Planet EV 3.1 Training Manual

3.
Cover Page
Planet EV Training Manual
December 10, 2003

Copyright © 2002, 2003
Metapath Software International (US), Inc.

A Marconi Company
Notice
This document contains confidential and proprietary information of Metapath Software International
(US), Inc., a Marconi company (“MSI” or “Marconi”) and may not be copied, transmitted, stored in
a retrieval system, or reproduced in any format or media, in whole or in part, without the prior written
consent of Marconi. Information contained in this document supersedes that found in any previous
manuals, guides, specifications data sheets, or other information that may have been provided or
made available to the user. This document is provided for informational purposes only, and Marconi
does not warrant or guarantee the accuracy, adequacy, quality, validity, completeness or suitability
for any purpose the information contained in this document. Marconi may update, improve, and
enhance this document and the products to which it relates at any time without prior notice to the user.
MARCONI MAKES NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING, WITHOUT
LIMITATION, THOSE OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR
PURPOSE, WITH RESPECT TO THIS DOCUMENT OR THE INFORMATION CONTAINED
HEREIN.
Trademark Acknowledgement
Marconi, Metapath, Ceer, Planet NOVA, Ceos, Planet, and deciBel Planner are trademarks or
registered trademarks of the Marconi group of wireless telecommunication companies which include
MSI, Metapath Software International Limited, and Northwood Technologies, Inc. WaveSight is a
trademark of WaveCall. This document may contain other trademarks, trade names, or service marks
of other organizations, each of which is the property of its respective owner.
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
Introduction to Elements of the Planet EV user interface 10

Planet EV Project Explorer 10
Menus 10
Planet EV basic terminology 11
Planet EV predictions and network analysis 11
Path loss and signal strength 11
Coverage layer 11
Interference layer 12
Grid and vector files 12
Files and folder structure 12
Establishing a Workflow for a Planet EV General project 16

Planet EV General
Project Workflow
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
Creating a site configuration 34

Using antenna patterns 39
Editing, moving, and deleting sites 41
Creating a sector group 42
Working with flags 44
Global editing of site tables 46
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
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
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
Welcome to the Planet EV training course! This

chapter presents an overview of the course
schedule and format, and describes how to use this
training manual and other user documentation.
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
■ to describe technical information

■ to explain concepts
■ to introduce activities
■ Guided practice
■ to demonstrate the use of Planet EV features and functionality
■ to provide suggestions for using Planet EV effectively
■ Hands-on practice
■ to give you the opportunity to perform procedures at your own
pace
Using this training manual

This manual contains commonly used procedures as well as background
information that explains when and why you would perform each
procedure. Each lesson in this training manual contains the following types
of information:
■ Learning objectives—what you will be able to do after completing
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
2 Planet EV 3.1 Training DRAFT

Welcome
■ Procedure introductions—the what, when, and why for each

procedure
■ Step-by-step procedures—how to perform a task and to obtain the
expected results
Planet EV data set

A data set has been installed on the computer that you will use during this
course. Details about the data set appear in the relevant sections of the
training manual.
Using the Planet EV documentation

Before using the Planet EV documentation available from the Help menu,
you should be familiar with the Windows environment. It is assumed that
you know how to access ToolTips and shortcut menus; move and copy
objects; resize dialog boxes; expand and collapse folder trees; and that you
are familiar with the basic functions of MapInfo Professional. MapInfo
Professional functions are not documented in the User Guides. For
information about MapInfo Professional, see the MapInfo online Help and
User Guide.
All Planet EV product information is available through the online Help.
You access online Help using the Help menu or context-sensitive Help
from within a dialog box by pressing the F1 key. If you want to view the
online Help for a specific panel or tab, click in a field or list box to activate
the panel or tab before you press F1. The following sections describe the
structure of the online Help.
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
■ procedures for using the software

■ an extensive documentation library in PDF format
■ basic exercises to familiarize you with the software, to be used in
conjunction with the data set available from the Wireless Network
Planning software download area
■ User Guides
The following sections provide details about the resources available
through the online Help.
Planet EV 3.1 Training DRAFT 3

Resource Roadmap
When you first use the online Help, start with the Resource Roadmap. It
describes the types of resources available in the online Help and explains
how best to use them. It includes a step-by-step guide that walks you
through the available resources.
Printing
You have two basic options for printing documents:
■ If you want a good quality print of a single procedure or section, you
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.

Welcome
User Guides
All User Guides for the Wireless Network Planning software are easily
accessible as part of the online Help.
Planet EV Documentation Library

Planet EV comes with an extensive library of User Guides and Technical
Notes in PDF format. Depending on which modules you have installed, the
Planet EV Library may contain additional documents. The following table
provides details about the documentation supplied with Planet EV and
Planet EV modules.
Planet EV
Planet EV User Guide Plan and analyze simulated wireless

communication networks.
Grid Analysis User Guide Perform operations on spatial data that is
stored in grids, and display, analyze, and
export digital elevation models (DEM) and
other grid-based data.
Data Manager User Guide Learn how to configure and use the Data
Manager.
The Data Manager enables users to work
with centralized Planet EV data stored in an
Oracle or Microsoft SQL database.
Installation Guide Install Wireless Network Planning software.
CRC-Predict Technical Understand the CRC-Predict propagation
Note model.
Planet General Model Understand the Planet General model and
Technical Note learn more about the parameters of the
model.
Glossary Search for commonly used technical terms.
Release Note Learn about new features and known issues
with the current release of software.
MapInfo Professional User Learn about the many features of MapInfo
Guide Professional, as well as basic and advanced
mapping concepts.

Planet EV Modules
GSM User Guide Plan and analyze GSM networks.

This guide is only available if you have
installed the GSM module.
cdma2000 User Guide Plan and analyze cdma2000 networks.
installed the cdma2000 module.
Fixed Wireless User Guide Plan and analyze Fixed Wireless networks.
installed the Fixed Wireless module.
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.
bold text Bold text is used in procedure steps to identify a user

interface element such as a dialog box, a menu item,
or a button.
For example:
In the Select Interpolation Method dialog box,
choose the Inverse Distance Weighting option, and
click Next.
italic text Italic text is used in procedures to identify text that a
user must type.
For example:
In the File Name box, type El eva t i on . g rd .
➤ Menu arrows are used in procedures to identify a
sequence of menu items that you must follow.
For example, if a step reads “Choose File ➤ Open,”
you would first click File, and then click Open.
Icons
Throughout this training manual, icons are used to identify text that
requires special attention.
This icon identifies a workflow summary, which explains a

series of actions that you will need to carry out in the
specified order to complete a task.

Welcome
This icon identifies a cautionary statement, which contains

information required to avoid potential loss of data, of time,
or of resources.
This icon identifies a tip, which contains shortcut

information, alternative ways of performing a task, or
methods that save time or resources.
This icon identifies a note, which highlights important

information or provides information that is useful but not
essential.
Getting technical support

You can get technical support by email, fax, phone, or through the Wireless
Network Planning web pages at http://www.marconi.com/html/products/
wnpproductsupport.htm. Email is the best way of getting technical support.
Marconi UK
(UK and all other locations, other than those listed below)
Email: emeasupport.wireless@marconi.com
Hot-line: +44 (0)207 898 8811
Fax: +44 (0)207 898 8810
Marconi North America

Email: support.wireless@marconi.com
Hot-line: +1-877-777-7441
Fax: +1-972-669-6388
Marconi Latin America
Email: helpdeskcala@marconi.com
Hot-line: +55 11 5185 7409
Fax: +55 11 5185 7447
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 Hong Kong

Email: ap.wireless.hk-helpdesk@marconi.com
Hot-line: +852 2919 8436
Fax: +852 2845 1997
Marconi China
Email: ap.wireless.sh-helpdesk@marconi.com
Hot-line: +86 21 5396 5516 ext. 11
Fax: +86 21 5396 5658

Web support is also available. A Technical Assistance Center (TAC)
Analyst will provide you with information on participating in an online
technical support session.
When you call for technical support, ensure that you have your product ID
number and know which version of the software you are running. You can
obtain this information using the About command from the Help menu.
When you request technical support outside of regular business hours, a
TAC Analyst will respond the next working day by telephone or email,
depending upon the nature of the request.
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.

Introduction to
Planet EV
In this Introduction, you are This chapter provides an overview of the

provided with information on Planet EV software.
■ the elements of the Planet EV
user interface
■ the basic Planet EV terminology
■ how Planet EV uses predictions
to generate a network analysis
■ the Planet EV files and folders
required for a project
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.

Introduction
Planet EV basic terminology

The following terms are commonly used throughout this course:
■ Site—location and logical container for multiple sectors
■ Sector—equipment on a site that serves a coverage area

■ Grid—type of file that contains raster data
■ Predictions—collective term for path loss and signal strength
■ Digital Elevation Model (DEM)—elevation data (heights)
■ Clutter—information about the environment such as land use
■ Analysis layers—prediction files generated by the network analysis
■ Survey data—drive test data including carrier wave and scanner data
■ Table—flat file used to store data records such as site and sector
information
You will learn more about the different file types as you proceed through
the exercises in this course.
Planet EV predictions and network analysis

Planet EV generates path loss and signal strength predictions, collectively
known as predictions. Planet EV uses these predictions to generate a two
types of analysis layers: coverage and interference.
Path loss and signal strength

The term path loss refers to the reduction in signal strength as an
electromagnetic wave travels through the environment from the transmitter
to the receiver. The path loss depends on the physical properties of the
environment through which the electromagnetic wave travels.
Planet EV calculates path loss as follows:
Predicted Path Loss = Free-space Loss + all losses due to terrain and
clutter
The predicted path loss is used to calculate the predicted signal strength at
the location of the receiver:
Predicted Signal Strength = Transmitted Signal Strength - Predicted
Path Loss
After calculating the prediction values, Planet EV generates the network
analysis layers.
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.

Interference layer
An interference layer shows the interference on the best server or any other
serving sector within a spread spectrum network. An interference layer
displays information based on the type of network. For a cdma2000
network, for example, interference layers display Ec/Io values. For a GSM
network, interference layers display C/I values.
Grid and vector files

You will use two types of files as you work through the lessons in this
course: grid and vector files.
Grids, also known as raster files, store data for maps and images. The data
is organized by rows and columns. Grids use pixels—a cell matrix—to
represent geographic data. Every pixel represents a data value. Examples
of grids include maps that contain demographic information, elevation,
clutter, and signal strength.
Grid files can be classified or numeric. A classified grid contains categories
of information: in a clutter grid, each cell contains information about the
type of land use. A numeric grid, such as an elevation grid, contains
numeric values stored within each pixel.
Vector files use points, lines, and polygons to represent geographic data.
Vector objects are defined by a set of points in the form of x, y-coordinates.
For example, a line is defined by two sets of points, and a rectangle by four
sets of points. Each feature in a vector file can have multiple attributes
assigned to it—the attributes are stored in a table that is linked to the map.
Examples of vector files include site files, survey data files, census
boundary files, and road files.
Files and folder structure

Before you begin using Planet EV, create a folder in which you will store
all of the files for a single project. When you create and save a project,
Planet EV automatically adds the following items to your project folder:
■ Antennas folder—contains antenna pattern files, including
default.dpa and Omni.dpa
■ BestServ folder—stores prediction files after you generate them
■ Config folder—contains saved site configuration files (.dsc files)
■ InterferenceMatrix folder—stores interference matrix files after you
generate them
■ Model folder—contains all the propagation model files and their
clutter property associated (.cpa) files
■ NeighborList folder—stores files generated using the Neighbor List
tool

Introduction
■ Network_Data folder—stores information about switch statistics

data
■ Settings folder—stores information created by the Traffic Map
Generator
■ project files (.dpl, .dbp)
■ workspace files (.wor)
Planet EV looks for certain project files when you reopen a project that you
previously saved and closed. When you create a project,
■ the Project Wizard stores all of the files that it creates in the folder
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

Chapter 3: Establishing a Planet EV General Project
Workflow
Establishing a Planet
EV General Project
Workflow
Consistently following a project workflow will

help you streamline the work you have to do when
you perform a network analysis using Planet EV.
Should a problem occur in your analysis,
following an established project workflow can
also help you to identify in which phase of the
process a problem may have occurred.
15
Workflow for a Planet EV General project
We recommend that you follow the workflow outlined below or adapt it to

match your special needs.
To perform a network analysis for a general project, you must
Step 1 Prepare and organize your data on a PC

■ organize your file structure within Windows Explorer
■ keep your data and output folders separate from your program files
Step 2 Setup the Data Manager

■ coordinate the setup with your IT department
■ create and assign usernames and passwords
Step 3 Create projects and workspaces

■ create the type of project, which includes a DEM file, a clutter file,
and a site table, appropriate for your needs
■ create a workspace appropriate for your project
Step 4 Build the project area

■ Trim, merge, stamp, resize, reproject, and/or reclassify your grids
to suit your needs
Step 5 Prepare the data prior to analysis

■ create a site table if required
■ import the antenna files that you need
■ save and load color profiles
Step 6 Prepare your sites

■ place and configure the sites
■ global or locally edit, move, or delete your sites if necessary
Step 7 Work with survey data

■ Add and import surveys
■ Assign surveys to sectors
■ average and filter survey data
Step 8 Tune the model or the model of the environment (CRC-Predict or

Planet General model)
■ create a Clutter Property Assignment file
■ assign Average Obstacle Height values to each clutter class

Establishing a Planet EV General Project Workflow
Step 9 Generate analysis layers

■ choose the layers that you want to generate
■ view the layers
Step 10 Visualize grid data and work with spatial data

■ create a 3D view, cross sections, viewsheds, grid calculations, and/
or grid queries
Step 11 Prepare a layout for presentation

■ create legends and other graphic items to add to a layout
■ print and save the layout

Lesson 1: Creating a Projectecial 1
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

Creating a Project
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.
Workflow for creating a project
To set up a Planet EV project, you will typically complete the following

tasks.
Step 1 Create a project.
Step 2 Define system settings.
Step 3 Customize your view of the map layers.
Step 4 Save the project.
For more information on creating a project by using the Project Wizard or

by doing it manually, refer to the Planet EV User Guide, accessible from the
Help menu of Planet EV 3.1.

Lesson 1
Creating a General project

This exercise shows you how to begin working with Planet EV. Throughout
this course, you will work with a General project as you plan a wireless
network and generate network analyses.
Planet EV provides a Project Wizard that simplifies the process of creating
a project. You can use the Project Wizard to create a project for any of the
Planet EV modules. The Project Wizard guides you through the steps
required to create a project, as shown in the following diagram.
Choose project type
Choose project folder
Choose DEM
Have clutter file? Choose clutter file

Yes
No
Have site table? Choose site table

No Yes
Type the
site table name
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

Creating a Project
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.
To create a project using the Project Wizard

1 Do one of the following:
■ If the Project Wizard is not open, choose File ➤ New Project Using
Wizard.
■ If the Project Wizard is open, continue with step 2 below.
2 In the Project Wizard dialog box, click Next.

Lesson 1
3 From the Project Type list, choose General if it is not already

displayed.
4 Click Next.
5 Click Browse.
The Select Project Directory dialog box opens.
6 Choose the Planet EV Training\General folder, and click OK.
7 Click Next.
8 Click Browse, choose the Planet EV Training\MappingData\Heights
folder, then choose the Height_Resolution30_NY.grd file, and click
Select.
This height file contains the terrain height information for the project
area.
9 Click Next.
10 When prompted for clutter data, choose the Yes option.
You have a clutter file.
11 Click Next.
12 Click Browse, choose the Planet EV Training\MappingData\Clutter
folder, then choose the Clutter_Resolution30_NY.grc file, and click
Select.
This clutter file contains land use and land classification information
for the project area.
13 Click Next.
14 Choose the Yes, I Have a Site Table option if it is not already chosen,
and click Next.
15 Click Browse, choose the Planet EV Training\General\Sites folder,
then choose the NY_TrainingSites.tab file, and click Select.
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.

