Field measurements and coverage prediction model evaluation based on a geographical information system

Coverage prediction is essential for designing a mobile radio system operating in the 800/900 MHz band. A mobile radio field measurement and coverage prediction model evaluation procedure based on the utilization of a geographical information system (GIS) is described. Coordination of mean signal strength values with detailed point-to-point topographic characteristics through the GIS is used to obtain accurate and reliable information in the form of an integrated propagation and topographic database. The proposed procedure can be used to evaluate or even modify current coverage prediction models over composite urban areas.