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Contents
Welcome Planet EV training overview 2
Course schedule 2
Course format 2
Using this training manual 2
Planet EV data set 3
Using the Planet EV documentation 3
Online Help 3
Resource Roadmap 4
Printing 4
Library Search 4
Tutorials 4
“How To” Help 4
“What’s This?” Help 4
User Guides 5
Planet EV Documentation Library 5
Notational conventions 6
Textual conventions 6
Icons 6
Getting technical support 7
Course evaluation 8
LESSON 1
Creating a Project Introduction 20
Workflow for creating a project 21
Creating a General project 22
LESSON 2
Configuring and Introduction 32
Placing Sites Workflow for configuring and placing sites 33
i
Contents
Planet EV 3.1 Training DRAFT
LESSON 3
Tuning the Predict Introduction 50
Propagation Filtering the survey data 50
Model Averaging your survey data 50
Understanding the Predict propagation model 51
Factors affecting path loss and signal strength predictions 52
Clutter 53
Interpreting a CAL value 53
Workflow for tuning the Predict propagation model 54
Tuning the Predict model with one set of survey data 54
Setting the model parameters and editing the .cpa file 59
Exploring the Propagation Model Editor 60
The Settings tab 60
The Clutter Properties tab 62
The Rain Attenuation tab 62
The Advanced tab 62
Understanding analysis parameters and associated files 63
Setting up the CRC-Predict model and the .cpa file 63
Analyzing the tuned Predict model 66
Using delta surveys 68
Getting information on analysis layers 68
The Grid Info tool 68
The Analysis Info tool 68
LESSON 4
Tuning the Planet Introduction 72
General Understanding the Model Tuning tool 72
Propagation Automatic Model Tuner 72
Model Workflow for tuning the Planet General model 73
Tuning the Planet General model 73
Examining the General tab 75
Examining the Planet General Model path loss equation 76
Sources of path loss 77
LESSON 5
Importing Introduction 82
Network Data Workflow for using network data 82
Importing Network Data to Planet EV 83
Binding the data using binding rules 84
Displaying the Network Data 86
ii
Contents
Planet EV 3.1 Training DRAFT
LESSON 6
Creating Traffic Introduction 90
Maps Workflow for generating a traffic map 90
Creating a traffic map based on regional subscriber data 91
Adding roads to a traffic map 93
Applying clutter weighting to a traffic map 95
Scaling a traffic map for network growth 97
Converting a traffic map 98
LESSON 7
Creating Introduction 102
Interference Workflow for generating an interference matrix 104
Matrices Creating a merged interference matrix 105
Creating a Modeled interference matrix based on a traffic map 105
Creating a Network Data interference matrix 108
Creating a Local Knowledge interference matrix 110
Merging the interference matrices by priority 112
Merging network data matrices by weighted sum 115
LESSON 8
Generating Introduction 118
Neighbor Lists Workflow for generating neighbor lists 118
Generate a best server neighbor list 119
Generating a neighbor list based on an interference matrix 120
Setting handover priorities 123
Comparing two neighbor lists 124
Displaying a neighbor list in a Map window 124
LESSON 9
Working with Introduction 128
Spatial Data Workflow for working with spatial data 128
Using the Grid Calculator 128
Performing calculations on grids 129
Creating grid queries 130
Determining the number of users located in a sector coverage area 133
LESSON 10
Building a Project Introduction 138
Area Workflow for building a project area 138
Trimming grids 139
Splicing grids 140
Merging grids 140
Reclassifying grids 141
Converting a numeric grid to a classified grid 142
Resizing grids 144
Reprojecting grids 144
iii
Contents
Planet EV 3.1 Training DRAFT
LESSON 11
Working with Introduction 148
Layout Windows Workflow for working with layout windows 148
Creating a legend for the map 148
Creating a legend for cartographic symbols 151
Opening a graphics file 152
Creating a layout 153
Manipulating frames in the layout window 154
Modifying layout window content 156
iv
Welcome
1
Planet EV training overview
Over the next few days, you will learn about the many features of
Planet EV. Your instructor will guide you through an RF engineering
workflow so that you can practice using Planet EV to perform network
planning activities.
Course schedule
During this course, you will learn about and practice the procedures that
you need in order to use Planet EV effectively in your daily work. In order
to meet the needs of each class, the schedule and the time spent on each
topic may vary between courses. You will have a break every couple of
hours and a one-hour lunch break around noon each day.
Course format
The instructor will facilitate the following types of activities:
■ Lecture
the lesson
■ Process flow—a high-level view of the steps required to complete a
task
■ Background information—what you need to know about a Planet EV
feature before you begin a related procedure
Online Help
From the Help menu, you can access online Help for Wireless Network
Planning software and for MapInfo Professional. This section describes the
structure of the Wireless Network Planning online Help.
The online Help provides extensive help on all aspects of software use. It
provides
■ help on all dialog boxes
can print from the online Help window. Click Print in the Help
Topics window.
■ If you want a high quality print of a complete User Guide, use
Acrobat Reader to print the supplied print-ready PDF file contained
in the documentation library. Open the PDF file and choose
File ➤ Print.
Library Search
You can perform a full-text search on all PDF files contained in the
Documentation Library if you are using the version of Adobe Acrobat
Reader supplied with the software or if you have a version of Acrobat
Reader that supports full-text searches. The first time you perform a search,
you must choose which index to use.
You can perform a search on all online Help files by clicking the Search
tab in the Help Topics window. Clicking List Topics displays all help
topics that contain the search string that you entered. The online Help
duplicates the information found in the User Guide PDF files in order to
provide more complete results. It does not duplicate the information in the
Technical Notes, Release Notes, Glossary, or newsletters.
Tutorials
Tutorials are designed to enable you to quickly explore product
functionality and to familiarize you with the software interface. They come
with a data set that enables you to work through each lesson. Tutorials are
not available with all products.
“How To” Help
“How To” Help provides detailed procedures for performing all required
product functions. The organization of this section reflects a typical
network planning workflow.
The procedures in this section are also available in the User Guides.
“What’s This?” Help
“What’s This?” Help provides detailed explanations of all dialog boxes.
User Guides
All User Guides for the Wireless Network Planning software are easily
accessible as part of the online Help.
Planet EV
Notational conventions
This section describes the textual conventions and icons used throughout
the training manual.
Textual conventions
Special text formats are used to highlight different types of information.
The following table lists and describes the special text conventions used in
this training manual.
Icons
Throughout this training manual, icons are used to identify text that
requires special attention.
Marconi France
Email: emeasupport.wireless@marconi.com
or custsupp.france@marconi.com
Hot-line: +33 (0)1 55 38 80 50
Fax: +33 (0)1 55 38 80 51
Marconi China
Email: ap.wireless.sh-helpdesk@marconi.com
Hot-line: +86 21 5396 5516 ext. 11
Fax: +86 21 5396 5658
Course evaluation
At Marconi Wireless, we are continuously striving to better meet our
customers’ needs. Your questions, comments, and suggestions are an
important part of this process. Please take a few minutes at the end of the
training course to fill out the Training Evaluation form that you will find on
the last page of this manual.