Creating a Project
17 Click Finish.
The Project Settings dialog box opens and displays the file and the path
names that you chose using the Project Wizard.
The Project Settings dialog box contains the following tabs:

■ Files tab—shows the paths and the file names of the required and
optional files used for your predictions
■ Colors tab—shows the color profiles for the analysis layers
■ System Settings tab—shows the global settings for your project. This
tab lets you define the advanced and override options and the system
units for signal strength, power, height, and distance.
■ Network Analysis Files tab—lists the analyses that are generated
with a project. The analysis list remains empty until you perform a
network analysis for the newly created project.
■ Advanced Options tab—provides access to advanced options for
analysis layers, colors, contours, and system settings
To define system settings for the project

1 In the Project Settings dialog box, click the System Settings tab.
2 In the Override Options section, enable the Disable Integrity Check
on Elevation and Clutter Files check box.
Enabling the Disable Integrity Check on Elevation and Clutter Files
option reduces processing time.

Lesson 1
3 In the System Units section, do all of the following:

■ from the Signal Strength/Received Power list, choose dBm
■ from the Transmitted Power list, choose, EIRP (dBm)
■ from the Height list, choose m
■ from the Distance list, choose km
To save the project

1 In the Project Settings dialog box, click OK.
2 In the Save Project As dialog box, change the file name to
G en er al . d P B if it is not already displayed.
3 Click Save.
The Project Explorer opens and displays the project data. The site, the
clutter, and the height files open in a Map window.
To close the project

1 Choose File ➤ Close Project.
2 In the Planet EV dialog box, click Yes.
The Project Explorer and the project and its associated files close.
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.
To arrange the map layers

■ If only one data window is open, in the Project Explorer, click the
Add a Data Window button.
■ If two data windows are open, continue with step 2.
2 In the Project Explorer, from the Category list, choose Windows if it
is not already chosen.

Creating a Project
3 In the Windows data window, expand Map Windows, right-click

NY_Training_Sites,...,, and choose Layer Control.
The Layer Control dialog box opens.
Enables you to select

Enables you to make objects for further
the file visible in the processing
Map window
Enables you to Enables you to
make changes to assign labels to
the file sites automatically
4 Clear the Visible check box for NY_Training_Sites.

5 Click OK.
The site file is no longer displayed in the Map window.
6 In the Windows data window, expand NY_Training_Sites,...,,
right-click NY_Training_Sites, and choose Visible.
The site file is now displayed in the Map window.
To edit and to view the site labels

Planet EV can automatically label the sites for you.
1 In the Windows data window, right-click NY_Training_Sites,...,, and
choose Layer Control.
2 In the Layer Control dialog box, enable the Visible check box for
NY_Training_Sites.
3 From the Layer list, choose NY_Training_Sites, and click Label.
The NY_Training_Sites Label Options dialog box opens.
4 In the Visibility section, choose the On option.

Lesson 1
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.
To open and to close a table

1 Choose File ➤ Open Table.
The Open dialog box opens.
2 Choose the Planet EV Training\MappingData\Vectors folder, then
choose the Primary_Road_Merged.tab file, and click Open.
You can now see the roads displayed in the Map window on top of the
other layers.
3 In the Windows data window, expand NY_Training_Sites,...,.
A new reference named Primary_Road_Merged is displayed in the
Project Explorer tree view.
4 Right-click Primary_Road_Merged, and choose Close.
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.

Creating a Project
Summary
In this lesson, you have learned to
■ use the Project Wizard to create a new Planet EV General project
■ change system settings

■ open and close projects
■ use the Project Explorer Windows feature to change the layers
displayed in the Map windows
■ open files and tables

Lesson 1

Lesson 2: Configuring and Placing Sitesecial 1
Lesson
2.
Configuring and
Placing Sites
■ 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
■ a sector is equipment on a site that serves a defined coverage area.

The equipment can consist of one or more antennas.
The settings for a site and its sector(s) are contained in a site configuration
file (.dsc). When you place a site, you can configure the new site using a
new configuration file, or you can load an existing site configuration file
and apply the existing configuration to the new site, as shown in the
flowchart below.
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.

Configuring and Placing Sites
Workflow for configuring and placing sites
To configure and to place sites, you will typically complete the following
tasks.
Step 1 Create a site configuration.
Step 2 Choose site properties.
Step 3 Choose sector properties.
Step 4 Save the site configuration.
Step 5 Choose a propagation model.
Step 6 Place sites.
Step 7 Add an antenna pattern.
Step 8 Edit, move, and delete sites.
Step 9 Create a sector group.
Step 10 Create flags and conditions.
Step 11 Perform global edits.
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.

Lesson 2
Creating a site configuration

When you create a site configuration, Planet EV saves a .dsc file in the
General folder within your project folder. The .dsc file acts as a template
that you can use to configure and to place new sites.
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.
In this exercise, you will create a site configuration. As part of the

configuration process, you will
■ add sectors to the site
■ define sector properties

■ choose an antenna
■ define power settings
■ set the azimuth for each sector
■ change the colors for the sector symbols
■ set up a user defined column to display a cell ID
■ save the site configuration
To create a site configuration

1 In the Project Explorer, in the second data window, from the
Category list, choose Sites if it is not already chosen.
2 In the Sites data window, right-click Sites, and choose New.
The Site Configuration dialog box opens.

3 In the Site Configuration dialog box, choose the

Create a New Configuration option, and click Continue.
The Site Properties dialog box opens.
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.
To choose an antenna pattern

1 In the Site Properties dialog box, click the Sectors tab.
2 In the Antenna row, click default.dpa, and then click the ellipsis (...).
The Select Antenna Pattern dialog box opens.
3 In the Select Antenna Pattern dialog box, from the Antenna list,
choose TGA-1448.dpa, and click OK.
To calculate link budget values

1 In the Link Budget row, click Disabled, the click the down arrow, and
choose Enabled from the list.
2 In the Power EIRP row, click the cell, and then click the ellipsis (...).
The Link Budget Calculator dialog box opens.

Lesson 2
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.
To set the azimuth

1 In the Azimuth row, click the cell, and type 18 0 .
An antenna with an azimuth value of 0 degrees points due north, one
with 90 degrees points east, one with 180 degrees points south, and one
with 270 degrees points west. The azimuth increases in a clockwise
direction.
2 Double-click the Color/Symbol cell.
The Symbol Style dialog box opens.
3 In the Symbol Style dialog box, click the down arrow for the Color
box, and choose a blue swatch from the color palette.
4 Click OK.
To set the properties for sector 2

1 In the Site Properties dialog box, click Add Sector.
A new column is displayed. All of the values are by default the same as
those in the first column, except for the azimuth setting.
2 In the Azimuth row, click the cell, and type 27 0 .
3 Double-click the Color/Symbol box for column 2.
The Symbol Style dialog box opens.

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 save the site configuration

1 In the Site Properties dialog box, choose
File ➤ Save Configuration As.
The Save Configuration As dialog box opens.
2 In the Save Configuration As dialog box, in the File Name box, type
Specific_2_sec tor.
3 Click Save.
Now that you have saved the new site configuration, you can use it to
configure and place other sites.
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.
To save the site file

You will now save the site table file that has been updated with information
about the site you placed.
1 From the Planet EV menu, choose File ➤ Save Table.
The Save Table dialog box opens.
2 In the Save Table dialog box, from the Save Tables list, choose
NY_Training_Sites if it is not already chosen.
3 Click Save.
4 In the Site Properties dialog box, click Close.
5 In the Planet EV dialog box, click No.

Lesson 2
To assign a propagation model to a site

You can assign the same propagation model to all of your sites using the
Global Edit feature.
1 In the Sites data window, right-click Sites, and choose Global Edit.
The Global Edit dialog box opens.
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.

Using antenna patterns

Antenna pattern file formats vary depending on the manufacturer.
Planet EV supports many formats; however, you have to ensure that your
antenna patterns are valid and correctly formatted.
Planet EV creates a folder called Antennas in your main project folder
when you create a project. Some antenna patterns are placed automatically
in this folder, including default.dpa and Omni.dpa.
In this exercise you will work with antenna patterns.
If you want to add an antenna pattern to your project, you can
■ choose it from your own antenna library and copy and paste it into
your project Antennas folder

■ use the Antenna Editor to edit an existing antenna pattern, to rename
it, and to save it to the Antennas folder
■ use the Select Antenna Pattern dialog box to combine antenna
patterns to create a quasi-omnidirectional cell
After you add an antenna pattern file to your project Antenna folder, that
pattern becomes available for use in site configuration.
To view an antenna pattern

1 In the Project Explorer, from the Category list, choose Project Data.
2 In the Project Data data window, expand Antennas.
3 Scroll to the bottom of the data window.
4 Right-click TGA-1472, and choose Edit.
The Antenna Editor dialog box opens and displays the horizontal and
vertical antenna patterns.
5 In the Antenna Editor dialog box, choose File ➤ Exit.
To delete an antenna pattern

Deleting an antenna pattern removes the file from a project’s Antennas
folder. You can always add the pattern back into the project folder later.
1 In the Project Data data window, right-click TGA-1472, and choose
Delete.
The antenna pattern is removed from the Antenna Patterns list and from
the project Antennas folder.

Lesson 2
To add an antenna pattern

1 In the Project Data data window, right-click Antennas, and choose
Add.
2 In the Open dialog box, choose the
Planet EV Training\General\Antennas folder, then choose the
Marconi_PCS090_12.dpa file, and click Open.
The antenna pattern file name is displayed in the Project Data data
window.
To combine antenna patterns in a quasi-omnidirectional pattern

1 In the Project Explorer, in the Sites category, right-click NJ1 and
choose Edit.
3 Click the Antenna field for Sector 1, and then click the Browse (...)
button at the right of the field.
The Select Antenna Pattern dialog box opens.
4 Choose the Combined (Quasi-omni cell) option.
5 In the Combined Antenna Pattern section, choose
MarconiPCS090_12.dpa from the Name list.
6 For MarconiPCS090_12.dpa, do the following:
■ Click in the Azimuth field and type 90 .
■ Click in the Tilt (-Down, + Up) field and type 2 .
■ Enable the Specify EIRP/IRP Per Antenna check box, click in the
EIRP field and type 53 .
7 Click Add.
8 From the Name list, choose ASPP2936.dpa.
9 For ASPP2936.dpa, do the following:
■ Click in the Azimuth field and type 18 0 .
■ Click in the Tilt (-Down, + Up) field and type 1 .
■ Enable the Specify EIRP/IRP Per Antenna check box, click in the
EIRP field and type 51 if it is not already displayed.
10 Click Combine.
When the antenna patterns are combined, the Information box updates
to display the Boresight Gain, the Front-to-Back, H Beamwidth, and D
Beamwidth values of the new antenna pattern. The horizontal and
vertical antenna patterns are also displayed on the right of the dialog
box.

11 Click OK to close the Select Antenna Pattern dialog box.

12 In the Site Properties dialog box, click Apply and then click Close.
The quasi-omnidirectional cell data is saved as an antenna file in the Antennas
folder of the project, with the naming convention of Combined_NJ1_1.dpa.
Editing, moving, and deleting sites

For each site, you can edit the properties of each sector, add or delete
sectors, or load a more suitable site configuration.
There are three ways that you can change the configuration of sites:
■ by using the Edit Site button on the Site toolbar for a single site
■ by using the Project Explorer for a single site

■ by using the Global Edit function for all sites or a group of sites
In this exercise, you will edit, move, and delete sites.
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.
6 Click the Azimuth box for the sector 1 column, type 9 0 , and click
Apply.
To move a site to a location with known coordinates

1 In the Site Properties dialog box, click the Site tab.
2 In the Location section, double-click the X/Long box, type - 74 . 4 , and
click Apply.
The symbol for the Site_1 site moves to the updated location.
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.

Lesson 2
3 From the Planet EV menu, choose View ➤ Toolbars.

4 In the Toolbar Options dialog box, enable the Show check box next to
the Site toolbar if it is not already enabled, and click OK.
5 On the Site toolbar, click the Edit Site button.
6 Press the S key to activate the Snap function.
7 Click site Site_1 in the Map window.
8 On the Site toolbar, click the Place Site button.
9 Click the Map window slightly to the northeast of site Site_1.
The x- and y-coordinates in the Location section of the Site Properties
dialog box are updated to show the coordinates where you clicked.
10 In the Site Properties dialog box, click Apply.
In the Map window, site Site_1 moves to the new location.
To delete a site using the Project Explorer

1 In the Sites data window, right-click Site_1, and choose Delete.
Creating a sector group

You can create a sector group in order to classify sectors that share a
common property, such as service status or deployment phase. Once you
have created sector groups, you can then create project filters. These filters
facilitate
■ planning for a phased network deployment
■ visualizing the impact a series of sectors would have on a network if

they were out of service for maintenance purposes
In this exercise, you will create and label a sector group.

To create a sector group

You will create the sector group using the original site file.
1 In the Project Explorer, from the Category list, choose Sites if it is not
already displayed.
2 In the Sites data window, right-click Groups, and choose New.
3 In the Add New Group dialog box, in the Enter Group Name box,
type Tr ain i n g , and click OK.
The file name can contain alphanumeric symbols only. A space and
other symbols are not permitted.
5 In the Sites data window, expand Groups, and then expand Sites.
You need to make the site labels visible.
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.
7 Drag the sites to Training.

The selected sites are displayed in the Project Explorer as part of the
Training group that you just created.
To display the sectors belonging to a group

1 Right-click in the Map window and choose View Entire Layer.
The map window will refocus.
2 In the Sites data window, right-click Training, and choose View.
The sites that belong to the Training group are displayed in the Map
window.
3 In the second Project Explorer data window, from the Category list,
choose Windows.
4 In the Windows data window, expand Map Windows,...,.
5 In the Windows data window, expand TrainingMap,..., right-click
TrainingMap, and choose Remove.
6 Right-click NY_Training_Sites, and choose Visible.
All of the sites in the site file are displayed in the Map window.

Lesson 2
You may need to make the site labels visible.
Working with flags

Flags are used to identify characteristics (conditions) of selected sites and
sectors. You can filter sectors and sector groups based on the flag settings,
which can be useful for network planning tasks such as visualizing the
stages of network deployment.
Once you have defined a flag and specified conditions for it, you can set
the flag to a selected condition for each sector.
In this exercise, you will create a flag called Status and another called
Phases. For the Status flag, you will define two conditions: Approved and
Installed. For the Phases flag, you will also define two conditions: Phase 1
and Phase 2. After you have set the flags for the selected sectors to a
particular condition, you will identify the sites in Phase 1 that are installed
or approved by simply selecting the appropriate flags and conditions and
displaying the results.
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.
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 .
To create a second flag

1 In the Sites data window, right-click Flags, and choose New.
The Add New Flag dialog box opens.
2 In the Flag Name box, type Ph as es , and click OK.
3 Right-click Phases, and choose New Condition.

The Add New Condition dialog box opens.

4 In the Enter Condition Name dialog box, type Ph as e1 .
5 Click OK.
6 In the Sites data window, right-click Phases, and choose New
Condition.
7 In the Enter Condition Name box, type Phase2 .
8 Click OK.
You have now created two flags, each with two conditions.
Flag Condition 1 Condition 2
Status Installed Approved

Phases Phase1 Phase2
To define the condition of a flag for a group of sectors

Once you have defined a flag and specified the conditions for it, you can
set the flag to a specific condition for each sector using the Sites data
window in the Project Explorer.
1 In the Sites data window, expand Sites so that you can see all of the
sites listed.
2 Expand NJ1.
3 Right-click sector 1, and choose Set Flags.
The Flags dialog box opens.
4 In the Status row, click the Condition box.
5 Click the click the down arrow, and choose Approved from the list.
6 In the Phases row, click the Condition box.
7 Click the click the down arrow, and choose Phase2 from the list.
8 Click OK.
9 Repeat steps 3 through 8 for sector 2, but assign the flag conditions
Installed and Phase1.
To display flag-specific information

You can quickly locate sectors identified with specific flags and conditions.
If you want to view the sites approved but not yet installed for Phase 2, you
can filter on the flag sets.
1 In the Sites data window, expand Flags if it is not already expanded.
2 Expand both Status and Phases.

