Parametric and Synoptic Charts for Determining the Patterns of an Elemental Dipole with a Scattering Mirror or Cylinder

It is shown that a comprehensive summary of the dependence of the patterns of a "complex" antenna system on its geometric and electrical parameters can be presented in graphical form through the use of what are here described as "parametric graphs" and "synoptic charts". Such graphical descriptions may be readily derived, provide an overall understanding of a system's behavior, enable economic and rapid determination of patterns, and permit comparison between different antenna systems. The examples presented are for the cases of an elemental dipole with a finite mirror or cylinder, and for the classical two-element array.