The communications research centre VHF/UHF propagation prediction program: An overview

A computer based VHF/UHF propagation prediction program has been developed by the Communications Research Centre (CRC) in Ottawa. This program includes a conversational routine to act as an interface between the user and the main computational routines and a topographic data base comprising all of southern Ontario. The data base is presently being extended to include most of the East Coast. Several propagation model are available. Included is a fully automated “detailed” mode of computing path loss, signal-strength, or signal-to-noise ratio. This mode uses path profiles either supplied by the user or extracted automatically from the topographic data base. A continuing series of field-trials serve to verify the prediction accuracy of the program. It is planned to release the program shortly for use by the private sector.