Lesson 2
3 Enable the check boxes for Approved and for Phase2.

4 Right-click Flags, and choose View.
The site and sector that is approved for Phase 2 is displayed in the Map
window.
5 In the Windows data window, expand Map Windows, and then expand
FlagsMap,....
6 Right-click FlagsMap, and choose Close.
7 Expand NY_Training_Sites, right-click NY_Training_Sites, and
choose Visible.
All of the sites in the site file are displayed in the Map window.
Global editing of site tables

You can change site and sector properties for all sites in your project or for
a particular group of sites using the Global editing function. Performing a
global edit saves you time and ensures that a setting is changed for all
sectors of interest.
In this exercise, you will use the Global Edit feature to change the sector
height for all sectors within the Training group.
To perform a global edit

1 In the Sites data window, expand Groups if it is not already expanded.
2 Right-click Training, and choose Global Edit.
3 In the Global Edit dialog box, choose the Site Table option if it is not
already chosen.
4 From the Selection list, choose NY_Training_Sites if it is not already
chosen.
5 From the Group list, choose Training if it is not already chosen.
The global edits that you are about to perform will apply only to the
Training group.
The value -999 in a data field means that the actual number is taken from
the DEM.
6 In the Data Field column, enable the check box for

Transmitter Height.
7 Click the box in the Value column, and type 37 .
8 In the Data Field column, enable the check box for Antenna Pattern.
9 Click the down arrow in the Value cell, and choose db844h90-xy.dpa.

10 Click Apply.
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
■ place and configure sites using the Project Explorer
■ modify site properties in the Site Properties dialog box

■ edit and move sites
■ create sector groups to facilitate phasing of a network plan
■ flag sectors to help you visualize different conditions of a network
■ globally edit site and sector properties

Lesson 2

Lesson 3: Tuning the Predict Propagation Model
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.
Filtering the survey data

Usually, you will have to filter your survey data using the Survey Manager
to improve the accuracy of the calculated CAL values.
Averaging your survey data
Two parameters that affect the calculation of the CAL values are Rayleigh
fading and distance to median signal strength. The Rayleigh Fading value,
which is the phase-interference caused by multipath, is a variable
dependent on frequency. Planet EV calculates the Distance to get Median
Signal Strength value using a forward stepping aggregation technique,
which averages points that fall within a defined radius. You can average
your raw survey data using these two parameters.
You need to average your data when
■ the measured signal strength data is collected at every meter or less,
because you cannot accurately predict the signal strength at this

resolution
■ the resolution of the DEM grid is much coarser (commonly 30 - 100
meters) than the survey data sampling resolution
Removing extraneous survey points
Before you generate a prediction, it is recommended that you examine your
survey data to identify anomalous points and remove them. These anomalous
points may be measurements made in tunnels, on bridges, on elevated
roadways, and so on, and they can adversely skew your CAL values.
You can set the filter parameters to determine which survey data points to
remove using the Survey Manager. You can then view the effect of your
settings on your survey data in a regression graph. Examining the survey
data points in the regression graph helps you to determine if points have
been correctly removed and which points still need to be removed.
When you remove survey data points, use the following guidelines.

Tuning the Predict Propagation Model
■ Remove only data points that are statistically unacceptable.

■ Remove or correct survey data points with incorrect coordinates,
e.g., where the GPS was unavailable or inaccurate
■ Retain a clutter class that is only sparsely represented in the area for
which you want to provide coverage as it does not need to have a
large number of survey data points.
■ Retain data points at the edge of your coverage area. Since survey
measurement equipment is more sensitive than a mobile, trim all data
points that lie more than 5 to 10 dBm below the sensitivity of the
survey measurement equipment but below the saturation of the
survey equipment. For example, if the survey receiver is sensitive to
-130 dBm, you should trim data points that are below -120 dBm.
■ Expect a few points to approach the free space line (green line above
the regression line); this is acceptable.
■ Remove data points that do not lie within the clutter grid.
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.
Understanding the Predict propagation model

The predictions created by the Predict model are based on a detailed
simulation of diffraction over terrain and an estimate of local clutter
attenuation.
You should use the Predict model in most circumstances, regardless of the
kind of terrain, if detailed terrain and/or clutter information is available.
The following cases are exceptions:
■ for very short paths, for example, micro-cellular paths, in which the
locations of individual buildings are important

■ when you need a very rapid calculation, because Predict is more
computational intensive than most models
The Predict propagation algorithm is based on physical optics and
simulates the diffraction over terrain, which includes an estimate of local
clutter attenuation.
The diffraction is calculated using the Fresnel-Kirchhoff theory, which can
be expressed in terms of the Huygen's principle of physical optics. This
principle states that points in space experiencing a wave field can be
considered secondary sources of radiation, the amplitude of which is
proportional to the amplitude of the field.
More specifically, the diffraction calculation is based on the wave path
profile, which is expressed as ground elevation as a function of distance

Lesson 3
from the transmitter. The path profile is a series of points of elevations at

distances x0, x1, x2, etc. These points are joined by straight lines, as shown
in the following figure.
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,
Forest, User Defined)—set by the user

■ Average obstacle height—automatically set when you choose a
ground type; however, you can override the value
■ Clutter absorption loss—calculated from survey data
Interpreting a CAL value
A CAL value that is
■ positive means the predicted signal strength values are higher than the
survey data values for the corresponding clutter class

■ negative means the predicted signal strength values are lower than
the survey data values
■ high and negative may indicate that you have set the average obstacle
height too high for that clutter class. In this situation, set all CAL
values to zero in your .cpa file, lower the average obstacle height for
the affected clutter class, and re-tune the model.
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.

Lesson 3
Workflow for tuning the Predict propagation model
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 2 Modify survey properties.
Step 3 Assign this propagation model to the sites for which you have a
survey.
Step 4 Assign one or more surveys to one or more sectors.
Step 5 Set the filters that remove extraneous data points.
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.
Step 8 Apply the tuned propagation model to your group or sites.
Step 9 Generate analysis layers.
Step 10 View the analysis layers.
Step 11 Evaluate the analysis data
Tuning the Predict model with one set of survey data
To create a new project ID

1 Choose Analysis ➤ Project Settings.
2 Double-click the Project ID box, and type P r j - 1 .
To add a survey
If you are importing long/lat survey data from an Excel spreadsheet,
remove all headers from the columns.

1 In the Project Explorer, from the Category list, choose

Operational Data if it is not already chosen.
2 In the Operational Data data window, right-click Survey Manager, and
choose Import ➤ Excel.
3 Choose the Planet EV Training\General\Surveys folder, and then
choose the DTA_Model_Tuning_34_1.xls file.
4 Click Open.
5 In the Excel Import Parameters dialog box, click OK.
To set the antenna properties

1 In the Operational Data data window, right-click
DTA_Model_Tuning_34, and choose Properties.
The Properties dialog box opens.
2 In the General section, from the Type list, choose RSSI if it is not
already chosen.
3 In the Survey Date box, type 12 .1 0. 03 .
4 In the Antenna Information section, in the Name box, type de fa ul t .
5 In the X/Long box, type -7 4. 65 47 5 .
6 In the Y/Lat box, type 4 1. 29 24 16 .
7 In the Height box, type 1 0 .
8 In the Azimuth box, type 13 0.
9 In the Tilt box, type 0 .
10 In the Power box, type 2 5 .
11 Click OK.
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.
To assign a survey to a sector

■ In the Project Explorer, click the Open a Data Window button if
two data windows are not already open.
■ If two data windows are open, continue with the next step.
2 In the second data window, from the Category list, choose Sites.

Lesson 3
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 filter your survey data by antenna discrimination or degrees

from boresight, (see To filter the survey data, page 57) you must include
values for Azimuth and Tilt.
To view the cumulative histogram of survey data points

The data in this dialog box is not editable.
1 Right-click DTA_Model_Tuning_34 and choose Analyze ➤
Histogram.
2 Enable the Show Points check box.
3 Click Close.
To view the clutter distribution

1 Right-click DTSite34_2, and choose Analyze ➤ Clutter Distribution.
The Survey Clutter Distribution dialog box opens.
2 Click Close.

To view the RSSI - distance regression curve

1 Right-click DTA_Model_Tuning_34, and choose Analyze ➤
Regression.
2 Click Close.
To average the survey data

1 In the Operational Data data window, expand Survey Manager, then
expand Surveys RSSI, right-click DTA_Model_Tuning_34 and
choose Analyze ➤ Average.
The Survey Averaging dialog box opens.
2 In the Averaging Method section, choose Area if it is not already
chosen.
3 In the Rayleigh Fading box, type 6. 1 .
4 In the Averaging Distance box, type 15 .
5 In the Survey Name box, type DTA34_1 .
6 Click OK.
To filter the survey data

Planet EV provides you with a number of filters to remove outliers from
your survey data that can skew your analysis results. You can choose to
apply as many of the filters as you need.
You can also define two different ranges for a filter: for example, the RSSI
filter, to view how the choice of filter range affects the number of points
retained and removed.
Filter Type Range Description
Distance from FSL

Coordinate X -90 to +90
(Latitude)
Distance 0.4 km to 80 km Retain points that fall
(0.25 miles to 50 miles) within the distance from
transmitter
RSSI -120 dBm to -40 dBm Retain points that fall
within the RSSI range
specified
Coordinate Y -180 to +180
(Longitude)

Lesson 3
Filter Type Range Description
Antenna - 6 dB to 0 dB Retain points that fall

Discrimination within the antenna
discrimination specified
Dist.from Regression -40 dB to +40 dB Retain points that fall
Line (dB) within the distance from
regression line specified
Deg. from Boresight -90 deg to +90 deg Retain points that fall
within the boresight
specified
Line of Sight
Clutter class Remove or include a
clutter class from the
survey
# of Stds from Mean -3 sigma to +3 sigma Retain points that fall
within the standard
deviation specified
In this exercise, you will filter for RSSI and Dist. from Regression Line.
1 Right-click DTA34_1, and choose Analyze ➤ Filter.
2 In the Survey Filtering dialog box, from the Graph Display list,
choose Histogram if it is not already chosen.
3 In the Filter Type column, click the down arrow, and choose
RSSI (dBm) from the list.
4 In the Minimum cell, type -11 8 .
5 In the Maximum cell, type -5 0 .
Distance (km) from the list.
7 In the Minimum cell, type 0. 5 .
8 In the Maximum cell, type 9 .
Distance from Regression Line (km) from the list.
10 In the Minimum cell, type 0 .
11 In the Maximum cell, type 15 .
12 Click Apply.
The histogram shows the remaining data points and those that have
been removed.
13 Click Save.

The Filtered Survey Name dialog box opens.

14 In the Survey Name box, type DTA34_2 , and click OK.
15 In the Survey Filtering dialog box, click Close.
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.
To choose the Predict propagation model

1 In the Operational Data window, expand Survey Manager, then
expand Surveys RSSI, right-click DTA34_2, and choose Model
Tuning.
2 In the New Model Name box, type Predict2 .
3 From the Model to Tune list, choose Predict .
4 Click Edit Tuner.
5 In the Clutter Absorption Loss Properties dialog box, from the
Number of Iterations list, choose 2, and click OK.
6 Click Edit Model.
The Propagation Model Editor dialog box opens.
Setting the model parameters and editing the .cpa file

When you want to perform a network analysis in Planet EV 3.1, you can
choose from a number of propagation models. The two most common
types of models are deterministic, such as the CRC-Predict model, and
slope-based, such as the Hata model. Each type of model produces
different analysis results.
Deterministic and slope-based models differ in the way that they use clutter
properties to model the propagation environment. The term clutter refers to
land use and land classification, such as urban areas or forested areas,
which make up the environment through which a radio wave propagates.
Basically, slope-based models use a generalized clutter environment
whereas deterministic models use specific clutter properties.

Lesson 3
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.
Exploring the Propagation Model Editor

The Propagation Model Editor provides a way for you to edit the
propagation models that are provided with Planet EV 3.1. You can create a
custom model by editing the parameters of any standard model and then
saving it with a different name.
The Settings tab
The Propagation Model Editor displays a number of parameters that you
can modify to suit your analyses.
■ Propagation Model Type—The name of the selected model is
displayed at the top of the dialog box.

■ Frequency—This is the carrier frequency, in megahertz (MHz), of
the transmitted frequency for the model. Because the carrier
frequency can be different for every sector, you can assign a model to
each sector to reflect the assigned frequency. Generally, this is not

required, however, because a frequency variation of up to five

percent has little impact on an analysis.
■ Receiver Height—The receiver height is the distance above the
ground of the average receiver. For many applications, this value is
1.5 meters, which is the average height of a mobile phone user.
■ Polarization—The site polarization can be vertical or horizontal. Not
all models use this parameter.
■ Earth Curvature—The Earth curvature options are 4/3 Earth
Curvature, Normal Earth Curvature, No Earth Curvature, and User
Defined. In general, you should choose the 4/3 Earth Curvature
setting.
■ Model Parameters—These parameters are specific to each type of
model and can be adjusted by clicking Edit.

Lesson 3
The Clutter Properties tab

The Clutter Properties tab provides a way for you to change the model
parameters by editing the clutter properties. The following illustration
shows the Clutter Properties tab.
■ Click the Clutter Properties tab.
■ The Dependent on Project Settings option—This option sets up

Planet EV to use a specified clutter grid file. The clutter property
assignment file contains information about each clutter class. Some
propagation models use a .cpa file to adjust their predictions.
■ The Use Single Clutter Property (Clutter Grid Not Used) option—
This option sets up Planet EV to generate predictions that do not take
clutter into account.
The Clutter Property Assignment File displayed on the Clutter Properties
tab is the default .cpa file for the chosen propagation model. Each model
has a default .cpa file.
The Rain Attenuation tab
■ Click the Rain Attenuation tab.
The Rain Attenuation tab enables you to include rain attenuation in the
path loss calculations. If you choose to include rain attenuation, you
can define an attenuation rate or a rate of rainfall.
The Advanced tab
■ Click the Advanced tab.
The Advance tab enables you to define DEM and clutter files specific to a
prediction model.

Understanding analysis parameters and associated files

When you set up the parameters for your analysis, you will work with
■ a site configuration file (.dsc) that contains information about which
propagation model the site uses to generate predictions

■ a propagation model file (.dpm) that contains information about the
model that is used to generate predictions
■ a clutter property assignment file (.cpa) that contains information
about the clutter file (.grc) that is used to generate predictions
The following diagram shows the relationship between the files required to
generate predictions.
Setting up the CRC-Predict model and the .cpa file

In this lesson, you will adjust the clutter properties for the CRC-Predict
model.
In this exercise, you will
■ set model parameters for the CRC-Predict model in the Propagation
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.

Lesson 3
To edit the CRC-Predict model

1 In the Propagation Model Editor, in the Frequency box, type 85 0 if
it is not already displayed.
2 Double-click the Receiver Height box, and type 1.5 if it is not already
displayed.
.
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.
To edit the .cpa file

1 Click the Clutter Properties tab.
2 Choose the Dependent on Project Settings option if it is not already
chosen.
3 Click Edit CPA.
The Clutter Property Assignment dialog box opens.
4 Type the values shown in the table below in the Average Obstacle
Height column of the .cpa file, and choose the ground type as shown
below.
Average Obstacle
Reference Name Ground Type
Height (m)
dBP_Unknown 0 User Defined

High Density Urban 25.0 Dense Urban
Industrial - Commercial 7.0 Industrial
Residential with Trees 4.5 Residential
Residential with few Trees 4.5 Residential
Paved 0.0 Dry ground
Agricultural - Grass 2.5 Forest
Open - Bare 1.0 Dry ground
Forested - Dense Vegetation 10.0 Forest
Water 0.0 Fresh water

Average Obstacle
Reference Name Ground Type
Height (m)
Airport 0.5 Dry ground
5 Click Save, and then click Close.

