also move through the CW measurement points by dragging the vertical line in the
CW Measurement Analysis Tool window that indicates the current CW measurement
point.
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Propagation models calibrated on other areas: If you calibrated a copy of the same propagation model using CW
measurements made on a different area, some, if not all, of the clutter classes that are uncalibrated in your current
propagation model may have been calibrated in the copy calibrated on the other area.
Typical losses: You can extrapolate missing clutter losses from typical losses. It is important to remember that the relative difference (between losses per clutter class) is more important than the absolute value of clutter losses because
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the absolute value is dependent on the constant K1. As well, you must calculate and use a scaling factor between calibrated losses and typical losses. Additionally, clutter losses should be normalised on the most representative clutter
class in order to be able to compare them. In other words, if the best represented clutter class is "Urban," then the
clutter losses for "Urban" should be shifted to "0" for that clutter class and the calibrated clutter class losses should
be shifted to respect their relative difference from the clutter losses for "Urban" and the constant K1 should be modified to compensate for the shift. For example, if "Urban," the best represented clutter class, has a loss of "-3" and
"Suburban" has a loss of "-7," when you shift "Urban" it to "0," you will have to shift "Suburban" by a corresponding
amount, i.e., the normalised loss for "Suburban" will be "-4." As well, if the value of K1 was 22, when you shift the
clutter losses by 3, you will have to shift the value of K1 by a similar value, to give you a value of 19, in order to compensate for the shift in clutter class losses.
The following table gives typical clutter losses, normalised for the Urban clutter class.
Clutter Class
Loss
Dense urban
From 4 to 5
Woodland
From 2 to 3
Urban
Suburban
From -5 to -3
Industrial
From -5 to -3
Open in urban
From -6 to -4
Open
Water
Remember that it is the relative difference between losses per clutter class that is important.
2. Calculate the delta between the normalised clutter class loss in the typical values (i.e., "Urban") and the clutter class
loss that is undefined in the calibrated propagation model (i.e., the standard ).
3. Multiply this delta by the scaling factor between the project losses and the standard losses to calculate the clutter loss
for the project:
project = s tan dard scaling factor
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4. Add the delta of the project to the normalised clutter loss to obtain the value of the clutter class loss that is undefined
in the calibrated propagation model.
5. Repeat these steps for each clutter loss that is undefined in the calibrated propagation model.
For example, a project has the following clutter losses:
Dense Urban = 5
Urban = (0)
Suburban = 2
The clutter loss for Urban is undefined. To extrapolate from the known values using typical values, you must first calculate the scaling factor, using the values existing in both the standard values:
( ( Dense Urban, project ) ( Suburban, project ) ) ( ( Dense Urban, typical ) ( Suburban, typical ) )
In this case:
3
( ( 5 2 ) ( 4 4 ) ) --8
Using the scaling factor, you can calculate the delta between the Urban loss and the Dense Urban in the project:
project = standard scaling factor
Or:
3
project = ( 4.5 0 ) --- 1.5
8
Subtracting the result of "1.5" from "5" gives us a clutter loss of "3.5" for Urban in this project.
Defining the Model Standard Deviation for Uncalibrated Clutter Classes
During the calibration process, model standard deviations were calculated for all calibrated clutter classes. You should use
these values to update the model standard deviation for each clutter class in the clutter class properties. Clutter classes that
were not represented, or were not sufficiently represented and were, therefore, filtered out, will not have had a model standard deviation defined by the calibration process. You should update the model standard deviation for these clutter classes if
you calibrated a copy of the same propagation model on a different area that covered different clutter classes.
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2. Click the Window menu and select the Atoll document with the calibrated propagation model.
3. Copy the calibrated propagation model:
a. On the Parameters tab of the explorer window, click the Expand button ( ) to the left of the Propagation Models
folder to expand the folder.
b. Right-click the calibrated propagation model. The context menu appears.
c. Select Copy from the context menu. The calibrated propagation model is copied to the clipboard.
4. Click the Window menu and select the Atoll document into which you want to copy the calibrated propagation model.
5. Paste the calibrated propagation model:
a. Select the Parameters tab of the explorer window.
b. Press CTRL+V. The calibrated propagation model is pasted into the Atoll document.
You can verify that the calibrated propagation model has been pasted successfully by clicking the Expand button ( )
to the left of the Propagation Models folder to expand the folder. The calibrated propagation model is now visible in
the Propagation Models folder.
).
c. Click on the map to start drawing the filter polygon. Click each time you change the angle on the border defining
the outside of the polygon.
d. Close the polygon by clicking twice. The transmitters outside of the selected zone are filtered out. On the Network
tab of the explorer window, the Transmitters folder appears with a special icon ( ), to indicate that the folder
contents have been filtered. Only the transmitters within the filtering zone will now appear in the Transmitters
table.
