Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Revision Records
Date Version Description Reviewer Author
2008-12- Li Peng, Lu Peng,
1.0 Initial transmittal Zang Liang
05 Yangfan
2008-12-
1.1 Correct some errors for easy understanding. Qin Yan
16
Update the operating environment of SPM
2009-3-25 1.2 Chen Fazhi
Tuning to U-Net 2.2.1
Contents
Figures
Importing CW measurement...........................................................34
Importing a text file.......................................................................34
General tab displayed after importing CW measurement data..........35
Changing measurement line...........................................................36
CW measurement setup.................................................................36
Setting CW measurement manually.................................................37
Filtering measurement data...........................................................38
Displaying measurement data........................................................39
Properties of the file for tuning coordination system.......................40
Before translating location in map..................................................41
Original coordinates of reference point...........................................42
After translating location in map....................................................43
Coordinates of reference point after translation..............................44
Frequency Difference Setting.........................................................45
Parameters of SPM to be tuned.......................................................47
Setting filtering conditions for SPM tuning......................................48
Tuning SPM (1)..............................................................................49
Tuning SPM (2)..............................................................................49
Automatic Calibration....................................................................51
Select parameters for calibration....................................................51
Statistics report after tuning..........................................................55
Measurement parameters of tuned model.......................................56
Comparison curve..........................................................................57
Properties window of measurement data of tuned model.................57
Error distribution...........................................................................58
Volcano models displayed in U-Net..................................................60
Parameters in General Tab for Volcano Macrocell model...................61
Parameters in Map data tab for Volcano Macrocell model.................62
Parameters in Clutters Tab for Volcano Macrocell model...................63
Parameters in vectors tab for Volcano Macrocell model....................64
Tables
Abstract
This guide introduces flow and principle for model tuning. The operation procedures for SPM and
Volcano model tuning are described based on U-NET tool. There are some rules for guaranteeing
correct tuning results. The U-NET tool software version is U-NET 2.2.1(Build 2613) in this book.
1 Overview
The propagation model lays a foundation for the cell planning of a mobile communication network.
The accuracy of the propagation model determines whether the cell planning is reasonable and
whether operators can meet the requirements of users through cost-effective and rational
investments. Therefore, it is necessary to tune the propagation model in order to obtain the wireless
propagation model that complies with the actual environment of the specific area, improve the
accuracy of the coverage prediction and lay a solid foundation for network planning. This document
introduces rationales for propagation model tuning, methods and principles for propagation model
tuning based on the U-Net tool. The methods and principles include method and flow for processing
the data obtained in the CW test and tuning the propagation model by using the data in the U-Net
tool and some rules for guaranteeing correct tuning results.
This guide includes main chapters as below.
Chapter 2: Introduce the flow and basic knowledge for model tuning.
Chapter 3: Describe the process for SPM model tuning in a detail.
Chapter 4: Introduce how to tune Volcano model.
3 SPM Tuning
Lmod el = K 1 + K 2 log ( d ) + K 3 log ( HTxeff ) + K 4 × Diffractio n loss + K 5 log ( d ) × log ( HTxeff ) + K 6 ( H Rxeff ) + K clutter f ( c
Wherein,
K1: a constant (dB), related to frequency.
K2: the multiplier (distance factor). It shows how the field strength changes as the
distance changes.
d: the horizontal distance (m) between the Tx antenna and Rx antenna.
K3: the multiplier of log(HTxeff). It represents the variation of field strength as the height
of Tx antenna changes.
HTxeff: effective height of Tx antenna (m)
K4: multiplier of diffraction loss. It represents the strength of diffraction.
Diffraction loss: diffraction loss due to obstacles (dB).
K5: multiplier of log(HTxeff)log(d).
K6: multiplier of H Rxeff . It represents the variation of field strength as the height of Rx
antenna changes.
H Rxeff : Effective height of Rx antenna (m)
Kclutter: multiplier of f(clutter). It is the weighting factor of clutter loss.
f(clutter): weighted-average loss due to clutter.
If the distance between Tx antenna and Rx antenna is shorter than the maximum distance defined by
the operator, the Rx antenna is considered as near the Tx antenna. SPM will use the parameters
marked with Near transmitter for calculation. If the distance between Tx antenna and Rx antenna is
longer than the maximum distance defined by the operator, the Rx antenna is considered as far from
the Tx antenna. SPM will use the parameters marked with Far from transmitter for calculation.