6 In the Propagation Model Editor dialog box, choose File ➤ Save As.
The Save As dialog box opens.
7 In the File Name box, type Pr edi ct 2. dp m , and click Save.
8 In the Propagation Model Editor dialog box, click Close.
To tune the model

1 From the Model Tuner list, choose Clutter Absorption Loss.
2 Click OK.
The model tuning process begins. The Model Tuning dialog box opens
and provides a progress report about the process. A temporary path loss
file is generated.
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.
3 In the Model Tuning dialog box, click Close.

The ModelTuningReport.txt file opens in Notepad.
5 Close the text file.
To apply the tuned model to the group

1 In the Project Explorer, from the Category list, choose Sites.
2 In the Sites data window, expand Groups, right-click Training, and
choose Global Edit.
The Global Edit dialog box opens.
3 Enable the Propagation Model check box, and choose Predict 2 from
the list.
4 Click Apply.
6 In the Global Edit dialog box, click OK.

Lesson 3
Analyzing the tuned Predict model

Now that all the settings have been configured for the network analysis and
all the sites have been configured, you will generate a network analysis
using the tuned Predict model.
To choose the analysis layer to be generated

Network Analyses if it is not already chosen.
2 In the Network Analyses data window, right-click Network Analyses,
and choose New.
The Network Analysis dialog box opens.
3 In the Analysis Name box, type Tu ne dPre di ct.
4 Click OK.
5 Right-click TunedPredict, and choose Layers.
The Analysis Layers dialog box opens.
6 Click Remove All.
7 Enable the Best Server Signal Strength check box.
8 Click OK.
To choose advanced layers to be generated

2 Click the Advanced Options tab.
3 In the Output Options section, enable the check box for Maintain
Maximum Inclination if it is not already enabled.
4 In the Additional Layers section, enable the check boxes for Azimuth
and Transmit Distance.
5 Click OK.
To generate analysis layers

1 In the Network Analyses data window, right-click TunedPredict, and
choose Generate.
The Generator dialog box opens.
2 Click Check Files.
3 Click Run.
4 When the analysis is complete, click Close.

To view the best server analysis layer

■ In the Network Analyses data window, expand TunedPredict,
right-click Best Server Signal Strength, and choose View.
To view the Azimuth layer

The advanced layers that you chose in the Project Settings dialog box
cannot be opened using the Project Explorer.
2 Navigate to the Planet EV Training\General\Azimuth folder and
choose the AZ_Prj-1_Model_Tuning_34_1_P.tab file.
This is the Azimuth layer for the Model_Tuning_21 site.
3 Click Open.
To view individual sector predictions

1 Right-click the NY_Training_Sites Map window, and choose
Clone View.
2 In the Project Explorer, click the Add a Data Window button to open
a third data window.
3 In the Project Explorer, from the Category list, choose Windows.
4 In the Windows data window, expand the second
NY_Training_Sites,..., node, right-click
BestServFS_Prj-1_TunedPredict for the cloned window, and click
Remove.
5 Press the S key if the Snap function is not already active.
6 On the Site toolbar, click the View Predictions button.
7 Click site Model_Tuning_34 in the Map window.
The View Predictions dialog box opens.
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.
To display the grid legend

1 From the Planet EV main menu, choose View ➤ Show Grid Legend.
The Grid Legend dialog box opens.

Lesson 3
2 Choose FS_Prj-1_Model_Tuning_34_1_P.grd from the list at the

bottom of the Grid Legend dialog box.
The units for the grid file are displayed at the bottom of the Grid
Legends dialog box. In this case, the units are dBm.
3 Close the Grid Legend dialog box.
4 On the Main toolbar, click the Unselect All button.
Using delta surveys

Delta surveys measure differences, such as those you create when comparing
surveys. Delta surveys are organized in the Surveys Delta node in the Survey
Manager.
To compare a delta survey with a numeric grid

1 In the Operational Data window, right-click DTA34_2, and choose
Analyze ➤ Compare to Grid.
The Compare Survey to Grid dialog box opens.
2 Choose the BestServ folder, then choose the
BestServFS_Prj-1_TunedPredict.grd file, and click Open.
The Survey to Grid Comparison dialog box opens.
3 Click Save.
4 In the Survey Name dialog box, in the Survey Name box,
type DTA34_3 , and click OK.
5 In the Survey to Grid Comparison dialog box, click Close.
The DTA34_3 survey is displayed under the Surveys Delta node.
Getting information on analysis layers
The Grid Info tool

The Grid Info tool provides you with information contained in classified
and in numeric grids. You can also use the Grid Info tool to view
information about grids that are currently open in the project.
The Analysis Info tool

Using the Analysis Info tool, you can view information on any grid file
used in or generated from the project you currently have open. This
includes elevation files, clutter files, and network analysis layer files. You
do not need to open the files to use the Analysis Info tool.
Using Analysis Info Setup, you can save a configuration for customized
display of analysis information. In your configuration, you can define

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.
To use the Grid Info tool

1 On the Analysis toolbar, click the Grid Info button.
2 Close the Grid Info dialog box.
To configure the Analysis Info tool

1 Choose Analysis ➤ Analysis Info Setup.
2 In the Analysis Info Graph Configuration dialog box, click the
Network Analysis tab.
3 Click Add New to define a new graph display.
4 On the first page of the Network Analysis Graph Wizard, type
Mod el Tun in gAna lys is in the Graph Name box, and click Next.
The configuration will be identified by this name in the Analysis Info

tool.
5 On the second page of the wizard, choose Second Best Server Signal
Strength from the First Analysis Layer Grid list.
6 Click Next.
7 In the Grc Analysis Layer List, choose Second Best Server Signal
Strength.
This file contains the appropriate labels for the layer grids to be
displayed in the graph window.
8 Click Next.
9 Choose the Yes option to enable thresholds to appear in the graph
display.
A threshold is a vertical line marking the graph display at the values
you choose.
10 In the Threshold Number box, type 4.
11 Click Next, and then click Next again.
12 On the default range page of the wizard, type 1 in the Minimum Value
box, and type 3 in the Maximum Value box.
The values on the graph will begin at the minimum value you specify
and will end at the maximum value.
13 Click Finish.
14 Click OK to close the Network Analysis Graph Settings dialog box.

Lesson 3
15 Click OK.
To display information in the graph windows

Using the Analysis Info tool, you can quickly update the display with
information on a specific point by clicking in a Map window. You can
choose to view information in a graphical format or a tabular format or
both.
The upper part of the window can contain up to two graph displays. Each
graph can contain information on several grids depending on how you
configure the Analysis Info tool.
1 Choose Analysis ➤ Analysis Info and click anywhere in the Map
window.
The Analysis Info dialog box opens.
2 Choose View ➤ Graph 1 and then choose ModelTuningAnalysis.
3 Click a different location in the Map window to update information in
the Analysis Info window for a new location.
4 If the Grid Info table does not appear in the bottom half of the dialog
box, choose View ➤ Grid Info ➤ Disabled.
5 When you have finished inspecting information, choose File ➤ Exit.

Lesson 4: Tuning the Planet General Propagation
Model
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.
Understanding the Model Tuning tool

In Planet EV, model tuning is performed using the Survey Manager. The
Survey Manager tool enables you to tune the Planet General model.
Automatic Model Tuner
You can use Automatic Model Tuner (AMT) to automatically optimize
components of the Planet General model using measurement data from one
or more sites.
In addition to optimizing the general properties of the Planet General
model, including clutter absorption values, AMT enables you to optimize
the K1 to K5 and clutter offset factors.
Using AMT is useful in the modeling process because it reduces the
processing time required for modeling and provides you with detailed
information about the performance of the Planet General model. In
addition, AMT enables you to
■ Produce an optimized model for a single site
■ Determine the effective antenna algorithm for your region

■ Produce an optimized regional model using data from many sites
■ Determine the best optimized values for K1 and K2
■ Build a model using Hata components
For a detailed description of how the AMT optimizes components of the

Planet General model, see the Planet General Model Technical Note
available in the Planet EV Library, accessible from the online Help.

Tuning the Planet General Propagation Model
Workflow for tuning the Planet General 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 2 Assign one or more surveys to one or more sectors.
Step 3 Define the Planet General model parameters if necessary.
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.
Step 6 Generate analysis layers.
Step 7 View the analysis layers.
Step 8 Evaluate your analysis.
Tuning the Planet General model
To create a new project ID

2 Double-click the Project ID box, and type P r j - 2 .
To tune the PGM model

1 Right-click DTA_Model_Tuning_34_1, and choose Model Tuning.
The Model Tuning dialog box opens.
2 In the Model Tuning dialog box, in the Model Name box, type
PGMTun ed 1 .
3 From the Model Type list, choose default_PlanetGeneralModel.
4 From the Model Tuner list, choose Automatic Model Tuner
Version 1.0.

Lesson 4
To edit the Planet General model parameters

1 Click Edit Model.
The Propagation Model Editor dialog box opens.
2 Click Edit.
The Planet General Model Parameters dialog box opens.

To choose a Planet model type for the propagation

1 Click the General tab.
2 In the Model section of the Planet General Model Parameters
dialogue, enable the 1 piece option.
A one piece model uses a single value for the intercept K1 and a single
value for the slope K2. This model is most frequently used and is valid
in most situations.
Examining the General tab

The General tab enables you to control model constants (K factors), which
are frequency dependent. The values shown in the dialogue are valid for a
frequency of 900 MHz.
■ The Intercept, K1 (near)—determines the starting point for the
solution equation along the y-axis.

■ The Slope, K2 (near)—is a grid cell independent value that defines
the empirically based slope of the solution.
■ The Effective Antenna Height Gain, K3—compensates for gain due
to antenna height. This factor is usually set to a value between -6 and
-5.
■ The Diffraction Factor, K4—is a value between 0 and 1. A value of
zero means that diffraction in the environment is not taken into
account. This value is usually tuned with empirical results. It is
common to see values between 0.4 to 0.6 for this factor.
■ The Log(Heff)*Log(d) Factor, K5—adjusts both the solution
equation along the y-axis and the slope of the equation. This is an
Okumura-Hata type multiplying factor and is determined
empirically.
■ The Mobile Antenna Height Factor, K6—is a correction factor that is
applied to compensate for the gain due to the mobile’s effective
antenna height.
■ The Knife Edge Merging Distance box— sets the Knife edge
parameter.

Lesson 4
For a knife edge merging distance of 200 meters, the diffraction

calculations do not include diffraction caused by obstacles less than
200 meters apart. The diffraction cause by obstacle B in the above
diagram, for example, would not be included in the calculations.
■ The Receiver Height Definition Global option—all mobiles are
assumed to have the same height.
To view the remaining model parameters

1 Click the Path Clutter tab.
The Path Clutter tab enables you to include the computation of path
loss due to the clutter effect and to adjust the clutter effect using one of
four weighting functions.
When you choose the Path Clutter option, you can change the effect of
the clutter factor with a weighting function. The default distance is set
to the last 1000 meters of the propagation distance.
2 Click the Troposcatter Effect tab.
The Troposcatter Effect tab enables you to specify that a troposcatter
model be used to enable accurate modeling of radio wave propagation
over the horizon as a result of the earth's atmosphere.
The troposcatter model takes into account the spreading of radio waves
in the troposphere. This option is used for propagation distances of
greater than 50 km. You can set both a climate type and a confidence
level in this section.
3 Click the Okumura tab.
The Okumura tab enables you to specify various Okumura correction
factors.
4 Click the Effective Antenna Height tab.
The Effective Antenna Height tab enables you to choose one of several
algorithms to compute effective antenna height. Six effective antenna
height model algorithms are available from the Type list.
The Spot Height algorithm has been selected from the Type list.
5 In the Planet General Model Parameters dialog box, click OK.
Examining the Planet General Model path loss equation

The basis of the Planet General model, which is a slope-based model, is the
following equation for received power:
PRX = PTX + K1 + K2log(d) + K3log(Heff) + K4Diffraction + K5log(Heff)log(d) +K6(Hmeff) + KClutter
where

PRX—received power in dBm

PTX—transmit power (ERP) in dBm
K1—constant offset in dB
K2—multiplying factor for log (d)
K3—multiplying factor for log(Heff) which accounts for gain due to
base-station antenna height
K4—multiplying factor for diffraction calculations
K5—multiplying factor log(Heff)log(d)
K6—correction factor for the mobile effective antenna height gain
K6(Heff)
d—distance in metres, of the receiver from the transmitter
Heff—effective base-station antenna height
Diffraction—value calculated for loss due to diffraction over an
obstructed path
KClutter—gain in dB due to clutter type
Hmeff—mobile effective antenna height
Sources of path loss

The Planet General model accounts for the effects of a variety of physical
factors, such as free space attenuation, presence of line of sight, and clutter,
that contribute to path loss. Some of these factors are described in the table
below. For reference purposes, the manner in which the Predict
propagation model accounts for these path losses is also shown.
Planet General model parameters CRC-Predict model parameters

Free Space Attenuation
K1, K2, and K5 Free space attenuation calculations are

K1 is the intercept for the curve and performed using the following
standard equation (ITU-R
is frequency dependant.
Recommendation P.525):
K2 is the slope of the curve.
L(bf) = 32.45 + 20 log(f) + 20 log(d)
K5 is an Okumura-type multiplying
where
factor. It incorporates effective
L(bf)—free space loss in dB
antenna height.
f—frequency in MHz
d—distance in Km
Neither terrain nor clutter effects are
considered in this equation. These
parameters are calculated separately.

Lesson 4

Effective Antenna Height Gain
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
The factor K4 is used as a multiplier In CRC-Predict, the average clutter

for diffraction attenuation when the obstacle height and the terrain
line of sight is obstructed by terrain elevation are used to calculate
or clutter. diffraction loss on a point-by-point
basis along radials.
Clutter Height
It determines if there is line of sight For the diffraction calculation along a

between the transmitter and the radial, clutter height is added to
receiver. It is evaluated on a grid cell ground elevation. Clutter height is
by grid cell basis for the Planet also used locally to estimate clutter
general model. If there is not line of attenuation.
sight, then a diffraction factor is
applied to the solution equation.
Clutter Separation (Planet)/Clear Distance (CRC-Predict)
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 K6 is a correction factor that is Receiver height is taken into account

applied to compensate for the gain in a deterministic fashion with the
due to the mobile’s effective antenna CRC-Predict model.
height.
Clutter Factor
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.


Clutter Separation (Planet)/Clear Distance (CRC-Predict)
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.
To tune the model

1 Click Edit Tuner.
The Planet Automatic Model Tuner dialog box opens.
2 In the Model Parameters section, do the following:

■ for K1, choose Optimize if it is not already chosen
■ for K2, choose Optimize if it is not already chosen
■ for K3, choose Hata value if it is not already chosen
■ for K4, choose User Defined if it is not already chosen
■ for Clutter Offsets, choose Optimize if it is not already chosen
3 Click OK.

Lesson 4
4 In the Model Tuning dialog box, click OK.

The Model Tuning dialog box opens and provides a progress report
about the tuning process.
5 In the Model Tuning dialog box, click Close.
6 In the Planet EV dialog box, click No.
To choose the analysis layer to be generated

Network Analyses if it is not already chosen.
2 In the Network Analyses data window, right-click Network Analyses,
and choose New.
The Network Analysis dialog box opens.
3 In the Analysis Name box, type P G M Tu ne d.
4 Click OK.
5 Right-click PGMTuned, and choose Layers.
The Analysis Layers dialog box opens.
6 Click Remove All.
7 Enable the Best Server Signal Strength check box.
8 Click OK.
To generate the best server analysis layer

1 In the Network Analyses data window, right-click PGMTuned, and
choose Generate.
The Generator dialog box opens.
2 Click Check Files.
3 Click Run.
4 When the analysis is complete, click Close.
To view the best server analysis layer

■ In the Network Analyses data window, expand PGMTuned, right-click
Best Server Signal Strength, and choose View.