9
Elements of the Planet EV user interface
As you work through the exercises in this training manual, you will use a
variety of commands and of tools. This section briefly describes the
Planet EV user interface.
Project Explorer
The Project Explorer provides a way to view and modify your project data.
You can open up to three data windows at a time and perform operations on
selected data items.
Each Project data window displays a tree view of the selected data
category. You will learn more about the Project Explorer later in this
course.
Menus
A menu is displayed just below the Planet EV title bar on the user interface.
The menu options provide access to commands for files, tools, map
objects, queries, tables, windows, and help. As you work through the
exercises in this course, you will learn how to use the menus.
You can also right-click on items in the Project Explorer tree view, Map
windows, and toolbars to access special menus.
Coverage layer
A coverage layer can depict the strength of a radio signal, the level of
service provided, or the quality of service provided. A coverage layer can
also indicate the total number of potential servers at a location.
you specify as the project folder. You will learn more about the
Project Wizard in Lesson 1.
■ if you rename, delete, or move any of the files created by the Project
Wizard or any other files needed by the project, you cannot open the
project
■ if you move or rename the site file, you must change the file path
name in the Project Settings dialog box before you can open the
project
■ if you move or delete the .TAB file associated with the DEM or the
clutter file to a different folder, you cannot open the project
Establishing a Planet
EV General Project
Workflow
15
Workflow for a Planet EV General project
Lesson
1.
Creating a Project
In this lesson, you will This lesson provides background information and
■ use the Project Wizard to create instructions for setting up a General project using
a project the Project Wizard.
■ define system settings
■ save, open, and close project
files
■ work with map layers
19
Lesson 1
Introduction
In order to use Planet EV to analyze your network, you must first set up a
project.
A project stores information about
■ heights or digital elevation model (DEM), clutter and site table files
■ display properties, such as color profiles, for the analysis layers that
you will generate
■ system settings, such as power units, height, and distance
■ project type, such as General, cdma2000, GSM, and Fixed Wireless
The type of project that you create depends on the characteristics of your
network. In this lesson, you will create a General project. You can use a
General project to perform a basic network analysis that includes signal
strength predictions for best and second best serving sectors, index classes,
and total number of served sectors. You can use a General project when
you need to compare the overlap of service contours and protected
frequency reuse boundaries. If you have a cdma or a GSM network, Planet
EV also enables you to perform complex interference analyses.
The project type that you choose determines the Planet EV dialog boxes
and prediction options that are available.
You cannot change the project type after you have created a project—you
have to create a new project and specify the project type. Planet EV can
display only one project at a time.
When you create a project, Planet EV creates folders for signal strength
files, antenna pattern files, binary files, link budget files, and model files
within the project folder. As you develop a project, Planet EV places files
in the appropriate folders. Each project also stores file paths that point to
the locations of the project data files. If you move or delete these files, you
might not be able to open a project.
If you rename, move, or delete files that are part of your project, such as
the DEM and elevation files, you must change the file paths in the Project
Settings dialog box to reflect these changes so that you can still open the project.
If multiple users require access to the same files (such as DEM, clutter,
road, and census data files), you can store these files in the Data Manager.
This allows multiple users to access the files without having to redesignate the file
paths. For more information about the Data Manager, see the Planet EV user
documentation.
Within a project, clutter and DEM files must be in the same projection.
Planet EV generates files such as path loss and signal strength at the same
resolution and in the same projection as the DEM file. For more
information about how to reproject a grid see Lesson 10, Building a Project
Area, on page 144.
In this lesson, you will use the Project Wizard to create a project. The
Project Wizard creates a default workspace, which saves information about
the files that are open and how they are displayed in Map windows on your
desktop. You can also set up a project without using the Project Wizard.
Once you have defined a project and generated analysis layers, you can
create new projects by saving the existing project with a new name. In this
way, you can make changes to the new project while retaining the original
data. You can create one project for one network, or you can create multiple
projects for one network in order to see the effects of changing the network
configuration. For example, you could create a project that includes only
sites for a network that covers a particular geographic area. Then you could
create a second project that uses the same DEM, clutter files, and sector
settings but that covers a network that is geographically adjacent to the first
one.
Choose DEM
Select coordinate
system for site table
Finish
The Project Wizard prompts you for a project type, a project folder, a DEM
file, a clutter file, and a site table. If you choose not to use a clutter file, you
can still create a network analysis, but you cannot tune the prediction
model.
Once you have completed all the steps required to create a project, the
Project Explorer opens. The Project Explorer consists of a docking dialog
box and up to three project data windows, and provides you with an easy
way to manipulate the data associated with a project.
You will use the Project Explorer throughout this course to configure sites,
to generate predictions, and to view grid files in Map windows.
In this exercise, you will use the Project Wizard to create and to set up a
new General project, to change system settings, and to save the project.
When you save a project, the Project Explorer and Map windows will open
automatically.
The data set for this training course is located in the
Planet EV Training\General folder on your C drive. This data set is based
on actual network data obtained for the New York area.
This site file has the same projection as the DEM and the clutter files. Using
the same projection for all of your project files prevents problems that could
occur later when you generate predictions, perform model tuning, or display data.
16 Click Next.
17 Click Finish.
The Project Settings dialog box opens and displays the file and the path
names that you chose using the Project Wizard.
A project can only be closed by using the above procedure. Closing a Map
window closes neither the project nor its associated files.
To open a project
1 Choose File ➤ Open Project.
2 In the Open Planet EV Project dialog box, choose General.dBP, and
click Open.
The Project Explorer, the project, and the Map window open. You can
now continue with the next exercise.
The Visibility is turned off if the zoom is outside the visibility range
specified.
5 In the Styles section, click Aa.
The Text Style dialog box opens.
6 In the Effects section, enable the Bold check box, and click OK.
7 In the NY_Training_Sites Label Options dialog box, click OK.
8 In the Layer Control dialog box, click OK.
The sites are automatically labeled using the names contained in the
Site_Id column of the site table.
On the Main toolbar, you can click the Zoom-in button to get a better
view of the site symbols.
From the Project Explorer, you can remove, close, or delete files.
Remove: removes a file from a Map window but does not close it. Choosing
Remove does not remove the file from any other Map window in which it is
also displayed.
Close: closes a file. When you close a file that is displayed in more than one
Map window, it will also close it in every other Map window in which it is
displayed.
Delete: deletes a file from your project folder.
Summary
In this lesson, you have learned to
■ use the Project Wizard to create a new Planet EV General project
Lesson
2.
Configuring and
Placing Sites
In this lesson, you will This lesson provides background information and
■ create a site configuration instructions for site configuration and placement.
■ define site and sector properties This lesson also explains how to work with
■ place sites antenna files and how to perform global editing.
■ add an antenna pattern to the
antenna library
■ define sector groups and flags
for use in analyzing network
performance during the phased
deployment of a wireless
network
■ recognize the capabilities and
limitations of performing a
global edit
■ use a global edit to change the
height of a group of sectors
31
Lesson 2
Introduction
In Lesson 1 you created a Planet EV General project. In this lesson, you
will place sites.
In Planet EV,
■ a site is a geographical location that has one or more sectors
New Config
Configure Site Place Site
Existing Config
Load
Configuration
Project Folder
Save Configuration
When you place more than one site with the same site and sector
properties, you can save time by using a single site configuration. You can
save a site configuration file for a particular antenna type or for a configuration
that is specific to a particular stage in the network design process.