2. Open the Transmitters table:
-
On the Network tab of the explorer window, right-click the Transmitters folder and select Open Table from the
context menu. The Transmitters table appears.
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In the Transmitters table, click the title of the Frequency Band column to sort the entries by frequency band.
AT310_MCG_E1
4. Select the calibrated propagation model for all records that will use it:
a. In the Main Propagation Model column, select the calibrated propagation model.
b. Starting with the record you have just changed, click and drag to select all records that will have the same propagation model.
c. Right-click the table. The content menu appears.
d. Select Edit > Fill Down from the content menu. The entry under Main Propagation Model changes to the value in
the first record of the selected transmitters.
If the result was not what you expected, select Edit > Undo and repeat the steps.
e. If you want to assign the calibrated propagation model to the extended propagation model as well, repeat these
steps with the entries in the Extended Propagation Model column.
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Chapter 5
Additional CW
Measurement
Functions
This chapter provides information on additional
CW measurements functions.
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).
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9. From the document with the CW measurements, select the X and Y coordinates and CW measurements to be
imported and copy them.
10. In the New CW Measurement Path dialogue, click the Paste button.
11. Click OK.
Once you have created the CW measurement path, you can modify the values of the path in the table. You can open the CW
measurement table by right-clicking it in the CW Measurements folder on the Network tab of the explorer window and selecting Open Table from the context menu.
).
6. Click the map at each location where you want to add a CW measurement point.
7. When you have finished, press ESC or double-click.
To add a path segment to a CW measurement path:
1. Click the Network tab in the explorer window.
2. Click the Expand button ( ) to expand the CW Measurements folder.
3. Click the Expand button ( ) to expand the folder of the reference transmitter.
4. Right-click the CW measurement path to which you want to add points. The context menu appears.
5. Select Add > Path from the context menu. The Path Creation dialogue appears.
6. Enter the Step between each point and click OK. The pointer changes (
).
7. Draw the path of the path segment by clicking on the map to draw the starting point and each time the path segment
changes direction.
8. When you have finished, press ESC or double-click.
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measurement path. See "Displaying Statistics Over a Measurement Path" on page 10 and "Displaying Statistics Over
Several Measurement Paths" on page 10.
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Chapter 6
Survey Site Form
This chapter contains a sample survey site form
that can be used as a template.
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ZHF993
18 Smith street
Ask for James Brown at reception desk in regards to getting access to the site on the roof.
Co-ordinates:
E: 26,38773
N: 50,59358
Map GPS x
Transmitters:
Omni Antenna
Ant. Height
Nominal power
43
5m 1/4"
location
Type
K800 1111
Gain
installation
On mast / tripod ?
EIRP min.
40
dBm
20,4 + 3
23,4
Type of site
dBm
dB
dBi
Roof top
General Site Comments
Notes:
90
Pay attention to the separation between the test antenna and any live antennas. Vertical separation, if the antennas
are aligned, is not really a problem, but horizontal separation could be problematic, so it should be avoided.
Site photos: Take photos of the sites both from the ground and from the site itself. You also need a set of panoramic
photos, starting from 0 (North) and moving clockwise by 45 increments. You can use a laser telemeter to measure
the height of the site.
Site Drawing: Make an accurate (as far as possible) drawing of the site. Indicate where North lies in relation to the
site.
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Site Photos
Global view:
Rooftop:
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Panoramic Photos
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North
East
South
West
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Survey Details
Measurement Files:
Number:
Comments:
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Frequency Band
GSM
DCS
UMTS
Channel Used
56
563
Frequency
935.200
1815.200
2170
Channel Bandwidth
200 khz
200 khz
200 khz
TX transmitter
40 dBm
40 dBm
40 dBm
-Before antenna-
39.8 dBm
39.8 dBm
39.8 dBm
VSWR
1.3
1.3
1.3
Survey Comments:
(Information about issues that will necessitate data filtering, etc.)
Notes:
Take note of any areas on the survey path which are not suitable data collection areas (avoid them if possible), for
example, tunnels, bridges, raised motorways, etc. Keep in mind that the planning tool assumes that you are at
ground level; any raised or lowered areas produce errors.
Before making the survey drive, measure the RF output at the antenna, after the cable.
Measure the RF output at the antenna again after the survey drive, to ensure that the transmitter is still working.
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Model
Calibration
Guide
version 3.1.0
AT310_MCG_E1
May 2011
Head Office
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Tel: +33 562 747 210
Fax: +33 562 747 211
US Office
200 South Wacker Drive - Suite 3100
Chicago, IL 60606 - USA
Tel: +1 312 674 4800
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Suite 302, 3/F, West Tower,
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No. 66 Jianzhong Road,
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www.forsk.com