Lesson 5:
Lesson
5.
Importing Network
Data
■ 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.
Workflow for using network data
To use the Network Data Tool for network analysis, you will typically
complete the following tasks:
Step 1 Import the data into Planet EV.
Step 2 Create data binding rules.
Step 3 Bind the data to sites and sectors in your project.
Step 4 Display the data graphically in a Map window.

Importing Network Data
Importing Network Data to Planet EV

To import your network data from an external data source, the information
must be in either a spreadsheet (MS Excel) or in an ASCII tab-delimited file
with an .ssd extension. The Network Data Tool supports both one-to-one
and one-to-many relationships, which makes the imported network data
available for use with traffic maps, interference matrices, and neighbor lists.
A one-to-one relationship means that the network data contains one row for
each sector in the site table. For example, the network data might contain
metrics such as traffic data and dropped calls for a sector. You can import
this type of network data for use in generating a traffic map.
A one-to-many relationship means that the network data contains more
than one row for each sector in the site table. If the network data contains
information about interfering sectors, for example, each sector in the site
table will have multiple rows that contain interfering site and sector IDs
rather than metrics. This one-to-many capability enables you to use
network data when generating interference matrices and neighbor lists.
In this exercise, the spreadsheet contains one field named “CellId”, which
includes site and sector identifiers. The Network Data Tool will
automatically break this field into Site and Sector fields that correspond to
your project site table.
Ensure that the project General.dBP is open.
To import network data to Planet EV

1 In the Project Explorer, from the Category list, choose Operational
Data.
2 Right-click Network Data, and choose New.
The Network Data dialog box opens.
3 In the External Data Source section, click Browse.
4 In the Planet EV Training\General\Network_Data\XLS folder, choose
the NY_Switch.xls file, and click Open.
The CellID data field is converted into SiteId and SectorId fields.
The Network Data Tool automatically converts the Network Data field
CellID into the Planet EV table fields SiteId and SectorId, so that the data
can be mapped to your site table. The spreadsheet data set is
automatically copied into the Network_Data\XLS folder of your project.

Lesson 5
Binding the data using binding rules

The data from an external source must be bound to Planet EV objects, such
as sectors and sites, in data tables. To do this, you must first create binding
rules for the external network data.
You can specify any field or fields to bind network data to Planet EV
objects.
To create data binding rules

1 In the External Data column, enable the check box for
■ SiteId (Converted)
■ SectorId (Converted)
■ BH_ATTEMPTS
■ BH_SEIZURES
2 For each External Data cell shown in the table below, click the down
arrow for the adjacent cell in the Planet EV Data column, and choose
the item shown below in the Planet EV Data column.
External Data cell Planet EV Data
BH_%BLOCK Blocked Call Rate

BH_%DROP Dropped Call Rate
BH_TRAFFIC Carried Erlangs
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.

To bind the data

1 Click the Results tab.
2 Enable the Generate Display Info When Saving Results check box in
the lower left corner if it is not already enabled.
3 Click Fetch.
4 When the results are displayed, click Save.
5 In the Generate Display Info dialog box, enable all the check boxes in
the Generate Display Info column.
6 Click OK.
The network data you imported is now in a Planet EV format data table.
The key performance indicators appear as new nodes under the
NY_Switch.xls node in the Project Explorer data window.
7 In the Network Data dialog box, click Close.
8 In the Microsoft Excel dialog box, click No.

Lesson 5
Displaying the Network Data

You can create graphical representations of the network data for analysis or
display purposes. You can also create database queries using the network
data set.
To display the network data

1 In the Operational Data data window, expand Excel Format, then
expand NY_Switch.xls, and right-click Dropped Call Rate, and
choose Options.
2 In the Metric Display Options dialog box, change the Radius to 5 .
3 Add inflection points to the Data Histogram by double-clicking 0.5,
1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 along the slider bar at the bottom.
4 Click Colors.
5 Double-click the first box in the Color Scheme List, and in the Color
dialog box, choose a light green color.
6 Click OK.
7 Double-click the next box in the Color Scheme List, and in the Color
dialog box, choose a dark green color.
8 Click OK.
9 Repeat steps 7 and 8 until a color has been assigned to all ranges.
10 In the Metric Display Options dialog box, click OK.
11 In the Operational Data data window, right-click Dropped Call Rate,
and choose View.
A graphical representation of the Dropped Call Rate per sector is
displayed in the Map window.
12 Repeat steps 1 through 11 for Carried Erlangs using a radius of 4 ,
inflection points of 5, 10, and 15, and a different color scheme.
13 Repeat Steps 1 to 11 for BH_ATTEMPTS using a radius of 2 ,
inflection points of 500, 1000, and 1500, and a different color scheme.
14 In the Operational Data data window, right-click BH_ATTEMPTS,
and choose Hide.
15 Repeat step 13 for Dropped Call Rate and Carried Erlangs.

Summary
■ import network data from an MS Excel file into Planet EV
■ create data binding rules

■ bind the network data to sites and sectors in your project
■ display the network data in a Map window

Lesson 5

Lesson 6
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.
Workflow for generating a traffic map
To create a traffic map that provides a realistic picture of actual network

usage, you will typically complete the following tasks.
Step 1 Generate a traffic map.
Step 2 Add roads to the traffic map.
Step 3 Apply clutter weighting.
Step 4 Scale the traffic map as needed.
Step 5 Convert the traffic map units as needed.

Step 6 Combine traffic maps to cover a larger area
Step 7 Edit traffic map properties
Creating a traffic map based on regional subscriber data

A traffic map provides information about the geographical distribution of
subscriber traffic in a network. You can generate a traffic map from
demographic data, such as population census data, or from network data,
such as switch statistics.
In this lesson, you will create a traffic map by
■ using a regions file containing demographic data, where the regional
subscriber data is derived from population density values

■ changing traffic units from Subscribers/km2 to Erlangs/km2. The
latter unit better reflects actual mobile usage
■ adding primary and secondary roads to the traffic map
■ applying clutter weighting to reflect actual traffic load
■ scaling the traffic map by clutter to plan for network growth
To create a traffic map based on regional data

1 In the Project Explorer, from the Category list, choose Tools.
2 Right-click Traffic Maps, and choose New.
3 In the Traffic Map Generator: General dialog box, in the Name box,
type Subscriber_Data .
4 In the Traffic Data Input Format section, choose the Regions option
if it is not already chosen.
5 From the Input Data Unit list, choose Subscribers.
6 From the Output Data Unit list, choose Erlangs/km2.
By choosing Erlangs/km2, you can produce a traffic map that shows the
number of subscribers in each region who are actually using the
network at a given point in time.

Lesson 6
7 In the Conversion Factor box, type 1 .

The default value of 0.025 is commonly used for mature networks in
Europe and North America. The conversion factor in this dialog box
applies a uniform distribution of users within each region, regardless of
clutter properties. You will set the conversion factors later in this lesson
when you assign relative weightings for each clutter class.
8 In the Description box, type We ighted .

9 Click Next.
10 In the Traffic Map Generator: Traffic Data dialog box, click
Open Table.
11 In the Open dialog box, choose the
Planet EV Training\General\Pop Stats folder, then choose the
Census Tracts NYNJ.tab file, and click Open.
The Name Column and Data Column boxes are automatically
populated based on the table that you opened. The Name Column box
displays the first column that contains character data, while the Data
Column box displays the first column (alphabetically sorted) that
contains numeric data.
12 From the Name Column list, choose REGION if it is not already
displayed.
This column contains the region identifiers.
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.
13 From the Data Column list, choose SUBSCRIBERS.

This column contains the number of subscribers for each region.
14 Click Next.

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.
To view the subscriber distribution legend

1 Choose View ➤ Show Grid Legend.
In the Grid Legend dialog box, you can see the values assigned to each
color displayed in the Map window.
2 In the Grid Legend dialog box, click the down arrow, and choose
TM_Subscriner_Data.grd.
3 Close the Grid Legends dialog box.
Adding roads to a traffic map

Wireless network traffic is often concentrated along roads. You can include
roads on the clutter grid and assign a clutter class for each road type.
Planet EV converts the vector objects to bins in the clutter grid file.
In this exercise, you will add primary and secondary roads to the clutter
grid. The road clutter type replaces the underlying clutter type.
To add roads to a traffic map

1 In the Tools data window, expand Traffic Maps, and right-click
Subscriber_Data, and choose Properties.
2 In the Traffic Map Properties dialog box, choose Clutter Weighting
in the tree view.
3 Enable the Apply Clutter Weighting check box.
4 Click New Clutter From Vectors.
The Vector and Clutter Merging dialog box opens.
5 Next to the New Clutter File Name box, click Save.
6 Choose the Planet EV Training\MappingData\Clutter folder.
7 In the File Name box, type C l u t t er _w i t h _Ro ad s , and click Save.
8 Next to the Vector Layer box, click Open.

Lesson 6
9 In the Planet EV Training\MappingData\Vectors folder, choose the

Primary_Road_Merged.tab file.
10 Click Open.
11 From the Vector Layer list, choose Primary_Road_Merged.tab if it is
not already displayed.
12 Choose TYPE_NAME from the Name Column list.
This is the column that contains the vector object names.
13 Next to the Base Clutter File box, click Browse.
14 In the Planet EV Training\MappingData\Clutter folder, choose the
Clutter_Resolution30_NY.grc file.
15 Click Open.
16 Clear the Create Combined Clutter Types check box if it is not
already cleared.
With this check box cleared, the vector objects will replace underlying
clutter types.
17 Click the Buffer Settings tab.
You will specify the buffering parameters used for converting the
vector objects to grid cells.
18 Choose the Value option to use the same buffer setting for all objects.
19 In the Value box, type 25 .0 0 .
20 Clear the Include Regions check box if it is not already cleared.
You will not create a buffer for region objects.
21 From the Units list, choose Meters if it is not already chosen.

22 Click Generate.
The Vector and Clutter Merging dialog box closes and the Clutter
Property Assignment dialog box opens.
Applying clutter weighting to a traffic map

The subscriber data that you used in a previous exercise reflects the number
of subscribers who live in a geographical region. Actual mobile usage,
however, can occur in areas other than where the subscribers live. Clutter
weighting allows you to obtain a more realistic view of traffic density.
For example, there are more subscribers in the Urban clutter class using
their mobile units than are indicated by the census data—people might not
live in the Urban area, but many will use their mobile units while at work
there. You can set relative densities for each clutter class in order to show
realistic usage patterns.
When you generated the Subscriber_Data traffic map, you chose to apply a
uniform conversion factor of 1 to convert subscribers/km2 to Erlangs/km2.
In this exercise, you will set the relative weights and unit conversion
factors for each clutter class to reflect actual usage, regardless of where
subscribers live. The new traffic map will reflect both subscriber density by
clutter class and by predicted usage.
To apply clutter weighting to a traffic map

1 In the Vector and Clutter Merging dialog box, for each reference
name shown in the table below, click the Relative Weighting cell, and
type the corresponding value.
For each reference name shown in the table below, click the Unit
Conversion Factor cell, and type the corresponding value.

Lesson 6
Using Erlangs/km2 to describe the user traffic better reflects actual

mobile usage
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.
To change the color profile for the TM_Subscriber_Data file

1 In the Traffic Map Properties dialog box, click Update.
The modified traffic map is displayed in the Map window. You can see
that traffic is now distributed by clutter class within each polygonal
region.
2 Choose View ➤ Show Grid Manager.
3 In the Grid Manager dialog box, click TM_Subscriber_Data.grd.

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.
Scaling a traffic map for network growth

In this exercise, you will scale the traffic map by clutter class in order to
visualize network growth based on market projections for each clutter
class.
To scale a traffic map

1 Right-click the Map window, and choose Clone View.
2 In the Tools data window, expand Traffic Maps, right-click
Subscriber_Data, and choose Scale.
The Scale Traffic Map dialog box opens.
3 From the Scaling Method list, choose Clutter.
4 Click Browse.
5 In the Planet EV Training\MappingData\Clutter folder, choose the
Clutter_with_Roads.grc file, and click Open.
6 Click the Scaling Factor cell for each row in the Properties table, and
type the values shown in the following table.
Reference Name Scaling Factor
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

Lesson 6
Reference Name Scaling Factor
Agricultural-Grass 1.000
Open-Bare 1.000
Forested-Dense Vegetation 1.000
Water 1.000
Airport 1.250
A scaling factor of 1.300 represents 30% growth. Values must be positive

and between 0.001 and 10,000, inclusive.
7 Click Save.
8 Click Close.
9 In the Scale Traffic Map dialog box, click Scale.
To view the data in the Map window

1 In the Tools data window, right-click Subscriber_Data_CScaled, and
choose View.
2 On the Analysis toolbar, click the Grid Info button.
3 Click an area of the new traffic map.
The traffic load value shown in the Grid Info dialog box.
4 Click an orange area of the original traffic map, and compare the
original and the new values.
Converting a traffic map

You can convert a traffic map to a different traffic unit and save it with a
new name. In this exercise, you will convert the scaled traffic map from
Erlangs/km2 to Subscribers/km2.
To convert a traffic map

1 In the Tools data window, right-click Subscriber_Data, and choose
Convert.
The Convert Traffic Map dialog box opens.
2 From the Converted Traffic Map Unit list, choose Subscribers/km2.
The default Conversion Factor of 40 represents current industry
standards.

3 In the Converted Traffic Map Name box, type

S ub s c r i be r _Data _C o nve r t e d if it is not already displayed.
4 Click Convert.
5 Right-click Traffic Maps: Subscriber_Data_Converted, and choose
View.
The converted traffic map is displayed in the Map window.
To view the data

1 Click the Map window anywhere on the converted traffic map.
In the Grid Info dialog box, you can see the value for the grid cell
expressed as Subscribers/Km2.
3 Close the second Map window
4 In the Windows data window, expand DT_Site21,...,, right-click
TM_Subscriber_Data, and choose Remove.
Summary
■ create a traffic map based on subscriber data
■ add roads to a traffic map

■ apply clutter weightings to distribute subscribers by clutter class
■ scale a traffic map based on growth projections for each clutter class
■ convert a traffic map into different units

Lesson 6

zLesson 7: Creating Interference Matricesecial 1
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
Modeled ■ Based on actual network performance from

switch data
■ Provides C/I statistics from all the subscriber
calls of the network
■ Indirectly accounts for subscribers in buildings
that the Modeled interference matrix cannot
account for
■ Accounts for the true traffic distribution that the
Modeled interference matrix uses a best guess
based on clutter weights
■ Can be converted to a Modeled interference
matrix. This is useful for using the Network Data
as the only input for frequency planning and for
creating a neighbor list

Creating Interference Matrices
Interference matrix
Description
type
Network Data ■ Based on signal strength predictions (from

propagation model and/or drive test data) and a
best server grid for the selected sites
■ Looks at C/I between sectors using the best
server area that is independent of the current
serving area
■ Provides statistical C/I information for sectors
that are far away.
■ Provides statistical interference information
between any combination of two sectors
Local Knowledge ■ Based on the RF engineer’s categorical
assessment of the level of interference from each
potential server, so the RF engineer can use his
local knowledge and overwrite the previous
interference matrices
■ Allows the Frequency Planner to determine the
validity of reuse so it does not rely on
interference statistics
■ Allows storage of the local knowledge
■ Provides a fine-tuning of the interference matrix
■ Can be converted to a Modeled interference
matrix
By merging different types of interference matrices, you can compensate

for the disadvantages of each type and produce a more accurate traffic and
interference information.

Lesson 7
Workflow for generating an interference matrix
To generate an interference matrix, you will typically complete the following

tasks.
Step 1 Generate a traffic map.
Step 2 Create a Modeled interference matrix by using either

■ a best serving sector grid that you generated
or
■ the interference matrix generator to create a best serving sector
grid
Usually, you will use the best serving sector grid in
conjunction with the traffic map as inputs for the modeled
interference matrix.
You can create a Modeled interference matrix based only on a

best serving sector grid, or you can use a best serving sector
grid and a traffic map. The latter gives you the better results.
Step 3 Create a Network Data interference matrix if you have switch data
available.
Step 4 Create a Local Knowledge interference matrix.
Step 5 Merge the Local Knowledge matrix with other matrices to obtain a
more accurate list of interferers.