The following site and sector properties that influence path loss
calculations are stored in the .dsc file:
■ site properties such as number of radials, the propagation distance,
the height of the sector(s) used at the site, and the site elevation
■ the propagation model type
■ sector properties, including the number of sectors for the site, the
power, the antenna type, the azimuth, the antenna tilt, and the
antenna twist
■ information such as the site name and the index identifiers, the
number of sectors for a site, and the symbol for each sector
After you have defined your site and sector property settings, you can place
sites.
To configure and to place sites, you will typically complete the following
tasks.
For more information on configuring and placing sites, refer to the Planet
EV User Guide, accessible from the Help menu of Planet EV 3.1.
You can create as many site configuration files as you require for a project.
You must, however, use different site configurations files for different
project types. For example, a site configuration file used for a General project
cannot be used for a GSM project.
You can also modify any of the values in a configuration and continue to place
new sites using the new values. After modifying a previously saved configuration
file, however, the values will revert to the previous settings when you close the
Site Properties dialog box. If you want to use the new settings again later, save
the changed configuration with a new file name.
After you have defined your site and sector property settings, you can place
sites on the map. The site table stores all your site and sector information.
You can edit site properties using the global edit feature (you will learn
about global editing later in this lesson).
If you are using a DEM, the DEM and the site file must be in the same
projection.
When you edit the configuration of a site using the Site Properties dialog
box, the information in the site table is updated accordingly.
To index a sector
■ In the Site Properties dialog box, in the Start Index From box, type 1 .
Each site that you add is indexed with a number that is 1 greater than
the previously added site.
3 In the System Gains section, from the Power list, choose Amplifier
Output Power if it is not already chosen.
4 For Amplifier Output Power, double-click the Value box, and
type 10 .
5 From the Units list, choose Watts if it is not already chosen.
6 In the System Losses section, click Add.
7 In the Add Loss dialog box, in the Enter Description box, type
Cable , and click OK.
8 Double-click the Value box for Cable, and type 2.5 .
9 Click Calculate (located at the bottom of the dialog box).
Calculated power values are displayed in the Amplifier Output Power
and Radiated Output Power sections.
10 Click Update & Exit.
The power value is updated using calculated values from the Link
Budget calculator. You defined the units for the Power field in the
Project Settings dialog box when you created the project.
4 In the Symbol Style dialog box, click the down arrow for the Color
box, and choose a red swatch from the color palette.
5 Click OK.
To place a site
1 In the Site Properties dialog box, click the Site tab.
2 In the Location section, enable the Manual Entry check box if it is not
already enabled.
Once you enable the Manual Entry check box, you can enter the x- and
y-coordinates for the new site.
3 In the Location section, from the Units list, choose Degrees if it is not
already chosen.
4 Double-click the X/Long box, and type -7 4. 5 .
5 Double-click the Y/Lat box, and type 4 1. 5 .
6 Click Place Site.
The new site, Site_1, is displayed in the Map window.
2 In the Global Edit dialog box, choose the Site Table option if it is not
already chosen.
3 From the Selection list, choose NY_Training_Sites if it is not already
chosen.
4 From the Group list, choose All if it is not already chosen.
5 In the Data Field column, enable the check box for
Propagation Model.
6 Click the cell next to Propagation Model, click the down arrow, and
choose predict.dpm if it is not already chosen.
7 Click Apply.
8 In the Confirm dialog box, click Yes.
9 Click OK.
To edit a site
1 In the Project Explorer, from the Category list, choose Sites.
2 In the Sites data window, expand Sites.
3 Scroll to the bottom of the data window.
4 Right-click Site_1, and choose Edit.
The Site Properties dialog box opens.
5 In the Site Properties dialog box, click the Sectors tab.
6 Click the Azimuth box for the sector 1 column, type 9 0 , and click
Apply.
To move a site to a location with unspecified coordinates using the Site toolbar
1 On the Main toolbar, click the Zoom-in button.
2 Click the Map window near site Site_1.
A smaller area of the Map layer is now visible, and the symbols on the
Map layer are larger.
6 Click Model_Tuning_21, press and hold the SHIFT key, and then click
Model_Tuning_4.
You have now selected Model_Tuning_21, Model_Tuning_22,
Model_Tuning_34, and Model_Tuning_4.
To create a flag
1 In the Sites data window, right-click Flags, and choose New.
The Add New Flag dialog box opens.
2 In the Enter Flag Name box, type Sta t u s , and click OK.
3 In the Planet EV dialog box, click Yes.
To add conditions
1 Expand Flags, right-click Status, and choose New Condition.
The Add New Condition dialog box opens.
2 In the Enter Condition Name box, type Installed .
3 Click OK.
4 Repeat steps 1 to 3 again, but in the Enter New Condition Name box,
type A pp ro v e d .
The value -999 in a data field means that the actual number is taken from
the DEM.
10 Click Apply.
11 In the Confirm dialog box, click Yes.
12 Click OK.
The sector height is updated with a value of 37 for all sectors in the
Training group. If you wanted to save the updated values, you would
now save the site table. In this lesson, you do not want to save the
modified site table.
Summary
In this lesson, you have learned to
■ place and configure sites using the Project Explorer
Lesson
3.
Tuning the Predict
Propagation Model
In this lesson, you will You will tune the Predict propagation model using
■ import survey data one set of survey data. To tune the model with
■ average and filter survey data survey data, you will create a clutter property
■ explore the Propagation Model assignment (.cpa) file that stores data for ground
Editor type, average obstacle height, and clutter loss
■ edit the Predict model absorption (CAL) values. The CAL values are
parameters calculated using the survey data.
■ create a .cpa file
■ tune the Predict model You will also view the best server analysis layer
■ generate analysis layers and the prediction for a sector.
■ view analysis layers
■ view a sector prediction
■ display a grid legend
■ work with delta surveys
■ view the analyis layer
information using the Analysis
Info tool and the Grid Info tool
49
Lesson 3
Introduction
The term model tuning applies generally to the process of adjusting the
parameters of a propagation model in order to produce predictions that are
as accurate and realistic as possible. Model tuning is usually performed
using measured signal strength data collected during surveying. This
survey data is used to change clutter absorption loss values in the
propagation model. In Planet EV 3.1, you perform model tuning by using
the Survey Manager, accessible through the Project Explorer. The Model
Tuning tool enables you to tune any model.
If a large number of your survey data points are located above the free
space line (green line above the regression line), then you potentially have
a problem with your survey data.
The distance between each point is equivalent to the size of a grid cell
(or BIN) of the digital elevation model used. Because not all users will be
at ground level, diffraction calculations are performed vertically into the
space above the terrain as well as horizontally along the terrain.
Furthermore, because predictions of coverage gaps and interference are
based on the terrain over which the wave propagates, the more accurate the
terrain and clutter data, the more accurate the prediction. Survey data is
still required to improve the accuracy of the path loss and signal strength,
but this data is used to compensate for the incompleteness of clutter data
rather than as the primary data for the prediction. For more detailed
information on the diffraction calculation, please refer to the Predict
technical notes available from the Planet EV user documentation.