3 Visibility
According to terrain and clutter high, SPM judges whether the receiver is in the light of sight (LOS)
range. If you do not use the clutter height layer, SPM calculates LOS with the terrain height map
only. If you use the clutter height layer, SPM calculates LOS with the terrain and clutter height
maps. If the receiver is in the sight of LOS, SPM use (K1,K2)LOS; otherwise, SPM uses
(K1,K2)NLOS.
Wherein,
The calculation of effective heights of antennas H Rxeff and H Txeff is based on the DTM lateral section. If importing
height data is not realized, the calculation will fail.
Wherein,
L: clutter loss defined by the operator in the Clutter tab
w: the weighting factor for applying weighting function
n: number of spots to be considered in the lateral section. These spots are distributed
according to the accuracy of lateral section.
There are four weighting functions as below:
1
Uniform weighting function: w i =
n
di
wi = n
Triangular weighting function:
∑d
j
j =1
d i = D − d i' . The d'i is the distance between the receiver and the ith spot. The D is the
maximum defined distance.
d
log i + 1
D
Logarithmic weighting function: w i = n
dj
∑ log + 1
j =1 D
di
e D
−1
Exponential weighting function
wi = dj
n
∑e
j =1
D
−1
Figure 1.1 Four weighting methods for calculating clutter loss in SPM
w i=f(di)
wi
di
CW data measurement and filtering processing are introduced in the guide Radio Propagation
Feature Test. Here shows the process of data input. Before importing head files, proceed as below:
Step 2 Set up a new project.
Step 3 Import digital maps.
Step 4 Set the coordination system.
Step 5 Import antenna pattern
The contents from step 1 to step 4 are simply described here and can be known detailedly in the U-
Net Operation Manuel.
Step 6 Set up the model to be tuned.
----End
After importing head files, compare the related setting values with contents in head files.
system for The Northern Hemisphere is usually marked with the letter N.
Height Map
Read the index file in the saving path (usually height or DTM) where the height map file is saved. As
shown in 3.2.1, in Data type box, select Altitude, and then click OK.
Vector Map
Read the index file in the saving path (usually Vector) where the vector map file is saved. As shown
in 3.2.1, in Data type box, select Vectors, and then click OK.
By select the Embed in document right under the Geo drop-down list, you can choose to display
one or four types of maps. For the operations like modifying the properties of map, see the
corresponding manual.
Not all maps include the four data types. Import the corresponding maps according to the map
conditions and project's requests in actual operations.
For the properties of antenna, see the U-Net User Manual. If the current antenna is present in the
original antenna library, you do not need to re-import and you can use it directly.
Import the corresponding antenna file directly if there is. Select File > Import. In the File dialog
box, change the file type to "Planet Database". In the Planet data to be imported dialog box, import
the antenna index file (named index) in the Antenna box. Click OK, and then click OK. You can
see the imported antenna file in the Explorer window of U-Net.
an area.
Before tuning propagation models, you shall configure the parameters in the Parameters tab,
detailed as below:
Near Transmitter\Max. Distance
It is 0 by default no matter it is near or far.
Near Transmitter & Far from Transmitter
K1 is 17.4 and K2 is 44.9 by default. The initial parameters for LOS and NLOS are the
same.
Effective Antenna Height
Method: By default, if the overall terrain of target area is flat without great undulation,
you are recommended to select 1-height above average profile. If the overall terrain of
target area is with great undulation (with a fall of 50 m or above), you are recommended
to select 5-enchanced slope at receiver.
The Distance min (m) and Distance max (m) do not serve in calculation in moduel
tuning, so use the default values.
Use the default value of K3.
Diffraction
Method: select 1-Deygout by default.
K4: If there is not height information about clutter in the map and there is no great
undulation in the area, you are not recommended to adjust K4 and you can configure K4
to 0; otherwise, configure it to 1.
Other parameters
K5: use the default value.
K6: use the default value.
Kclutter: you can configure Kclutter to 0 in tuning; namely, you do not count clutter
loss. The CW test usually proceeds in outdoor open land, so there are inadequate spots.
As a result, the clutter loss is not adjusted according to recommendation. The default
value of clutter loss serves in simulation forecast, so the default Kclutter is 1.
Other parameters /hilly terrain correction: configure it to 1-yes only when the total
terrain is with great undulation (with a fall over 50 m); otherwise, configure it to 0-no.