Creating a merged interference matrix

In this exercise, you will generate data for the area affected by co-channel
and by adjacent channel interference; and the amount of traffic affected by
co-channel and by adjacent channel interference.
■ create a Modeled interference matrix based on a traffic map
■ create a Network Data interference matrix
■ create a Local Knowledge interference matrix
■ merge the interference matrices in order to maximize the advantages
of each type
Creating a Modeled interference matrix based on a traffic map

A Modeled interference matrix is based on the best serving sector and
signal strength predictions. The Modeled interference matrix relies on C/I
Weights tables to determine the probability of interference from a
competing signal, based on the difference in strength between the serving
and interfering sectors. There are two C/I Weights tables, one for
co-channel interference and one for adjacent channel interference. These
tables define the inflection points of a C/I curve, which you can edit.
In this exercise, you will generate a Modeled interference matrix based on
a traffic map, and you will edit the C/I curve.
To create a Modeled interference matrix

1 In the Project Explorer, from the Category list, choose Tools.
2 In the Tools data window, right-click Interference Matrices, and
choose New ➤ Modeled.
3 In the Select Sectors dialog box, from the Groups list, choose
Training, and click Continue.
The Interference Matrix Generator dialog box opens.
4 In the Traffic section, enable the Use a Traffic Map check box.
5 From the Traffic Map list, choose Subscriber_Data if it is not already
displayed.
6 In the C/I Weights Tables section, click New below the Co-channel
list.
The Curve Editor dialog box opens. The default settings for the C/I
curve are based on realistic probabilities of the percent of interference
for each C/I value. You can modify the curve as necessary, increasing
or decreasing the overall percentage of modeled interference in order to
determine the effects on the network.

Lesson 7
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 .
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.

20 In the Save As dialog box, in the File Name box, type

I M _Mo de l ed . i m x , and click Save.
21 When the interference matrix is generated, click Close.
To display the results of the Interference Matrix analysis

1 In the Tools data window, expand Modeled, right-click IM_Modeled,
and choose View.
The Interference Matrix dialog box opens.
2 In the tree view, expand Model_Tuning_4.
3 Click sector 1.
4 In the Interference Display section, choose the Co-channel option if it
is not already chosen.
The Interferers section displays the sectors that contribute to co-
channel interference for the selected server. It also displays the affected
area and the affected traffic.
5 In the Interference Display section, choose the Adjacent Channel
option.
The Interferers section now displays information about sectors that
contribute to adjacent channel interference.
6 Click Close.

Lesson 7
Creating a Network Data interference matrix

A Network Data interference matrix is based on switch statistics that
represent actual network performance. The data for this exercise is in the
form of an Excel spreadsheet and includes the sources of interference for
each sector and the percentage of affected traffic. To create an interference
matrix, your network data must contain the following fields, which you
will need to map to Product name data:
■ the Site ID of the serving sector
■ the Sector ID of the serving sector

■ the Site ID of the interfering sector
■ the Sector ID of the interfering sector
■ the affected traffic
■ map network data to Planet EV data for
■ 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.
To map network data to Planet EV data

Network data collected from wireless network switching equipment
contains information about network configuration and performance. You
have to map the network data to Planet EV data. The mapping process is
referred to as binding.
1 In the Project Explorer, from the Category list, choose Tools if it is
not already chosen.
choose New ➤ From Network Data.
3 In the Import Network Data dialog box, click Open Network Data.
The Network Data dialog box opens.
4 Click Browse.
5 In the Planet EV Training\General\Network_Data\XLS folder, choose
the NY_Interference.xls file, and click Open.

6 For the Serving_Site_ID row, click the down arrow in the

Planet EV Data column.
7 Choose Site_ID from the list.
8 Repeat steps 6 and 7 for the following rows:
Row Planet EV Data
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.
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.
To view the fetched network data

You can examine the fetched data in the table. The table rows are shaded
for sites in the site table that have network data, unshaded for sites that
have no data. You can also use the Filter Options list to list only sites with
data or only sites without data.
1 Click the Results tab.
2 Enable the Generate Display Info When Saving Results box in the
lower left corner if it is not already enabled.
3 Click Fetch.
4 When the results are displayed, enable the
Generate Display Info When Saving Results box in the lower left
corner if it is not already enabled.
5 Click Save.
7 In the Generate Display Info dialog box, enable all the check boxes in
the Generate Display Info column.
When you generate display information, you can display values
graphically in a Map window.

Lesson 7
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.
To create the network data interference matrix

1 In the Import Network Data dialog box, from the Network Data list,
choose NY_Interference.xls.
2 Click Select Sectors.
3 In the Select Sectors dialog box, choose Training, and click Continue.
4 In the Import Network Data dialog box, click OK.
5 In the Save As dialog box, type I M _Ne t w o rk_ D ata in the File Name
box, and click Save.
The Interference Matrix dialog box opens and displays the interference
matrix.
6 In the tree view, expand Model_Tuning_4.
7 Click sector 1.
The sites and sectors that contribute to interference are displayed in the
Interferers section of the dialog box. You can also see the percentage of
affected traffic for each interfering sector.
8 Click Close.
Creating a Local Knowledge interference matrix

A Local Knowledge interference matrix is based on your categorical
assessment of the level of interference from each potential interferer—
high, moderate, low, or none. You can define the traffic threshold and
interference weighting values for each of the four categories, or you can
use default values.
Use a Local Knowledge interference matrix when you know of interferers
that do not appear in the Modeled or Network Data matrices, such as
indoor interferers and other local issues.
In this exercise, you will create a Local Knowledge interference matrix and
specify two interfering sectors.

To create a Local Knowledge interference matrix

choose New ➤ From Local Knowledge.
The Local Knowledge Interference Matrix-New dialog box opens. You
will now add interferers based on your knowledge of the network.
3 In the Server tree view, expand Model_Tuning_21, and click sector 1.
4 Click Add.
5 From the Site list, choose Model_Tuning_34 as the interfering site.
6 From the Sector list, choose sector 1 as the interfering sector.
7 From the Interference list, choose Moderate.
The default weightings for the interference levels are listed in the table
below.
Interference Default Interference calculation (using 5%

weighting value default traffic threshold)
High 10 10(5%)=50% affected traffic

Moderate 2 2(5%)=10% affected traffic
Low 1.1 1.1(5%)=5.5% affected traffic
None 0.0 0% affected traffic
8 To identify another interferer, click Add.

9 From the Site list, choose Model_Tuning_22 as the interfering site.
10 From the Sector list, choose sector 1 as the interfering sector if it is not
already chosen.

Lesson 7
11 From the Interference list, choose High.
To define Local Knowledge interference weightings

1 In the Local Knowledge Interference Matrix dialog box, click
Interference Thresholds.
The Interference Thresholds dialog box opens.
2 Click in the Moderate field and type 8. 5 .
3 Click OK.
4 In the Local Knowledge Interference Matrix dialog box, click OK.
5 In the Update Interference Matrix dialog box, click Yes.
6 In the Save As dialog box, type I M _ Lo c al . i m x in the File Name box,
and click Save.
The interference matrix is stored in the InterferenceMatrix folder.
Merging the interference matrices by priority

Now that you have generated different types of interference matrices, you
will merge them by priority into one combined matrix. By merging
matrices of different types by priority, you can create a more realistic
estimate of the percentage of traffic affected by interference.
In this exercise you will
■ change the priority order of the interference matrices to the following
order:
■ Local knowledge
■ Network data
■ Modeled

■ merge the matrices in the above priority order. For each

sector-interferer pair, Planet EV uses the interference value from the
highest priority matrix. The merged matrix will contain
■ values for co-channel affected traffic from the Local Knowledge
matrix
■ values for measured affected traffic for sectors that have this
data available from the Network Data matrix
■ values for co-channel affected area, for adjacent channel
affected area, and for adjacent channel affected traffic from the
Modeled data matrix
■ display the results of the merged matrix
To merge interference matrices

1 In the Tools data window, expand the Modeled, Network, and Local
nodes.
2 Press CTRL, and click IM_Modeled, IM_Network_Data, and
IM_Local.
All three matrices are chosen.
3 Right-click the chosen matrices, and choose Merge.
The Merge Interference Matrices dialog box opens. You will now
change the priority order so that the Local Knowledge interference
matrix data takes precedence over the other data.
4 Click the row that contains the Local Knowledge interference matrix
type, and then click Up twice.
The Local Knowledge interference matrix moves to the top of the list.
5 Click the row that contains the Network Data interference matrix type,
and then click Up.
The Network Data interference matrix moves up one level in the list.
6 In the Options section of the Merge Interference Matrices dialog
box, choose the Highest Priority option if it is not already chosen.
Choosing Highest Priority means that for each sector-interferer pair,
Planet EV uses the value from the highest priority matrix.
7 Click OK.
8 In the Save As dialog box, type I M_M er ge d in the File Name box,
and click Save.
The merge algorithm used depends on the matrix types and priority
settings. In this case, the Modeled co-channel affected area, adjacent
channel affected area, and adjacent channel affected traffic values are

Lesson 7
used, while the Local Knowledge values for co-channel affected traffic
are used.
9 In the Interference Matrix dialog box, click OK.
To display the results of the merged matrix analysis

1 In the Tools data window, right-click IM_Merged, and choose View.
The Interference Matrix dialog box opens.
2 In the tree view, expand Model_Tuning_21, and click 1.
3 In the Interference Display section, choose Co-channel if it is not
already chosen.
The Interferers section displays the sectors that contribute to
co-channel interference for the chosen sector.
4 In the Interference Display section, choose the Adjacent Channel
option.
The Interferers section now displays information about sectors that
contribute to adjacent channel interference.
5 Click Close.

Merging network data matrices by weighted sum
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 2 Create a Modeled interference matrix in order to account for

interference that might not be included in the measured network data.
Step 3 Create a Local Knowledge interference matrix based on known

interferers that do not appear in the Network Data or Modeled
matrices.
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.

Lesson 7
Figure 7.1 Merging interference matrices using weighted sum and priority
1 Import and merge Network Data IM,

(use weighted sum) averaged values
Network data
Generate Modeled IM
2 Modeled IM
Signal strength predictions
Create Local Knowledge IM

Local
3 Knowledge IM
Local knowledge data
Merge
4 Merged IM
(use highest priority)
Three types of matrices
Summary
■ generate a Modeled interference matrix
■ edit a C/I curve

■ generate a Network Data interference matrix
■ create a Local Knowledge interference matrix
■ reset the traffic threshold and interference weighting values
■ merge the matrices
■ use the weighted sum option to obtain a merged traffic matrix

Lesson 8: 1
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
classified grid, using a common border coverage area to identify

neighboring sectors
■ an interference matrix—Planet EV bases the list on factors that can
include best serving sector information, traffic and network data, and
local RF engineering knowledge
The two different methods of determining neighbors have different input
parameters that affect which sectors qualify as neighbors.
Workflow for generating neighbor lists
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 2 Generate a neighbor list based on an interference matrix.
Step 3 Generate a neighbor list based on best server information.
Step 4 Set handover priorities, edit the neighbor list as required.
Step 5 Compare neighbor lists.
Step 6 Display the neighbor list for a sector in a Map window.
Step 7 Copy and delete neighbor lists as required.
Step 8 Export a neighbor list to a text file for use in network programming.

Generating Neighbor Lists
Generate a best server neighbor list

When you use the best server method to generate a neighbor list, you begin
with a classified grid such as one of the best serving sector grids that you
generated earlier in this course.
With the best server method, you can set the following length requirements
for the border between the best server coverage areas to determine which
sites qualify as neighbors:
■ the minimum common border length (km). You can specify any
value from 0.1 to 100 km.

■ the minimum common border length relative to the total border
length of the sector for which potential neighbors are being
evaluated. This is enabled by default and has a default value of 0.5
percent. You can specify any value from 0.1 to 100 percent.
In this exercise, you will generate a neighbor list using absolute border
length threshold as a qualification criterion.
Ensure that the General.dBP project is open.
To generate a best server neighbor list

not already chosen.
2 In the Tools data window, right-click Neighbor Lists, and choose
New From ➤ Best Server.
The Neighbor List Generator dialog box opens.
4 Click Browse next to the Best Serving Sector Layer box.
5 In the Planet EV Training\General\BestServ folder, choose
BestServTx_Predict_noClutterPredict.grc, and click Open.
6 Enable the Use Absolute Border Length Threshold check box if it is
not already enabled.
7 Type 0. 25 if it is not already displayed.
For sectors to be neighbors sectors that must share a border length of at
least 0.25 km.

Lesson 8
8 Clear the Use Relative Border Length Threshold check box.
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.
Generating a neighbor list based on an interference matrix

Creating a neighbor list from an interference matrix is a more sophisticated
technique than the Best Server method. An interference matrix calculates
the effect of sectors upon each other, both as interferers and as potential
neighbors. The more information you can include in the creation of your
neighbor list, the better suited it will be to your network’s environment.
When you create a neighbor list based on an interference matrix, you can
specify these additional requirements for prospective neighbors:
■ the maximum distance between neighbors. You can specify any value
from 0.1 to 200 km.

■ the maximum number of neighbors. You can specify any value from
1 to 100. The sorting of sectors for inclusion in the list can be based
on absolute area (the default), relative area, absolute traffic, or
relative traffic.
■ the absolute area. This is the minimum overlapping coverage area.
You can specify any value from 0 to 100 km2.
■ the relative area. This is the minimum overlapping coverage area,
relative to the coverage area of the sector for which potential

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.
■ generate a neighbor list using the Merged interference matrix that
you created in the previous lesson based on the relative area criterion.
To generate a neighbor list based on an interference matrix

not already chosen.
2 In the Tools data window, right-click Neighbor Lists, and choose
New From ➤ Interference Matrix.
The Neighbor List Generator dialog box opens.
4 From the Interference Matrix list, choose IM_Merged.imx.

5 Enable the Enforce Mutual Neighbors check box.

Lesson 8
This makes neighbor relationships reciprocal—if the Neighbor List

tool identifies sector A as a neighbor of sector B, then it will also
identify sector B as a neighbor of sector A.
6 Enable the Use Maximum Distance Between Neighbors check box.
7 Type 35 in the distance box.
Only sectors within 35 kilometers of each other will be considered
neighbors.
8 Enable the Use Maximum Neighbors check box.
9 In the Neighbors box, type 32 if it is not already displayed.
Each sector can have a maximum of 32 neighbors.
10 From the Based On list, choose Relative Area if it is not already
chosen.
The neighbor list will be sorted based on the Relative Area criterion,
which is the percent value of interfering area between two sectors.
11 In the Thresholds section, enable the Use Relative Area check box.
12 In the Relative Area box, type 0 . 5 0 if it is not already displayed.
Sectors that have an interfering area of at least 0.50% will be
considered neighbors.
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.

To edit the interference matrix

■ Expand Neighbor Lists, and right-click InterferenceMethod, and
choose Edit.
You can now edit the neighbor list results. Leave this dialog box open
for the next exercise.
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.
Setting handover priorities

When you generate a neighbor list, the handover priority for each sector
default is 0. The priority values relate to the PCS and GSM concepts of
preferred, regular, and non-preferred cells. A neighboring sector with a 0
priority is the most preferred for handover, and a sector with a priority of
10 is the least preferred. By setting handover priorities, you can choose
which neighbors are most preferred, even if their signal strength is less than
other neighboring sectors.
You can also choose to disallow a neighboring sector. You can disallow
■ “false” neighbors that do not share a reasonable border area with a
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.
To set handover priorities for specific sectors

1 Click the Priority cell for Model_Tuning_21_1 with a neighbor of
Model_Tuning_34_1.
2 Click the down arrow, and choose 4.
Sector 1 is now a low priority neighbor. A value of 0 indicates the
highest priority (most preferred), and 10 indicates the lowest priority
(least preferred).
3 Disable the Allowed check box for Model_Tuning_21_1 with a
neighbor of Model_Tuning_4_1.
Choosing this option does not remove the data from the table; it only
disallows the sector as a neighbor.
4 Click OK.