Factors affecting path loss and signal strength predictions
With the Predict model, path loss is calculated based on the physical optics
influencing the wave propagation only. Hence, path loss calculations do not
take antenna gain into consideration. In contrast, signal strength
calculations include the properties of the antenna.
Therefore, if you change the antenna,
■ the path loss prediction does not need to be regenerated between
network analyses
■ the signal strength prediction needs to be regenerated between
network analyses
If you move the location of the sector, path loss and signal strength
predictions need to be regenerated.
For more information on the Predict model, please refer to the Predict
technical notes available from the Planet EV user documentation.
Clutter
For the Predict model, adjusting clutter properties is known as model
tuning. To understand how the Predict model accounts for environmental
factors, you have to understand the term clutter. Clutter refers to the use of
the land that makes up the environment through which radio waves
propagate. Areas with similar surface features are grouped into clutter
classes, such as Urban/Residential or Forest. Areas with the same
classification, however, can have very different properties. For example,
areas classified as Forest on the west coast of America can have very
different physical properties than areas classified as Forest on the east coast
of America.
Estimating the wave attenuation due to buildings and trees is limited by the
incomplete knowledge of the dimensions and distributions of these
obstacles. Because highly detailed terrain data is expensive, engineers
frequently rely on less detailed clutter data.
To compensate for the less detailed clutter data, you can assign several
physical properties (clutter properties) to each clutter class. This data is
stored in a clutter property assignment (.cpa) file, which is based on a
clutter file. You can perform an analysis using the default values assigned
to each physical property, or you can assign a value to a property that more
closely approaches the actual value. The properties to which you can assign
values are
■ Ground Type (Residential, Industrial, Dense Urban, Core Urban,
If your Average Obstacle Heights are correct and your CAL values are still
high and negative, you should examine the accuracy of your survey data.
Use this workflow when you tune the Predict propagation model for CAL
values. You can perform all model tuning by using the Survey Manager.
Step 1 Import the survey data by using the Survey Manager accessible from
the Project Explorer.
Step 3 Assign this propagation model to the sites for which you have a
survey.
Step 6 Edit the model that you want to tune, and fill in the .cpa file for
obstacle height and ground type.
Step 7 Tune the Predict model using the Clutter Absorption Loss tuner.
To add a survey
If you are importing long/lat survey data from an Excel spreadsheet,
remove all headers from the columns.
You need to input the above information only for text or Excel files. If you
are working with DMS files, the antenna information will automatically be
imported.
3 In the Sites data window, expand Groups, then expand Training, then
expand Model_Tuning_34.
4 In the Operational Data data window, click DTA_Model_Tuning_34,
and drag it to sector 1 in Model_Tuning_34.
5 In the Sites data window, expand Groups, then expand Training, then
expand Model_Tuning_34.
6 Right-click the sector 1, and choose Assigned Surveys.
The DTA_Model_Tuning_34 check box is enabled.
7 In the Assigned Surveys dialog box, click OK.
Once you assign a survey to a site, the survey node moves from the
Survey RSSI (Invalid Header) to the Survey RSSI node.
If you want to use the statistical tools available for other data, such as
dropped calls, you can do so using Surveys Other Your data must have the
longitude, latitude, measured data format.
When you create a project, Planet EV creates a Model folder within your
project folder that contains standard propagation models. These include
■ AMT
■ Cost231
■ diffraction NLOS
■ Free Space
■ Hata
■ Lee
■ Longley Rice
■ Planet General Model
■ Recommendation 370
■ Predict
The Propagation Model Editor provides a way to select and edit the model
that you want to use.
In this lesson, you will learn more about the Predict model, the role of
clutter properties in the tuning process, and how to tune the model using
clutter properties. Much of this process is automated, and you can use the
default clutter property values that Planet EV provides.
Model Editor
■ create a .cpa file that contains the same clutter classes as the
Clutter_Resolution30_NY.grc file
■ change the Average Obstacle Height values for each clutter class
■ generate the best server signal strength analysis layer using the
Project Explorer
■ view the best server signal strength using the Project Explorer
■ view individual sector signal strengths using the Site toolbar
This lesson assumes that you have opened the Propagation Model Editor
from the Model Tuning Tool dialog box.
If you change the receiver height after you have generated a prediction, you
must regenerate the path loss files.
3 From the Earth Curvature list, choose 4/3 Earth Curvature if it is not
already displayed.
4 From the Polarization list, choose Vertical if it is not already
displayed.
Average Obstacle
Reference Name Ground Type
Height (m)
Average Obstacle
Reference Name Ground Type
Height (m)
When you have survey data for more than one site, you can tune a
propagation model as follows: set the filters for each model, then press the
SHIFT key, and select the surveys you wish to tune with. Right-click the selected
surveys, and execute the above two steps.
If you open multiple sector prediction grids, they overlap and are not
combined as a composite layer in the Map window.
8 Click View.
9 Click Close.
graph display settings, the nth best server settings, and the graph color
settings. In the Analysis Info tool, you can then view up to two graphs
using these settings.
15 Click OK.
Lesson
4.
Tuning the Planet
General Propagation
Model
In this lesson, you will You can use the Automatic Model Tuner (AMT) to
■ assign the model to a site tune the Planet General model (PGM). In this
■ view the model propertied in the lesson, you will use the survey data you imported,
Propagation Model Editor averaged, and filtered in the previous lesson to
■ tune the model using the AMT tune the PGM.
■ view the best server analysis
layer
71
Lesson 4
Introduction
The term model tuning applies generally to the process of adjusting the
parameters of a propagation model in order to produce predictions that are
as accurate and realistic as possible. Model tuning is usually performed
using measured signal strength data collected during surveying. This
survey data is used to change clutter absorption loss values and other
parameters in the propagation model.
Use the process below to tune the Planet General model using Automatic
Model Tuning tool. If you have to tune the Planet General model for clutter
absorption loss, follow the process outlined in the previous lesson.
Step 1 Import the survey data by using the Survey Manager accessible from
the Project Explorer.
Step 4 Tune the Planet General model using the Automatic Model Tuner.
Step 5 Apply the survey tuned Planet General Model to your group or sites.
2 Click Edit.
The Planet General Model Parameters dialog box opens.
where
K3 modifies the term that accounts The real antenna height is used, and
for the effective base station antenna the effects of ground elevation
height. changes are calculated point-by-point
along the terrain profile.
Diffraction
Clutter Height
This is the distance from last The distance from last effective
effective diffracting clutter diffracting clutter obstruction to
obstruction to receiving antenna. receiving antenna. The CRC-Predict
field strength increases as this value
increases.
Mobile Antenna Height Gain
The KClutter accounts for the effect of The Local Absorption Power Loss is
clutter. You have the option of equivalent to the Planet Clutter Factor
changing the weighting of the clutter except that it is applied only locally.
effect in the last 1000 metres to the
receiver.
Receiver Height
A different values for receiver height All mobiles have the same height
is assigned for each clutter class. regardless of which clutter class they
are located in.
This is the distance from last The distance from last effective
effective diffracting clutter diffracting clutter obstruction to
obstruction to receiving antenna. receiving antenna. The CRC-Predict
field strength increases as this value
increases.