Profile: use the default value.
Grid calculation: use the default value.
As previously described, if you configure Use clutter heights to 1, namely, you want to calculate the
diffraction with clutter height, you need configure K4 to 1, the default value.
Max.distance: Configure to 0 by default.
Losses per clutter class: it refers to clutter losses. The CW test spots are all in open
land, so you must configure all the clutter losses to 0 in model tuning. Do not adjust
clutter loss in model tuning. However, you need configure clutter loss to the
recommended value in simulation forecast.
Other parameters: use the default values.
When the test data is already imported, the test paths will be displayed in the CW measurement
path(s) to be used box.
LOS and NLOS: If you do not want to distinguish LOS and NLOS, you need select two buttons. If
you want to tune LOS or NLOS parameters respectively, you can select them respectively for tuning.
When the head file is imported, the inside antenna type is not set up yet. The gain of the antenna of the type
automatically set up by U-Net is 0. As a result, the pilot power is the same as the transmit power of feeder
port, because the antenna gain is not automatically deducted. After the antenna pattern and gain are changed,
U-Net judges that the transmit power of feeder port is higher than actual power, so error occurs. Therefore
you need set up the antenna type before importing head file, and then check whether the pilot power equals to
the transmit power of feeder model minus antenna gain.
Step 1 In U-Net, click the Explorer pane, click the Data label, and right-click CW Measurement
(or select File > Import). In the drop-down list, select Import.
Step 2 A window is displayed, as shown in 3.2.2. Select the target head file and select its file type as
*.hd, and then open the file.
Step 3 In U-Net, click the Explorer pane, click the Data label, and right-click transmitter. Select
properties in the window, and the Transmitters properties window is displayed. Click the
Global parameter tab, as shown in 3.2.2. Configure frequency and keep the first carrier
unchanged as shown in 3.2.2.
Select the set model in the Propagation model drop-down list respectively. When there are multiple
sectors, you can set the model for each sector. You can configure the radius and resolution
respectively. The radius is the maximum distance from the test data to the site in model tuning.
Resolution is the accuracy of map. You do not need configure other parameters.
Step 2 Set a Transmitter. In the similar way, you can configure parameters in the General tab on
the Transmitters new element properties. Input the name and site. The Dx and Dy are
usually configured to 0 m, because the location for recording data is the location of antenna.
Step 3 In the Transmitter tab, input the losses of Tx feeder, antenna model, height, down tilts, as
shown in 3.2.2. Click OK.
Step 4 In the navigation tree, right-click new Transmitter, and select Properties dialog box. Select
the Cell tab, and configure pilot power.
Only the pilot power is used in model tuning, so other configurations have no impact on the tuning
result.
The pilot power minus loss of Tx feeder is the transmit power of feeder port. The transmit power of
feeder port plus antenna gain is EIRP.
− You can configure the previous loss of Tx feeder to 0, and the pilot power shall
deduct loss of Tx feeder.
− Some tests provide EIRP (such as there is only one head file *.hd), so you can
configure the loss of Tx feeder to 0 and configure the pilot power to EIRP minus antenna gain so
that the transmit power of feeder power is correct.
Other configurations, such as frequency and propagation mode, are the same as importing files. You
can refer to the previous section.
1)Paste
Step 1 In the Explorer pane of U-Net, select the Data tab, right-click CW measurements, and
select New in the menu.
Step 2 Configuring the parameters shown in 3.2.3 and then click OK.
− Input the name of test file in the Name text box. You can name the test file
accordingly.
− In the Transmitter area, input the name of site in the Name drop-down list and the
frequency in the Frequency spin box.
− In the Receiver area, the Height is the height of test antenna. The Rx antenna is
usually mounted on the roof of vehicle, so the height depends on the height of vehicle. The default
height is 1.5 m. The gain and loss are usually 0. The value is already considered in the transmit
power of feeder port (note: the antenna gain and feeder loss of DTI is 4 dB, so they can counteract
each other).
− In the Coordinates area, select the correct coordinates, otherwise serious error may
happen.
− In the Measurements area, the unit is dBm by default. The X, Y, and M columns are
longitude, latitude, and measured level respectively. After you copy the DT data in an Excel table,
you can import the data into U-Net database by clicking the Paste button
2)Importing DT File
Step 1 In the Explorer pane of U-Net, select the Data tab, right-click CW measurements, and
select Import in the menu.