Lesson 8
5 In the Confirm Neighbor List Save dialog box, click Yes.

Planet EV saves the edited table. You will display the results later in
this lesson.
Comparing two neighbor lists

You can compare two neighbor lists to determine which neighboring
sectors are specific to each list.
In this exercise, you will compare the two neighbor lists that you generated
in previous exercises.
To compare two neighbor lists

not already chosen.
2 In the Tools data window, expand Neighbor Lists, and choose
InterferenceMethod.
3 Press and hold the CTRL key, and then click CellAdjacency.
4 Right-click either highlighted node, and choose Compare.
The Neighbor Lists Comparison table opens.
5 Enable the Show Differences Only check box.
The table displays the sectors for each neighbor list that are not
contained in the other neighbor list.
6 Click Close.
Displaying a neighbor list in a Map window

You can display neighbor relationships graphically in a Map window.
Although you can display the entire neighbor list, it is recommended that
you display only one site or sector at a time.
In this exercise, you will display the neighbor list for one sector.
To display a neighbor list in a Map window

1 In the Tools data window, right-click InterferenceMethod, and choose
Active.
The active neighbor list is the one that will be displayed in the Map
window.
2 In the Project Explorer, from the Category list, choose Sites if it is not
already chosen.
3 In the Sites data window, expand Groups, and then expand Training.
4 Expand Model_Tuning_21.

5 Right-click Model_Tuning_21: 1 (sector 1) and choose Neighbors ➤

View.
In the Map window, you can see lines that originate at
Model_Tuning_21 and connect to neighboring sectors. Solid lines
indicate neighboring sectors, while broken lines indicate disallowed
neighbors (exceptions). The neighbors displayed are derived from the
active neighbor list.
6 Choose File ➤ Close Table.
7 In the Close Table dialog box, choose NeighborList_Display, and click
Close.
8 In the MapInfo dialog box, click Save.
Keep the project open.
Summary
■ generate a neighbor list based on an interference matrix
■ define parameters for generating a neighbor list

■ set handover priorities and disallow neighbors
■ generate a neighbor list based on best server information
■ compare two neighbor lists
■ display a neighbor list in a Map window

Lesson 8

Lesson 9: Working with Spatial Data
Lesson
9.
Working with Spatial
Data
■ 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.
Workflow for working with spatial data
To work with spatial data to obtain information, you will typically complete
one or both of the following tasks.
Step 1 Use the Grid Calculator to create mathematical expressions that

reference one or more grids.
Step 2 Create grid queries using multiple grids to identify areas that meet
specified conditions.
Using the Grid Calculator

You can use the Grid Calculator to create mathematical expressions using
an unlimited number of grids. Grid Calculator operations can be divided
into two categories: operations performed using one grid only and
operations performed using two or more girds. Converting the elevation
units of a grid from meters to feet, which requires dividing each grid cell
value by 3.28, is an example of an operation that uses only one grid.
Creating a grid that shows the difference, on a cell by cell basis, between
overlapping cells from two grids is an example of an operation that uses
two or more grids.
Whether you mathematically manipulate one or many grids, the value is
calculated on a cell by cell basis for every cell, and the resulting values are
stored in a new grid.

Working with Spatial Data
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.
Performing calculations on grids

In this exercise, you will create a grid showing the difference between
modeled and measured signal strength values. This expression uses aliases
that are not found in the grid list at the top of the Calculator. You will
modify the alias names of the grids so that they can be used in the
expression.
Ensure that the General.dBP project is open.
To open the files

2 Choose the Planet EV Training\General\Grid Calculations folder, press
the CTRL key, and then choose the MeasureSignal.tab and
ModelSignal.tab files.
3 Click Open.
To perform calculations on multiple grids

4 Choose View ➤ Show Grid Manager, if the Grid Manager is not
already open.
5 In the Grid Manager dialog box, click Analysis, and choose
Calculator.
6 From the Grid/Value list, choose MeasureSignal.grd, and click
Modify.
7 In the Variable Editor dialog box, in the Alias box, type M e asu re d ,
and click OK.
8 In the Grid/Value list, right-click ModelSignal.grd, and click Modify.
9 In the Alias box, type Model ed , and click OK.
You will now create and save a Grid Calculator expression.
10 From the Grid/Value list double-click ModelSignal.grd.
The alias Modeled is entered into the Expression box.
11 Click the subtract (-) button in the Calculator.
12 In the Grid/Value list, double-click MeasureSignal.grd.
The alias Measured is entered into the Expression box, and the
expression Modeled - Measured is displayed.

Lesson 9
13 Click Save As.

14 In the Save Expression As dialog box, in the File Name box, and type
ModvsMeas.exp .
15 Choose the Planet EV Training\General\Grid Calculations folder, and
click Save.
You can now reuse this expression for other calculations.
16 In the Calculator, click OK.
17 In the Grid Calculator-Save dialog box, in the Save the New Grid As
box, change the name of the grid to ModVSMeas.tab , and click OK.
To view the mathematical difference between the grids

1 On the Analysis toolbar, click the Grid Info button, and then click the
ModVSMeas Map window.
The Grid Info dialog box shows the mathematical difference between
the modeled and the measured grid values.
2 In the Windows data window, expand Map Windows, and expand
GridModvsMeas Map, right-click GridModvsMeas, and choose
Close.
3 Expand NY_Training_Sites,..,, right-click MeasureSignal, and
choose Close.
4 Expand NY_Training_Sites,..,, right-click ModelSignal, and choose
Close.
Ensure that these tables are closed before you proceed with the next
exercise.
Creating grid queries

You can construct conditional queries based on one or more grids. There is
no limit to the number of grids that you can use in a grid query expression.
To obtain meaningful results from a query, however, all grids must be in
the same coordinate system and must at least partially overlap. A query is
controlled by the grid with the smallest cell size.
When you create a conditional query, you must first build a query
expression from a selection of open grid files, as a series of individual
conditional clauses. You must then assign values, cell by cell, to the new
grid according to whether the query conditions are met (true) or not met
(false) for overlying cells.

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.
To open the file

2 Choose the Planet EV Training\General\Grid Calculations folder, then
choose the BestServFS_Prj_NY18.tab, and click Open.
To sequence the files

1 In the Windows data window, expand Map Windows, then expand
NY_Training_Sites,...,.
2 Drag the files so that they are listed in the following order:
■ NY_Training_Sites
■ BestServFS_Prj_NY18
■ Clutter_Resolution30_NY
■ Height_Resolution30_NY
3 Use the Zoom buttons on the Main toolbar to create a clear view of the
data in the Map window.
5 In the Planet EV Training\General\Grid Calculations folder, choose the
TxDistance.tab file.
6 From the Preferred View list, choose New Mapper, and click Open.
7 In the Grid Manager, click Analysis, and choose Grid Query.
The Enter Query Conditions dialog box opens.

Lesson 9
8 From the Grid Name list, choose Clutter_Resolution30_NY.grc.

9 Click New, and in the Select Condition dialog box, choose Open/Bare
from the Value list, and click OK.
To choose an area within 10 km of the sector

1 From the Grid Name list, choose TxDistance.grd.
2 Click New.
3 In the Select Condition dialog box, from the Operator list, choose the
<= operator.
4 In the Value box, type 10 .
5 Click OK.
To choose areas with signal strength values of at least -75 dBm

1 From the Grid Name list, choose BestServFS_Prj_NY18.grd.
2 Click New.
3 From the Operator list, choose the >= operator.
4 In the Value box, type - 75 .
5 Click OK.
The AND operator connects all query conditions.
6 Click Next.
7 In the Output Results dialog box, choose the Numeric (GRD) option
if it is not already chosen.
8 In the When True section, choose the Get Value From option, and
from the True list, choose Height_Resolution30m_NY.grd.
9 In the When False section, choose the Use Null option.
10 In the File Name box, change the file name to Potential Clients.tab .

11 Click Finish.
The PotentialClients map window opens.
To make the white area of the PotentialClients map invisible

1 Choose GIS ➤ Table ➤ Raster ➤ Adjust Image Styles.
2 From the Raster Table list, choose PotentialClients, and click OK.
3 In the Adjust Image Styles dialog box, enable the Transparent check
box, and click Select Color.
4 Click a blue area in the image in the dialog box.
5 Click OK.
To view the potential client areas in the Height_Resolution30_NY Map window

1 In the Windows data window, expand Map Windows, and right-click
PotentialClients Map, and choose Add Layer.
2 In the Add Layer dialog box, choose Height_Resolution30_NY, and
click OK.
3 In the Windows data window, move PotentialClients above
Height_Resolution30_NY.
4 Click OK.
You can now see the PotentialClients coverage area.
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.
Determining the number of users located in a sector coverage

area
You will determine the number of potential users located in a second best
server sector coverage area by using the Demographic Analysis tool. You
can then use this information to adjust your sector characteristics according
to the location and number of users you want to service. Using the

Lesson 9
Demographic Analysis tool, you will generate a contour map (a vector

grid) of the areas, from which you can obtain the number of potential users
in each area. This contour map is based on population distribution by
census region (a vector file) and on best server sector areas (a classified
grid). The calculation to determine number of users in a sector area
assumes a uniform distribution of users in a census region. When the
census region size is smaller than the cell size, the cell takes on the value of
the region. The resulting data for numeric grids is calculated as a value per
number of cells. Calculating the result in this manner minimizes data loss
due to the analysis.
A project must be open for the Demographic Analysis tool to be available.
To open the census file

The Open Table dialog box opens.
2 Choose the Planet EV Training\General\Pop Stats folder, click the
CTRL button, then choose the BestServFS_Prj_NY18_reclass.tab and
Census Tracts NYNJ.tab files.
3 Click Open.
To perform a demographic analysis

1 Choose Tools ➤ Demographic Analysis Tool.
The Demographic Analysis Tool dialog box opens.
2 Click Browse next to the Classified Grid box.
3 In the Choose A Classified Grid dialog box, choose
Planet EV Training\General\Pop Stats folder, choose the
BestServFS_Prj_NY18_reclass.grc file, and click Open.
4 Click Browse next to the MapInfo Table box.
5 In the Choose A MapInfo Table dialog box, choose
Planet EV Training\General\Pop Stats folder, choose the
Census Tracts NYNJ.tab file, and click Open.
6 In the Demographic Analysis Tool dialog box, click Next.
7 From the Demographic Data Column list, choose POP_ALL, and
click Next.
8 In the Output Format section, enable the check boxes for Table and
Contour.

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.
To view the contour in the Map window

1 In the Windows data window, expand NY_Training_Sites,...,,
right-click Census Tracts NYNJ, choose Remove.
2 Right-click NY_Training_Sites,..., and choose Add Layer.
3 In the Add Layer dialog box, from the Open Layers list, choose
DMG_C_Dis_Census Tracts NYNJ_P, and click OK.
4 Right-click the NY_Training_Sites Map window, and choose
Layer Control.
5 In the Layer Control dialog box, choose DMG_C_Dis_Census Tracts
NYNJ_P, and click Display.
6 In the Display Options dialog box, enable the Style Override check
box, and click the polygonal region.
7 In the Fill section of the Region Style dialog box, click the down arrow
next to the Pattern box, and choose N.
8 In the Border section, click the down arrow next to the Color box, and
choose a red color swatch.
9 In the Width section, click the down arrow next to the Pixels box, and
choose a line thickness of 2.
10 Click OK.
11 Click OK.
12 In the Layer Control dialog box, click OK.
To view the population in a sector

■ On the Main toolbar, click the Info button, and click a contour region.
The Info Tool dialog box opens, showing the name of the sector and the
population in its coverage area.
To close all tables

1 In the Windows data window, expand
DMG_C_Dis_Census_Tracts_NYNJ_P, and choose Close.
2 In the Windows data window, right-click NY_Training_Sites,...,,
right-click BestServFS_Prj_NY18_reclass, and choose Close.

Lesson 9
Summary
■ mathematically manipulate grids
■ perform calculations on multiple grids

■ use grid queries to show all cells that have the same value
■ query one grid or multiple grids
■ use the Demographic Analysis tool to determine the number of
customers a sector serves

Lesson
10.
Building a Project
Area
■ 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.
Workflow for building a project area
To build a customized project area, you will typically complete one or more
of the following tasks.
Step 1 Trim grids to the required size.
Step 2 Splice grids to combine data from a number of different grids by

merging or stamping.
Step 3 Convert a classified grid to a numeric grid.
Step 4 Change the resolution of a grid by resizing.
Step 5 Change the projection system of a grid by reprojecting.
Step 6 Change numeric values in a grid to character values by reclassifying.

Building a Project Area
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.
To convert an object to a region

Because you can only trim regions, you must convert the rectangle object
to a region.
1 On the Main toolbar, click the Select button, and then click the
rectangle.
2 Choose GIS ➤ Objects ➤ Convert to Regions.
To use a region to trim a grid

1 On the Grid Analysis toolbar, click the Grid Trim button.
2 Click the region that you created.
The Save Trimmed Grid As dialog box opens.
3 In the File Name box, type H ei gh t _ R eso l u t i o n3 0_ N Y _le ft . tab .
4 Click Save.
The Height_Resolution30_NY_left Map window opens.
To create the second trimmed grid

1 On the Main toolbar, click the Select button.
2 In the first Map window, click the region, and drag the region to the
right side of the Height_Resolution30_NY grid.
3 Repeat steps 1 and 2 from the previous procedure.

Lesson 10
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.
You can perform a network analysis on merged grids.
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
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.
To close the tables

1 In the Windows data window, right-click NYMergedGrids Map and
choose Close.
2 In the Windows data window, expand
NY_Height_Resolution30_NY_left Map, right-click
NY_Height_Resolution30_NY_left, and choose Close.
3 Expand NY_Height_Resolution30_NY_right Map, right-click
NY_Height_Resolution30_NY_right, and choose Close.
4 Expand NYMergedGrid Map, right-click NYMergedGrid, and
choose Close.
5 In the NY_Training_Sites Map window, right-click the region, and
press the DELETE button.
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.
To convert a classified grid to a numeric grid

1 In the Grid Manager, choose the Clutter_Resolution30_NY.grc file.
2 In the Grid Manager, click Tools, and choose Reclass ➤ To Numeric.
The Classified to Numeric Grid Converter dialog box opens.
3 From the Grid list, choose Clutter_Resolution30_NY.grc if it is not
already displayed.

Lesson 10
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.
To close the tables

■ In the Windows data window, expand NYClutter_Numeric Map,
right-click NYClutter_Numeric, and choose Close.
Converting a numeric grid to a classified grid

You can reclassify the values in a numeric grid to correspond to a character
value. You will identify areas of excellent, good, and poor signal strength
values, assign a color to each area type, and create a classified grid that
shows these regions.
To open the file

2 In the Open dialog box, choose the Planet EV Training\General\Pop
Stats folder, then choose the BestServFS_Prj_NY18.tab file, and click
Open.

To reclassify the grid

1 In the Grid Manager, click Tools, and choose Reclass.
The Numeric Grid Reclassification Tool dialog box opens.
2 In the Numeric Grid Reclassification Tool dialog box, from the Grid
list, choose BestServFS_Prj_NY18.grd if it is not already displayed.
3 Click Classified.
4 Click Intervals.
5 In the Minimum box, type -11 0 , and in the Maximum box, type - 40 .
6 Choose the Number option, in the Value box, type 3 and click OK.
7 In the Ranges table, do the following:
>= Value < Value Class Color
type - 11 0 type - 90 type Excellent choose a red color

type - 90 type - 80 type Good Choose a yellow color
type - 80 type - 40 type P o o r Choose a blue color
8 In the File Name box, change the file name to

S i gn al Str en gt h_ re c l a s s . tab if it is not already displayed.
9 Click OK.
The reclassified grid opens in a Map window.
To view the legend

1 Choose View ➤ Show Grid Legend.
2 Click the down arrow at the bottom of the Grid Legends dialog box,
and choose SignalStrength_reclass.grd from the list.
To close all tables

■ In the Windows data window, expand BestServFS_Prj_NY18 Map,
choose BestServFS_Prj_NY18, and drag it to NY_Training_Sites,...,.
■ Expand BestServFS_Prj_NY18 Map, choose
BestServFS_Prj_NY18, and choose Remove.
■ Expand SignalStrength_reclass Map, right-click SignalStrength, and
choose Close.