Lesson
5.
Importing Network
Data
In this lesson, you will This lesson provides background information and
■ import network data from an instructions for using the data collected from a
external source switch. Planet EV provides a way for you to use
■ bind imported network data to network data to generate more realistic predictions
the data within Planet EV 3.1 based on actual measurements.
■ display network data in a Map
window
81
Lesson 5
Introduction
The Planet EV Network Data Tool provides a way for you to utilize a wide
range of data from sources such as wireless technologies, network
infrastructures and performance monitoring software applications. You can
use the Network Data Tool to import network performance data from
switches and display the information graphically on a map of your network
coverage area. Data can be collected at several aggregation levels: sector,
site, and carrier. The Network Data Tool does not connect directly with
switches, but uses the information gathered from switches by software.
The Network Data Tool has importing and mapping functionality—you can
load network data from either text files or spreadsheets, and create
graphical representations or queries of the network data. You can display
color-coded network performance data in the best server coverage region,
or display sector information in a user-defined region.
You can use the imported network data to generate interference matrices
and traffic maps—you will learn more about these later in this course.
Using the network data results in a more realistic visualization of actual
network usage and the traffic affected by interfering sectors.
To use the Network Data Tool for network analysis, you will typically
complete the following tasks:
For more information on configuring and placing sites, refer to the Planet
EV User Guide, accessible from the Help menu of Planet EV 3.1.
You can specify any field or fields to bind network data to Planet EV
objects.
3 Click Save As, and type NY _BindRul es in the File Name box.
4 Click Save.
You can now reuse the binding rules you just created with other
network data sets.
Summary
In this lesson, you have learned to
■ import network data from an MS Excel file into Planet EV
Lesson
6.
Creating Traffic Maps
In this lesson, you will You will create a traffic map required for creating
■ create a traffic map based on the Modeled interference matrix and for
regional subscriber data generating the neighbor list.
■ modify the traffic map using
clutter weighting
■ add roads as a new clutter
category, and update the traffic
map with the new information
■ scale the existing traffic map
based on future market growth
projections
■ convert a traffic map into
different units by specifying a
conversion factor
89
Lesson 6
Introduction
Planet EV provides you with a Traffic Map Generator that helps you plan
your wireless network based on actual mobile usage. You can use the
Traffic Map Generator to create and to display traffic maps expressed in the
following units:
■ Erlang density (Erlangs/km2)—density of simultaneous calls at a
given location within the network
■ Subscriber density (Subscribers/km2)—density of subscribers at a
given location within the network
■ Throughput density (Kbps/km2)—data transfer density of a given
service
You can generate traffic maps based on population and subscriber data or
on network data obtained from a switch. You can also distribute users
within the network based on clutter class to more accurately reflect mobile
usage. For example, although few subscribers live in a commercial-
industrial area, many subscribers will use their mobile units while working
there during the day. Subscribers also use their mobile units while
traveling; hence, Planet EV enables you to stamp roads onto the traffic map
and assign weightings based on roads as a clutter class.
For more information on configuring and placing sites, refer to the Planet
EV User Guide, accessible from the Help menu of Planet EV 3.1.
Regions that do not share a border, but that have the same identifier, are
treated as a combined region. The demographic data is summed for the
combined region.
The Traffic Map Generator: Clutter Weighting dialog box opens. You
will apply a clutter weighting later in this lesson.
15 In the Traffic Map Resolution box, type 30 if it is not already
displayed.
16 Click Finish.
The traffic map is displayed in the Map window. Each region is color-
coded to indicate a different traffic density. Because you did not apply
clutter weightings, the traffic map shows the number of subscribers
distributed evenly throughout each region.
22 Click Generate.
The Vector and Clutter Merging dialog box closes and the Clutter
Property Assignment dialog box opens.
Unit Conversion
Reference Name Relative Weighting
Factor
Secondary 2 0.025
Primary 5 0.025
High Density Urban 10 0.030
Industrial-Commercial 15 0.050
Residential with Trees 1 0.020
Residential with Few 1 0.020
Trees
Paved 7 0.025
Agricultural-Grass 1 0.010
Open-Bare 1 0.005
Forested-Dense 1 0.005
Vegetation
Water 1 0.005
Airport 5 0.030
The Secondary clutter class represents the secondary roads that you
converted in the previous exercise.
The Primary clutter class represents the primary roads that you
converted in the previous exercise
The High Density Urban clutter class with a relative weighting of 10
has 10 times the number of subscribers as, for example, the Residential
with Trees clutter class with a relative weighting of 1.
2 Click Save.
3 Click Close.
4 Click Color.
5 In the Grid Color Tool dialog box, in the Color Profile section, click
Load.
6 In the Load Color Profile dialog box, click
TM_Traffic_Map_erlangs.vcp, and then click Open.
7 Click OK.
You can see that traffic is now distributed by clutter class within each
polygonal region.
8 Close the Grid Manager dialog box.
Secondary 1.150
Primary 1.300
High Density Urban 1.300
Industrial-Commercial 1.350
Residential with Trees 1.050
Residential with Few 1.050
Trees
Paved 1.100
Agricultural-Grass 1.000
Open-Bare 1.000
Forested-Dense Vegetation 1.000
Water 1.000
Airport 1.250
7 Click Save.
8 Click Close.
9 In the Scale Traffic Map dialog box, click Scale.
Summary
In this lesson, you have learned to
■ create a traffic map based on subscriber data
Lesson
7.
Creating Interference
Matrices
In this lesson, you will You will create a merged interference matrix by
■ generate a Modeled merging a Modeled interference matrix, a Network
interference matrix Data interference matrix, and a Local Knowledge
■ generate a Network Data interference matrix by priority. Merging different
interference matrix types of interference matrices allows you to
■ create a Local Knowledge compensate for the disadvantages of each matrix
interference matrix
type and to obtain more accurate interference data.
■ merge the different types of
matrices
■ use the weighted sum option to
merge Network Data matrices
101
Lesson 7
Introduction
An interference matrix describes the cell-to-cell environment in terms of
co-channel and adjacent channel interference between sectors. You require
this information to plan frequency reuse within your network.
Using Planet EV, you can create the following types of interference
matrices:
■ Modeled—if the interference matrix is based on best server
information only, the matrix shows the area (in km2) affected by
co-channel and the area affected by adjacent channel interference. If
the matrix is also based on a traffic map, it also shows the amount of
traffic affected by co-channel and by adjacent interference.
■ Network Data—this matrix is based on network data collected from
wireless switching equipment and shows the sources of co-channel
interference and the percentage of traffic they affect. This type of
interference matrix does not provide adjacent channel interference
data.
■ Local Knowledge—the RF engineer creates the interference matrix
by identifying the adjacent channel interfering sectors for a sector
and assigns a percent value to a sector’s traffic affected by those
sectors.
The attributes of each type of interference matrix are shown in the table
below.
Interference matrix
Description
type
Interference matrix
Description
type
Step 3 Create a Network Data interference matrix if you have switch data
available.
Step 5 Merge the Local Knowledge matrix with other matrices to obtain a
more accurate list of interferers.