Step 2 In the pop-up box, select the DT file. 3.2.3 shows an example of importing a text file.
Step 3 In the General tab, define the parameters in the same way as the previous method.
Step 5 After you click the Setup button shown in 3.2.3, a CW measurement setup dialog box is
displayed, as shown in 3.2.3. For the * drop down list, select X (File) and Y (File)
respectively, and then click OK.
This correspondence may also be achieved by clicking on the first line of the tale header shown in.
3.2.3. Usually you only need to match the longitude, latitude and measurement
When the measurement data is imported, you can change the mode and color to display the data in
the properties window. The detailed method is neglected herein. The data is displayed, as shown in
3.2.3.
5 Import files such as domo.b or demo.b in the GEO/clutter classes and Digital Terrain Model.
Right-click domo.b, and select Properties. A domo.b properties window is displayed, as shown in 3.2.3.
Step 2 According to the deviation direction, deduct the deviations from or add the deviation to the
displayed data of X axis and Y axis, and the two deviations shall be the same. You may have
to adjust the data for multiple times until the actual route match the test data.
You cannot adjust the vector file with this method, so you need re-set up coordination system or
adjust the coordinates in the map file, and then re-import the data. Therefore the process is
complicated. If you use SPM, the deviation of vector lay has no impact on the accuracy of tuning, so
you can neglect it.
----End
6 Select a reference point, such as the corner of a house. Click the point and record its coordinates
7
actual route.
Import the raster map with geocoding and minimize the deviation of CW measurement data and
8 Record the coordinates of longitude and latitude (Bx, By) of reference point after translation;
9 Copy the CW measurement data to an Excel table. Add the deviation (dx, dy) to all the
10 ----End
Delete the map and CW data, re-import them.
The second method is complicated, but it guarantees that the data matches the route. Therefore, it is
preferential. This guide describes Volcano model in the following part, so the vector layer is
necessary and is imported in the properties dialog box, so the first method does not work and the
second one works.
The U-Net provides three default values in editing areas at three frequency bands. Because path
losses vary in different propagation environments, 3.2.3 and 3.2.3 provide some frequency
differences of GSM900 and DCS1800 in different propagation environments. You can adjust these
differences according to your own requirements.
As shown in 3.2.3, if you select the Auto Setting DT Based Model check box, the U-Net sets the
propagation model of the transmitters for the new CW data to DT Based Model after the data is
imported; if you do not select the Auto Setting DT Based Model check box, the U-Net sets the
propagation model of the transmitters to the default propagation model. DT Based Model is the
name of the newly created propagation model.
In the downtown areas of large and medium cities, increase K1 by 3 dB for 1805 MHz and 2110 MHz networks. Adjust the
K1 accordingly for suburban and rural areas.
According to the method to configuration parameters in 3.2.1, check whether the parameters in each
tab are suitable. If they are suitable, click OK. Right-click the model, and select duplicate. Copy a
configured model and tune SPM based on the copied model.
Step 3 Select Data and Set Filtering Conditions
Right click the copied model and select calibration. A Calibration window is displayed, as shown in
3.2.4. Select the data set to be tuned, then select the Assisted Calibration.
Note: Before doing calibration, you need to set the filtering conditions including distance, field, and
LOS/NLOS. Wherein, the distance and field are set in the measurement data properties dialog box
in 3.2.3.
If you want to tune K1 and K2 respectively according to LOS and NLOS, you can tune model by
selecting LOS and NLOS respectively; otherwise, select them simultaneously. For whether it is
necessary to tune LOS and NLOS parameters respectively, see 3.2.5LOS/NLOS.
Step 4 Tune Model
Click the right Calibration button in 3.2.4, and a Calibration window is displayed, as shown in
3.2.4. Select the variable and tune it by clicking Identify button. Once you select a variable, you can
see the correlation with the selected variable on the right.
Click the Identify button so that U-Net tunes the multiplier of the selected variable. You can know
the amendment of the variable by checking correction. The relation between variables and K
parameters can be known from the basic formula in 3.1.1. The current value of K parameters equals
to the initial value plus amendment, as shown in 3.2.4.
The most influential variable for tuning is log(D). You shall tune the multiplier K2 preferentially, and
the K1 will be automatically tuned.