Lesson 10
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
■ Medium Resolution—10 to 30 meters

■ Coarse Resolution—greater than 30 meters
While a very high resolution grid file is suitable for modeling and high
quality predictions, a lower resolution version of the same file is adequate
for generating contour lines or regions. When the bin size of an existing
grid is increased (that is, resolution is decreased), a new value must be
interpolated for every bin in the new grid. You can visualize the original
smaller bin grid as a network of nodes with an overlay of new, more widely
spaced nodes. The value at the new grid node is calculated using a bilinear
interpolation (rectangular interpolation) of the four nearest nodes of the
underlying, more closely spaced grid.
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.
To change the projection of a grid

1 In the Grid Manager, choose Height_Resolution30_NY.grd if it is not
already chosen.
2 Click the Info button if the Grid Info section is not already displayed in
the Grid Manager.
The coordinate system used for this grid is listed at the bottom of the
information page as UTM Zone 18, Northern Hemisphere (WGS
84) p32618.
3 Click Tools, and choose Reproject.
4 In the Reproject Grid dialog box, click Projection.
5 In the Choose Projection dialog box, from the Category list, choose
Regional Conformal Projections.
6 From the Category Members list, choose
Conformal Projection (North America).
7 Click OK.
8 In the Planet EV dialog box, click OK.
9 In the File Name box, change the file name to
Heig ht _Re so lut io n3 0_ NY_ Rep ro jec t. tab if it is not already
displayed.
10 Click OK.
A new Map window opens and displays the reprojected grid.
To close the tables

■ In the Windows data window, expand
Height_Resolution30_NY_Reproj Map, right-click
Height_Resolution30_NY_Reproj, and choose Close.

Lesson 10
Summary
■ 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
Lesson
11.
Working with Layout
Windows
■ 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.
Workflow for working with layout windows
To use layout windows to create a customized report, you will typically

complete the following tasks.
Step 1 Create a map legend.
Step 2 Create a legend for cartographic symbols (vector objects).
Step 3 Import graphics (such as a company logo).
Step 4 Create a layout view.
Step 5 Manipulate elements of the layout.
Step 6 Modify the layout window content.
Creating a legend for the map

Grids use gradients of color to indicate continuous data values. You need to
create a legend in order to interpret the color gradients.
It is important to produce at least one legend for your map before you print
it from the layout window. This enables the reader to understand what the
map is communicating.
In this exercise, you will learn how to create a grid legend. In the next
exercise, you will create a legend for vector objects (roads).
To order the layers

2 Choose the Planet EV Training\MappingData\Vectors folder, then
choose the Primary_Road_Merged.tab file, and click Open.

Working with Layout Windows
3 In the Windows data window, expand NY_Training_Sites,...,, and drag

the files to arrange them in the following order:
■ NY_Training_Sites
■ Primary_Road_Merged
■ BestServFS_Prj_NY18
■ Height_Resolution30_NY
■ Clutter_Resoltion30_NY
The Cosmetic layer cannot be moved.
To choose colors for the legend

2 In the Grid Manager, choose BestServFS_Prj_NY18.grd, and click
the Color button.
The Grid Color Tool dialog box opens.
3 In the Grid Color Tool dialog box, click Legend.
4 Clear the check box for Show Pct if it is not already cleared.
This clears the show percent check boxes for all the legend categories.
5 Clear the first and alternating check boxes in the Show Value column.
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.

Lesson 11
8 In the Grid Color Tool dialog box, click OK.
To format the legend

1 Click the Select button on the Main toolbar.
2 In the MyLegend Map window, double-click the title
‘Best’ Field Strength.
The Text Object dialog box opens.
3 Click the Style button.
4 Choose 12 from the font size list.
5 Enable the check boxes for Bold, Shadow, and Expanded.
6 Click OK.
7 In the Text Object dialog box, click OK.
8 Drag the title to the center of the Map window.
9 In the MyLegend Map window, click Z-units:dBm, and drag it to just
below the last number.
10 In the Windows data window, expand Map Windows, right-click

MyLegend Map, and choose View ➤ Change View.
The Change View dialog box opens.
11 In the Map Scale box, type 3 5 , and click OK.

Creating a legend for cartographic symbols
To create a legend for cartographic symbols

1 In the Windows data window, right-click Legend Windows, and
choose New.
The Create Legend - Step 1 of 3 dialog box opens.
2 Click Next.
3 In the Window Title box, type NY Network .
4 Click Next.
5 Choose NY_Training_Sites from the Legend Frames list if it is not
already chosen.
6 Type NY S i t es in the Title box.
7 Type An te nn a Azimu t h in the Subtitle box.
8 Choose the Unique Map Styles option if it is not already chosen.
9 From the Label Styles With list, choose Antenna_Azimuth.
10 Click Finish.
The NY Network legend opens in a new window.
To edit the NY Network legend

1 In the NY Network window, double-click
Primary_Road_Merged_Legend.
The Legend Frame Properties dialog box opens.
2 Press the DELETE key to clear the Title box.
3 In the Edit Selected Text Here box, type Main Roads .
4 In the Styles section, click the Font button.
6 Click OK.
7 In the Legend Frame Properties dialog box, click OK.
8 Double-click the NY Sites entry.
9 Click the Font button.
11 Enable the check boxes for Bold, Shadow, and Expanded.

Lesson 11
12 In the Text Style dialog box, click OK.

13 In the Legend Frame Properties dialog box, click OK.
14 Resize the NY Network window as shown.
Opening a graphics file

You can add a company logo or other graphics file to the layout. To add a
logo to your layout, you must first open the graphics file in its own Map
window. The following file types can be opened:
■ Graphics Interchange Format (.gif)
■ JPEG Format (.jpg)

■ Tagged Image File Format (.tif)
■ PC Paintbrush Format (.pcx)
■ Windows Bitmap Format (.bmp)
■ Targa Format (.tga)
■ SPOT Satellite Images (.bil)
■ MrSID Format (.sid)
To open a company logo in a Map window

2 From the Files of Type list, choose Raster Image.
3 Choose the Planet EV Training\General\Logo folder, then choose the
MarconiLogo.gif file.
4 From the Preferred View list, choose New Mapper, and click Open.
5 In the MapInfo dialog box, click OK.
6 In the MapInfo dialog box, click Display.

The MarconiLogo Map window opens.

7 Reduce the size of the Map window to the size of the following
graphic.
8 Arrange the windows so that they do not overlap.
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.

Lesson 11
13 In the Layout Zoom dialog box, in the Zoom box, type 7 0 .

14 Click OK.
Manipulating frames in the layout window

Frames are like picture frames that hold the contents of an open window.
The frames are linked to the contents of the windows, so that if something
changes in the window, the contents of the associated frame will reflect the
change in the layout window. It is important to be able to resize and move
legend frames so that you can create an attractive layout. When designing
your layout, try to achieve visual balance among all the elements (frames)
in the layout.
To resize the frames

You will increase the size of the signal strength map and decrease the size
of the other frames.
1 On the Main toolbar, click the Select button.
2 In the Layout window, click the signal strength map.
3 Drag the editing box to increase the size of the signal strength map.
4 Repeat steps 2 and 3 for the logo and the signal strength legend, but
reduce the frame size.
To align the map

You will align the signal strength map in the center of the window.
1 Click the Layout window to activate it.
2 Choose Layout ➤ Align Objects.
The Align Objects dialog box opens.
3 In the Horizontal section, from the Selected Objects list, choose Align
Center Of.
4 From the With Respect to list, choose Entire Layout.
5 In the Vertical section, from the Selected Objects list, choose Align
Center Of.
6 From the With Respect to list, choose Entire Layout.
7 Click OK.
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.

To remove the frame border

1 Click the logo to choose it.
2 Choose GIS ➤ Options ➤ Region Style.
The Region Style dialog box opens.
3 In the Border section, choose N from the Style list.
4 Click OK.
5 Repeat steps 1 through 4 for the NY Sites frame and the legend frame.
To add a title to the layout

You can add a title to the Layout window.
1 Choose View ➤ Toolbars.
2 Enable the Drawing check box, and click OK.
3 On the Drawing toolbar, click the Text button.
4 Click the Layout window above the signal strength map, and type
Can did at e Sit es .
5 On the Main toolbar, click the Select button, and then click the title.
6 On the Drawing toolbar, click the Text Style button.
7 Enable the check boxes for Bold, Shadow, and Expanded if they are
not already enabled.
8 From the font size list, choose 18.
9 Click OK.

Lesson 11
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.
11 Minimize the Layout window.
To save and print the layout

1 Choose File ➤ Save Workspace.
The Save Workspace dialog box opens.
2 Choose the Planet EV Training\General folder, and in the File Name
box type La you t .wor .
3 Click Save.
4 Choose File ➤ Page Setup.
5 Choose a Letter paper size and a Landscape orientation, and click OK.
6 Choose File ➤ Print.
7 Click OK.
Modifying layout window content

You can add a drop shadow to a frame using the Layout menu. Using the
Drawing toolbar, you can add text, lines, regions, and symbols to the
layout. You can reorder objects in order to see the frames that are hidden by
overlapping frames. You can also add a scale to the map window using the
Tools toolbar.

To create a drop shadow

1 Maximize the layout window.
2 On the Main toolbar, click the Select button, and then click the signal
strength map.
3 Choose Layout ➤ Create Drop Shadows.
4 In the Horizontal box, type 0.2 .
5 Click OK.
To delete a drop shadow

■ Click the drop shadow, and press the DELETE key.
To add a border to a frame

1 Double-click the signal strength map in the Layout window.
The Frame Object dialog box opens.
2 Write down the values shown in the
■ Center X box
■ Y box
■ Width box
■ Height box
3 Click OK.
4 On the Drawing toolbar, click the Rectangle button, and draw a
rectangle of any size.
5 On the Main toolbar, click the Select button, and double-click the
rectangle.
The Rectangle Object dialog box opens.
6 Change the values in the Center X and Y boxes to match those of the
map.
7 Change the values in the Width and Height boxes to be 0.4 cm larger
than those for the map.
This creates a rectangle that is 0.2 cm larger on either side of the frame.
8 Click OK.
9 On the Drawing toolbar, click the Region Style button.
The Region Style dialog box opens.
10 Click the down arrow for Style, and choose a solid line.
11 Click the down arrow for Pixels, and choose a line width of 2.

Lesson 11
12 Click OK.
13 Choose Layout ➤ Send to Back.
To create a scale bar for the map

1 Minimize the Layout window.
2 Choose View ➤ Toolbars.
The Toolbar Options dialog box opens.
3 Enable the Show and Floating check boxes for Tools, and click OK.
The Tools toolbar opens.
4 Click the Run MapBasic Program button.
5 In the Run MapBasic Program dialog box, choose the Program
Files\Planet EV\Mapinfo\Tools folder, then choose the Scalebar.mbx
file, and click Open.
The Draw Scale Bar button is displayed on the Tools toolbar.
6 Click the Draw Scale Bar button.
7 Click the title bar of the signal strength Map window to activate it.
8 Click the map where you want the scale bar to appear.
The Draw Distance Scale in Mapper dialog box opens.
9 In the Width of Scale Bar box, type 50 00 .
10 Choose meters from the units list.
11 Click OK.
12 Maximize the layout window.
The scale bar is visible on the map.
13 Choose File ➤ Save Workspace.
14 In the Save Workspace dialog box, click Save.
15 Click Yes.
To close all tables and the project

1 Choose File ➤ Close All Tables.
2 In the Save Modified Table Data dialog box, click Save All.
3 Choose File ➤ Close Project.
4 Click Yes.

Summary
■ use the Legend Generator to create legends for your grids
■ create legends for vector map objects, such as roads

■ add graphics files to a layout
■ change the layout of a map
■ manipulate frames from a Layout window

Lesson 11

Index
■ editing 39 Customer support 7
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
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
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
Settings Traffic map

for Analysis Info tool 68 adding roads 93
Signal strength 11 applying clutter weighting 95
Signal strength predictions converting 98
factors affecting 52 creating based on regional subscriber
Site data 91
configuration 34 generating 89
configuration file 32 scaling 97
creating a configuration 34 Traffic Map Generator 90
definition 32 Tuning models
deleting 41, 42 overview 50, 72
editing 41
global editing 46 U
moving 41 User interface 10
placing 37 menus 10
saving a configuration 37 Project Explorer 10
setting properties 35, 36
Site table V
global editing 46 Vector files 12
Sites
W
configuring and placing 31
Workflow
Spatial data
building a project area 138
working with 127
configuring and placing sites 33
Splicing grids 140
creating a project 21
Survey data
generating a traffic map 90
aggregating 50
generating an interference matrix 104
filtering 50
generating neighbor lists 118
removing extraneous points 50
streamlining 15
System settings
tuning Predict propagation model 54
defining 25
tuning the Planet General model 73
T using network data 82
Table working with layout windows 148
opening 28 working with spatial data 128
Technical support 7
Tools
Analysis Info 68
164

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3.

Planet EV Training Manual

December 10, 2003

Metapath Software International (US), Inc.

Introduction to Elements of the Planet EV user interface 10

Establishing a Workflow for a Planet EV General project 16

Creating a site configuration 34

Welcome to the Planet EV training course! This

■ to describe technical information

Using this training manual

2 Planet EV 3.1 Training DRAFT

■ Procedure introductions—the what, when, and why for each

Planet EV data set

Using the Planet EV documentation

■ procedures for using the software

Planet EV 3.1 Training DRAFT 3

4 Planet EV 3.1 Training DRAFT

Planet EV Documentation Library

Planet EV User Guide Plan and analyze simulated wireless

Planet EV 3.1 Training DRAFT 5

GSM User Guide Plan and analyze GSM networks.

bold text Bold text is used in procedure steps to identify a user

This icon identifies a workflow summary, which explains a

6 Planet EV 3.1 Training DRAFT

This icon identifies a cautionary statement, which contains

This icon identifies a tip, which contains shortcut

This icon identifies a note, which highlights important

Getting technical support

Marconi North America

Marconi Hong Kong

Planet EV 3.1 Training DRAFT 7

8 Planet EV 3.1 Training DRAFT

In this Introduction, you are This chapter provides an overview of the

10 Planet EV 3.1 Training DRAFT

Planet EV basic terminology

■ Sector—equipment on a site that serves a coverage area

Planet EV predictions and network analysis

Path loss and signal strength

Planet EV 3.1 Training DRAFT 11

Grid and vector files

Files and folder structure

12 Planet EV 3.1 Training DRAFT

■ Network_Data folder—stores information about switch statistics

Planet EV 3.1 Training DRAFT 13

Consistently following a project workflow will

We recommend that you follow the workflow outlined below or adapt it to

To perform a network analysis for a general project, you must

Step 1 Prepare and organize your data on a PC

Step 2 Setup the Data Manager

Step 3 Create projects and workspaces

Step 4 Build the project area

Step 5 Prepare the data prior to analysis

Step 6 Prepare your sites

Step 7 Work with survey data

Step 8 Tune the model or the model of the environment (CRC-Predict or

16 Planet EV 3.1 Training DRAFT

Step 9 Generate analysis layers

Step 10 Visualize grid data and work with spatial data

Step 11 Prepare a layout for presentation

Planet EV 3.1 Training DRAFT 17

20 Planet EV 3.1 Training DRAFT

Workflow for creating a project

To set up a Planet EV project, you will typically complete the following