For more information on configuring and placing sites, refer to the Planet
EV User Guide, accessible from the Help menu of Planet EV 3.1.
7 In the Points table, scroll down to point number 22, double-click the
Interference cell, and type 9 0 .
8 For point number 23, double-click the Interference cell, and type 88 .
9 For point number 24, double-click the Interference cell, and type 85 .
10 For point number 25, double-click the Interference cell, and type 84 .
The shape of the curve changes slightly as you modify the values in the
Points table.
11 From the Curve Editor menu, choose File ➤ Save.
12 In the Curve Editor dialog box, click Yes.
13 In the Curve Editor dialog box, click OK.
14 In the Interference Matrix Generator dialog box, in the
C/I Weights Tables section, click New below the Adjacent Channel
list.
The Curve Editor dialog box opens.
15 Click OK to accept the default values for the Adjacent Channel
interference C/I weights table.
16 In the Curve Editor dialog box, click Yes.
17 In the Interference Matrix Generator dialog box, in the
Non Best Server Calculation section, in the Include Servers Within
box, type 3 .
Any server with a signal strength within 3 dB of the best server signal
will be considered a non-best server.
18 In the Non Best Server Weighting box, type 5 .
This sets a value of 5% for the amount of interference from areas where
the server is a non-best server.
19 Click OK.
■ Serving_Sector_ID
■ IntNeighbor_Site_ID
■ IntNeighbor_Sector_ID
■ Affected Traffic %
■ view the fetched data
■ create a network data interference matrix
For more information about converting NCS switch data, refer to the Planet
EV user documentation.
Serving_Sector_ID Antenna_ID
IntNeighbor_Site_ID Interfering Site
IntNeighbor_Sector_ID Interfering Sector
Affected Traffic % Affected Traffic
9 Clear all other check boxes if they are not already cleared.
10 Click Save As.
The Save As dialog box opens.
11 In the File Name box, type Tr affi c_BindRules .
12 Click Save.
The bind rules file is saved as an XML file in the BindRules folder. You
can now reuse the binding rules you just created with other network
data sets.
8 Click OK.
The network data you imported is now in a Planet EV format data table.
9 In the Network Data dialog box, click Close.
order:
■ Local knowledge
■ Network data
■ Modeled
used, while the Local Knowledge values for co-channel affected traffic
are used.
9 In the Interference Matrix dialog box, click OK.
Normally, you will have your network data stored in more than one file, in
which case you will create an interference matrix for each file. You will then
merge the network data matrices using the weighted sum method. Next,
you will merge the merged network data matrix, the modeled interference
matrix, and the local knowledge interference matrix using the merging by
priority method.
Step 1 Import the network data and then merge Network Data interference
matrices using the Weighted Sum option (specify a Weighting Factor
of 100%). This weights the values of each interference matrix equally
so that average interference values are obtained for the merged
matrix.
You will need to use weighted sum merging, for example,
when your network data includes measured interference
values for each day of the week. In a large network, this
network data is stored in multiple files.
Step 4 Merge the combined Network Data, Modeled, and Local Knowledge
matrices using the Highest Priority option with the matrices in the
following order:
■ Local Knowledge
■ Network Data
■ Modeled
The process of merging interference matrices using both
the Weighted Sum and the Highest Priority option is
graphically depicted in Figure 7.1 below.
Figure 7.1 Merging interference matrices using weighted sum and priority
Generate Modeled IM
2 Modeled IM
Merge
4 Merged IM
(use highest priority)
Three types of matrices
Summary
In this lesson, you have learned to
■ generate a Modeled interference matrix
Lesson
8.
Generating Neighbor
Lists
In this lesson, you will Each sector in a wireless network coordinates with
■ generate a neighbor list based its neighbors to maintain good quality coverage to
on a best server analysis mobile users. As a mobile user reaches the
■ generate a neighbor list based margins of the current sector’s coverage, stronger
on an interference matrix signals are available from other sectors. Through a
■ set the handover priority for process called handover, the network re-routes the
specific sectors by editing the
neighbor list
user’s call through one of the neighbor sectors to
■ compare two neighbor lists
maintain the connection.
■ display a neighbor list in a Map If sectors have more neighbors than are required
window for reliable service, the result can be inefficient use
of the available spectrum.
117
Lesson 8
Introduction
The Planet EV Neighbor List tool helps you plan for successful handover
as a mobile unit travels through the coverage area. You can either import a
neighbor list from existing network data, or you can generate a neighbor
list based on
■ best server—Planet EV bases the list on a best serving sector
To use a neighbor list for network planning, you will typically complete the
following tasks.
Step 1 If you have network data available, import the neighbor list.
Step 8 Export a neighbor list to a text file for use in network programming.
For more information on configuring and placing sites, refer to the Planet
EV User Guide, accessible from the Help menu of Planet EV 3.1.
9 Click OK.
10 In the Save As dialog box, navigate to the Planet EV
Training\General\NeighborList folder.
11 In the Neighbor List File Name box, type Cel lAdjacency, and click
Save.
The Neighbor List Generation dialog box shows the progress of
neighbor list generation, including error messages.
12 In the Neighbor List Generation dialog box, click Close when
processing is complete.
The saved list appears under the Neighbor Lists node in the Project
Explorer.
neighbors are being evaluated. You can specify any value from 0 to
100 percent.
■ the minimum absolute traffic level in the overlapping area of the two
sectors. You can specify any value from 0.1 to 5000 milliErlangs.
You can use this setting only if your interference matrix contains
traffic information.
■ the minimum traffic level in the overlapping area of the two sectors,
relative to the traffic in the sector for which potential neighbors are
being evaluated. You can specify values from 0 to 100 percent. You
can use this setting only if your interference matrix contains traffic
information.
In this exercise, you will
■ generate a neighbor list using the Merged interference matrix that
you created in the previous lesson based on the relative area criterion.
You can specify any or all of the threshold criteria - Planet EV will evaluate
each potential neighbor against all of the criteria that you specify. For details
about the threshold and other input parameters, refer to the Planet EV user
documentation.
13 Clear the other check boxes if they are not already cleared.
14 Click OK.
15 In the Save As dialog box, type I nt er f e r enc eMe t h od in the
File Name box, and click Save.
The Neighbor List Generation dialog box shows the progress of
neighbor list generation, including error messages.
16 In the Neighbor List Generation dialog box, click Close when
processing is complete.
The saved list appears under Neighbor Lists in the Tools tree view.
If you have to generate a neighbor list for a group of sectors that all use a
specific technology, you can group the sectors and then generate the list for
that group. To filter the graphic display of the neighbor lists, you can flag the
sectors. For information about how to use groups and flags, see Lesson 2.
particular sector
■ neighboring sectors that carry an extremely heavy traffic load
In this exercise, you will edit the neighbor list in order to set a handover
priority, and to disallow a neighboring sector.
Summary
In this lesson, you have learned to
■ generate a neighbor list based on an interference matrix
Lesson
9.
Working with Spatial
Data
In this lesson, you will This lesson provides background information and
■ use the grid calculator instructions for using Planet EV to obtain a variety
■ create grid queries of spatial data from grids.