After tuning a parameter, check the correlation to calculate the current value of parameter (initial value plus amendment),
and check whether the value has exceeds the reasonable range. If the value has already exceeded the reasonable range, the
tuning fails.
If the K parameters exceed the reasonable range, it is recommended to delete the tuned model and
re-duplicate a model based on the configured model to be tuned. Start tuning with the configured
model to be tuned. It is not recommended that you continue tuning by adjusting the K parameter
which has exceeded the reasonable range. Every tuning starts with the default values of SPM. If the
K parameter is within reasonable range after tuning, you can continue tuning by clicking the
Identify button.
When the K parameter is within the range by experience, the standard deviation is smaller than 8 by
experience and the statistics result is stable, you can finish tuning. If the result is unsatisfactory,
restart tuning with default values by adjusting parameters like effective height of antennas.
Step 2 Select the CW test data and parameters for calibration in turn, and click Commit to complete
the setting, as shown in 3.2.4.
current stage due to limited collected data. The K1 and K2 are mandatory for model tuning, and
whether to tune other parameters depends on the following proposals.
Park in Urban 0
Parallel and Lower Buildings 18
Others Lower Buildings 13
Ocean Area –2
Large and Lower Buildings 18
Inland Water –2
High Buildings 20
Green land 0
Forest 10
Dense Urban 16
Common Buildings 13
7. LOS/NLOS
The proposals about LOS/NLOS are similar with these for 3.2.5K4.
− If the used map lacks of height information about buildings and the terrain undulates
a little in the calculated range, the model cannot distinguish LOS and NLOS. Therefore,
distinguishing LOS/NLOS is not recommended.
− If you test within a large range, the terrain undulates greatly. For example, the area is
mountainous. As a result, you can tune the model with LOS and NLOS respectively with two sets of
parameters.
− If you use high-resolution 3D maps with height information about buildings, you can
tune the model with LOS and NLOS respectively with two sets of parameters.
For the later two cases, there must be enough spots (>200) for LOS and NLOS to guarantee accurate
tuning. Before tuning, collect statistics of spots for LOS and NLOS respectively (by clicking the
statistics button on the tuning properties tab) and check whether the number of spots meets the
requirement. If the spots for LOS or NLOS are inadequate, it is recommended not to distinguish
LOS/NLOS.
8. Near/Far region
SPM is a macro cell model applicable for a large range of cell radius, but engineers usually perform
tests in a range of 3 km. As a result, it is not to distinguish near and far region.
Model tuning is iterated process, sometimes it takes a long time. In addition, you do not
necessarily tune K parameters according to correlation or big to small. When you fail to
tune models ideally, you can try comprehensive tuning.
Step 5 Select Open the Analysis Tool, and a comparison curve is displayed, as shown in 3.2.6.
The red curve stands for the measured value. The blue curve stands for the predicted value of tuned
model. You can see the distribution of model deviation with the suitability of two curves.
Select the display type and field as shown in 3.2.6. Error(P-M) stands for the error between predicted
value (P) and measured value (M). You can adjust the error range highlighted by different colors in
3.2.6; you can see the error distribution, as shown in 3.2.6.
You can also predict coverage with the model and see the distribution and variation of predicted field. They indicate the
result of model tuning. The details are neglected here.
You can configure the parameters related to map used in model and map-related aspects, as shown in
4.1.1.
Figure 1.1 Parameters in Map data tab for Volcano Macrocell model
Vertical analysis mode: it indicates whether the height information about clutters is from 3D raster
map (raster favorite) or 3D vector map (vector favorite). If you use 2D vector map without height
information about clutters, you shall select raster favorite.
Map data layers: the digital map used by the model. You shall import layers into Volcano model
respectively. The layers are usually consistent with the imported digital maps in U-Net.
Altimetry: raster map of terrain height. In digital maps, it is contained in the index file under the
heights or DTM directory.
Clutter: raster map of clutter type. In digital maps, it is contained in the index file under the clutter
or DLU directory.
Clutter height: raster map of clutter height. In digital maps, it is contained in the index file under
the building or DHM directory.
3D Vector: 3D vector map. In digital maps, it is contained in the index file under the vector
directory. The vector map in Volcano Macrocell model is optional. In vertical analysis mode, when
selecting vector favorite, you shall import 3D vector map, because the model requires abstracting
height information of clutters from 3D vector map.