■ calculate the number of users
located in a sector coverage
area
127
Lesson 9
Introduction
In this lesson, you will use Planet EV to obtain a variety of spatial data
from grids. You can use the Grid Calculator to perform mathematical
operations on a single grid and on multiple grids. You can enter
expressions, save expressions, and change alias names.
You can use the Grid Query tool to construct grid queries and build new
grids from existing grids, where the new grid values meet the conditions
placed on reference grids.
The Demographic Analysis tool calculates demographic information on a
per cell basis for a region. You can, for example, determine the number of
subscribers in a specified region that are served by a sector. You can view
the results in a Browser, a vector contour grid, or a numeric grid.
To work with spatial data to obtain information, you will typically complete
one or both of the following tasks.
Step 2 Create grid queries using multiple grids to identify areas that meet
specified conditions.
For more information on configuring and placing sites, refer to the Planet
EV User Guide, accessible from the Help menu of Planet EV 3.1.
The Grid Calculator looks and operates like a scientific calculator. At the
top of the dialog box is a list of all open grid files from which to build an
expression. At the bottom is the edit box in which the expression is built.
Ensure that these tables are closed before you proceed with the next
exercise.
The real power of a grid query lies in its ability to perform complex,
conditional selection processes using grids that are thematically distinct.
In this exercise, you will identify target areas that are within 10 kilometers
of the broadcasting signal, have a signal strength of at least -75 dB, and are
classified as Commercial/Industrial. Any businesses for which these three
conditions are true could be targeted by your marketing department.
11 Click Finish.
The PotentialClients map window opens.
To close tables
1 In the Windows data window, expand TxDistance Map, right-click
TxDistance, and choose Close.
2 Expand PotentialClients, right-click PotentialClients and choose
Close.
3 Expand PotentialClients, right-click Height_Resolution30_NY, and
choose Remove.
Ensure that these tables are closed before you proceed with the next
exercise.
9 In the Output Data Type section, choose the Distribution option, and
click Next.
10 In the Demographic Analysis Tool dialog box, choose the
Planet EV Training\General\Pop Stats folder, and click Generate.
A browser table and the contour map window open.
Summary
In this lesson, you have learned to
■ mathematically manipulate grids
10.
Building a Project
Area
In this lesson, you will This lesson provides background information and
■ trim grids instructions for manipulating the data contained
■ splice grids within project grid files.
■ stamp roads onto a clutter file
■ resize grids
■ reproject grids
■ reclassify grids
137
Lesson 10
Introduction
Planet EV provides you with a variety of tools that you can use to
manipulate grids. You can trim a grid to produce a grid that is a section of
the original one. You can also splice a grid either by merging or stamping.
Merging is often used when several grid files cover a study area that needs
to be combined into a single grid, or when you want to create a grid that has
the highest/lowest value of all the input grids. Stamping is usually
performed when you need to update areas of a grid, for example, updating
an elevation grid with building heights.
You can resize a grid when you need to reduce its size and complexity.
Resizing changes the resolution of a grid. To apply a different coordinate
system to your grid, use the Reproject tool. Reprojecting uses interpolation
to generate new values for each new grid cell. You can also reclassify a
numeric grid as a classified grid to make it more suitable for analysis.
To build a customized project area, you will typically complete one or more
of the following tasks.
For more information on configuring and placing sites, refer to the Planet
EV User Guide, accessible from the Help menu of Planet EV 3.1.
Trimming grids
You can use the Trimmer tool to create a new grid by trimming portions of
a larger grid. For example, if you have a grid that covers a geographically
large city, but you need to generate a prediction for only a small area of that
city, you can trim your file to contain the relevant area. Working with a
smaller grid reduces the processing time for generating prediction files.
In this exercise, you will trim the Height_Resolution30_NY grid to create
two grids, each of which shows a section of the original height grid.
Ensure that the General.dbp project is open.
To create an object
1 In the Windows data window, expand NY_Training_Sites,...,, right-
click Cosmetic, and choose Editable.
2 On the Drawing toolbar, click the Rectangle button, and draw a
rectangle that covers slightly more than half of the left side of the grid.
4 In the File Name box, type Heig ht _Re sol ut io n3 0_NY_ ri gh t. tab .
5 Click Save.
You now have two maps—each map is a section of the
Height_Resolution30_NY grid.
Splicing grids
The Grid Splicer is a powerful tool that enables you to combine data from a
number of grids to create a new grid by merging or by stamping.
Merging grids
When the area for which you need to generate a prediction is split between
two grids, you can merge the grids to form one grid.
When you merge grids, the new grid contains all of the cells of the grids
that were merged and covers the combined area of those grids. A new value
is calculated for cells that overlap. In the Grid Splicer dialog box, you can
choose how to calculate the value for overlapping cells. The value of cells
that do not overlap remains unchanged. The resulting grid has the same cell
size as the reference grid. Only numeric grids can be merged.
In this exercise, you will merge the Height_Resolution30_NY _left and the
Height_Resolution30_NY_right grids. The value for overlapping cells will
be the average value for the two cells.
To merge grids
1 Choose View ➤ Show Grid Manager.
2 In the Grid Manager, click Tools, and choose Splicer.
3 From the Begin Splicing With list, choose
Height_Resolution30_NY_left.grd.
4 From the Spliceable Grids list, choose
Height_Resolution30_NY_right.grd.
5 Click Add.
6 Click the down arrow next to Merge, and choose Average from the list.
7 Choose the Planet EV Training\Mapping Data\Heights folder, and in
the File Name box, type NYMergedGrids.grd .
8 Click OK.
The NYSplicedGrid Map window opens.
Reclassifying grids
You can convert a classified grid to a numeric grid in order to perform math
calculations on the grid, such as giving clutter classes a weighting factor
for traffic analysis. For example, you would create a binary mask for the
clutter grid and assign a weighting factor of 1 to clutter classes where
traffic analysis is critical, such as urban or dense residential areas. You
would then assign a 0 where particular clutter classes are noncritical to
traffic calculations, such as forests, oceans or rural areas. When you
reclassify a classified grid, you generate a new numeric grid.
4 For the following clutter classes, change the number in the Class Value
field to 1, and change the color to green:
■ High Density Urban
■ Industrial-Commercial
■ Residential with Trees
■ Residential with Few Trees
■ Paved
■ Airport
These clutter classes are critical for traffic analysis calculations as they
account for most of the traffic.
5 For the remaining clutter classes, change the number in the
Class Value field to 0 and the color to red.
These clutter classes are considered noncritical for traffic analysis
calculations as they account for a minor amount of traffic.
6 In the File Name box, type NYClutter_Numeric.tab if it is not
already displayed.
7 Click OK.
The numeric grid is displayed in the Map window.
Resizing grids
You can adjust the resolution of a grid, which is the smallest level of detail
within a DEM or Land Clutter data set. Although differentiating between
levels of resolution is arbitrary, a good guide is as follows:
■ High Resolution—1 to 5 meters
To resize a grid
1 In the Grid Manager, click Tools, and choose Resizer.
2 In the Resizer dialog box, choose Height_Resolution30_NY.grd from
the Grid list if it is not already chosen.
3 In the New Bin Size box, type 8 0 , and click OK.
4 When the new grid opens, click the Grid Info button on the
Grid Manager.
5 In the Grid Manager, click the resized grid name, then click the
original grid name.
The resized grid has an 80-meter bin size, while the original grid has a
30-meter bin size.
Reprojecting grids
A projection is a mathematical means of transferring information from the
Earth's three-dimensional curved surface to a two-dimensional surface.
Different projections are used for different types of maps because each
projection has specific uses. For example, a projection that accurately
represents the shapes of the continents will distort their relative sizes. Since
much of the information in a Geographic Information System (GIS) comes
from existing maps, a GIS uses the processing power of the computer to
transform digital information to a common projection.
Occasionally, you might need to change a grid’s geographic projection.
Most elevation and clutter data is delivered to North American users in
either the UTM NAD 83 (Universal Transverse Mercator – North
American Datum) or the Regional Conformal projection, but this may not
match the specifications for a particular project or company.
Summary
In this lesson, you have learned to
■ trim a grid. You first have to draw the area that you want to trim,
convert it to a region, and then use the Grid Trim function on the
Grid Analysis toolbar to trim the grid.
■ use the Grid Splicer to combine data from grids to create a new grid
■ merge grids to calculate a new value for cells
■ recognize that you cannot perform model tuning with survey data once
roads have been stamped into the file
■ resize grids to change the resolution
■ change the projection of a grid using the Reproject command from
the Tools menu in the Grid Manager
■ use the Numeric Grid Reclassification tool to reclassify the values
contained in a numeric grid so that it will be more suitable for
analysis
Lesson
11.
Working with Layout
Windows
In this lesson, you will This lesson provides background information and
■ create a legend for a map instructions for using layout windows to arrange
■ create a legend of cartographic and modify maps, legends, graphics, and text. You
symbols can print the contents of a layout window.
■ open a graphics file
■ create a layout
■ manipulate frames in a layout
window
■ modify layout content
147
Lesson 11
Introduction
In this lesson, you will create a layout that includes a signal strength map, a
legend for the map, a legend for cartographic symbols, and a company
logo. You will then modify the appearance of some of these objects.
For more information on configuring and placing sites, refer to the Planet
EV User Guide, accessible from the Help menu of Planet EV 3.1.
6 In the File Name box, change the file name to M y L eg en d. tab . Check
what is acutally displayed.
7 Click OK.
Creating a layout
In this exercise, you will create a layout. You will incorporate the four
windows into the layout window. You will also set up a page size in the
layout window.
To create a layout
1 In the Windows data window, double-click Layout Windows.
The New Layout Window dialog box opens.
2 Choose the Frames for All Currently Open Windows option.
3 Click OK.
The Layout window opens.
4 Choose File ➤ Page Setup.
5 From the Size list, choose 9 x 11 or Letter.
6 Choose the Landscape option, and click OK.
7 Drag all frames onto one page in the Layout window if they are not
already on the same page.
8 In the Windows data window, expand Layout Windows, right-click
Layout, and choose Options.
The Layout Display Options dialog box opens.
9 In the Layout Size section, in the Width box, type 1.0 if it is not
already displayed.
10 In the Height box, type 1. 0 if it is not already displayed, and click OK.
11 Maximize the Layout window.
12 In the Windows data window, expand Layout Windows, right-click
Layout, and choose View ➤ Change View.
To move a frame
1 Move the signal strength map to the left side of the layout window.
2 Move the logo below the map.
3 Move the other two frames to the right side of the layout window.
10 On the Main toolbar, click the Select button, and align the title with the
left edge of the map.
Your layout window should look similar to the one below.
12 Click OK.
13 Choose Layout ➤ Send to Back.
Summary
In this lesson, you have learned to
■ use the Legend Generator to create legends for your grids
A D
AMT. See Automatic Model Tuner (AMT) Data
Analysis Info tool using the training data set 3
configuring and using 68 Demographic analysis
Analysis layers performing 134
types 11 tool 133
Antenna patterns 39 Documentation
adding 40 using 3
deleting 39
editing 39 F
viewing 39 Files
Automatic Model Tuner (AMT) clutter property assignment 62, 63
overview 72 network analysis parameters 63
using 54 opening 28
opening graphics 152
C propagation models 63
CAL values site configuration 32, 63
interpreting 53 structure 12
Clutter Flags 44
interpreting CAL values 53 adding conditions 44
property assignment 62 creating 44
selecting a .cpa file 64 defining conditions for a sector 45
using to tune the CRC-Predict model 53 displaying 45
Clutter absorption loss (CAL) values Frames
interpreting 53 adding a border 157
Clutter property assignment file 62 aligning 154
Configurations deleting drop shadow 157
defining for Analysis Info tool 68 manipulating in a layout window 154
Coverage layers 11 moving 154
CRC-Predict model removing border 155
description 51 resizing 154
setting up a .cpa file 63
161
Index
Planet EV 3.1 Training DRAFT
G Interference layer 12
Global edit Interference matrix
editing sites 46 creating a Local Knowledge IM 110
Graphic file creating a Modeled IM 105
opening 152 creating a Network Data IM 108
Grid displaying 107
calculations for multiple grids 129 generating 101
calculator 128 Local Knowledge 102
classified 12 merging 112
creating queries 130 Modeled 102
customizing for a project 137 Network Data 102
merging 140 types 102
numeric 12
reclassifying 142 L
reprojecting 144 Layer Control 26
resizing 144 Layers
splicing 140 arranging 26
trimming 139 Layout windows 147
using a region to trim 139 adding a title 155
view legend 143 cartographic symbols 151
Grid files 12 creating a layout 153
Grid legend creating a legend 148
displaying 67 manipulating frames 154
modifying content 156
H printing 156
Help vector objects 151
accessing 3
getting technical support 7 M
HTML Help 3 Map windows
changing the view 26
I creating a legend 148
Information creating a scale bar 158
on grids 68 Model tuning
overview 50, 72
162
Index
Planet EV 3.1 Training DRAFT
N Predictions 11
Neighbor list factors affecting 52
based on interference matrix 120 generating 66, 80
comparing 124 viewing individual sectors 67
displaying in a Map window 124 Project
generating 117 building a project area 137
generating a best server list 119 closing 26
setting handover priorities 123 creating 19, 22
Neighbor list tool 118 creating a new ID 54, 73
Neighbor lists creating with the Project Wizard 23
description 117 General 22
Network analysis 11 opening 26
choosing analysis layers 66, 80 saving 26
Network analysis layers types 20
getting information on 68 Project Explorer 10
Network data Project settings
binding 84 defining 25
creating binding rules 84 dialog box 25
displaying 86 Project Wizard 21
importing 81, 83 using 23
using 81 Propagation Model Editor
Network data tool 82 exploring 60
Propagation models
O CRC-Predict 51, 63
Online Help 3 tuning 50, 72
P S
Path Loss Scale bar
Planet model 77 creating 158
Path loss 11 Sector
factors affecting 52 creating a group 42
Planet EV defining flag conditions 45
terminology 11 definition 32
Planet General model displaying a group 43
automatically tuning 54 displaying flag conditions 45
Planet Model setting properties 35, 36
path loss equation 76 Sector group
path loss sources 77 creating 42
Planet model displaying 43
settings 75
163
Index
Planet EV 3.1 Training DRAFT
164