Vector reference: it is valid only when 3D vector map is imported. It indicates whether the height
reference of vector map is ground (relative height) or sea surface (absolute height). Its reference is
usually ground.
Prediction Preferences: it is valid only when the import map contains various resolutions, such as
20 m and 5 m. It indicates the preferential resolution.
You can configure clutter parameters in raster map in Clutter tab, as shown in 4.1.1.
When you import the raster map of clutter type (DLU), you can see various clutters in the Clutter
tab. Volcano Macrocell model describes raster maps from the following aspects:
Volcano type: the clutter type defined in Volcano. There are several clutter types. They
are Land, Water, Building, Vegetation, Bridge, Built-up area.
These six clutter types use different calculation strategies. You shall select corresponding
volcano type according to the definitions of clutter types in digital maps.
Clutter attenuation: the clutter loss. Each volcano type has default clutter attenuation,
but you can change it.
Clutter height: the clutter height. If there is no 3D map, you can specify a uniform
clutter height for each clutter type. It is invalid when you use 3D maps.
You can configure vector parameters of vector maps in the Vectors tab, as shown in 4.1.1. If you use
2D vector map or no vector map, this tab is invalid.
When importing a vector map, you can see various clutter types in the Vectors tab. Volcano
Macrocell model describes vector properties from the following aspects:
Volcano type: the vector type defined in Volcano model. The Volcano types are Land,
Water, Building, Vegetation and Bridge.
These five clutter types use different calculation strategies. You shall select
corresponding volcano type according to the definitions of vector types in digital maps.
Clutter attenuation: the clutter loss. Each volcano type has a default clutter loss, but
you can change it.
You can configure algorithm parameters in Parameter tab for Volcano Macrocell model.
Free space correction: coefficient for free space correction. You can set two sets of A and B for
LOS and NLOS respectively.
Deterministic weighting: weighting factor of deterministic calculation.
Environment: environment tuning parameter. If you use low-resolution map without clutter height
layer (20-meter resolution map), you can select Low resolution; otherwise, you select Urban.
Geographic profile extraction: the algorithm to extract lateral section with Deygout method.
If you select radial, you will abstract the lateral sections between the transmitter and the
center of all rasters. For any receiver spots, select the nearest lateral section. Engineers
usually select radial.
If you select systematic, you will abstract the lateral section between the transmitter and
You can configure model tuning parameters in Tuning tab and tune model, as shown in 4.1.1.
Autotuning mode: it indicates simple tuning or full tuning. Simple tuning are for the free space
correction A and B, and deterministic weighting alpha. Full tuning is for all parameters include
clutter loss and clutter height.
Statistical tuning: It is valid when you select full tuning. It indicates whether to tune clutter loss and
clutter height. Huawei performs CW measurements in outdoor open land, so selecting No in both
You can configure the name and description information of the model, similar to these of SPM.
You can configure the parameters related to map used in model and map-related aspects, as shown in
4.1.1.
Figure 1.1 Parameters in Map data tab for Volcano Microcell model
Vertical analysis mode: it indicates whether the height information about clutters is from 3D raster
map (raster favorite) or 3D vector map (vector favorite). If you use 2D vector map without height
information about clutters, you shall select raster favorite.
Map data layers: the digital map used by the model. You shall import layers into Volcano model
respectively. The layers are usually consistent with the imported digital maps in U-Net.
Altimetry: raster map of terrain height. In digital maps, it is contained in the index file under the
heights or DTM directory.
Clutter: raster map of clutter type. In digital maps, it is contained in the index file under the clutter
or DLU directory.
Clutter height: raster map of clutter height. In digital maps, it is contained in the index file under
the building or DHM directory.
2DVector/3D Vector: 2D/3D vector map. In digital maps, it is contained in the index file under the
vector directory. The vector map in Volcano Microcell model is mandatory, and at least the 2D
vector map is mandatory.
Vector reference: it is valid only when 3D vector map is imported. It indicates whether the height
reference of vector map is ground (relative height) or sea surface (absolute height). Its reference is
usually ground.
Prediction Preferences: it is valid only when the import map contains various resolutions, such as
20 m and 5 m. It indicates the preferential resolution.
You can configure clutter parameters in raster map in Clutter tab, as shown in 4.1.1.
When you import the raster map of clutter type (DLU), you can see various clutters in the Clutter
tab. Volcano Microcell model describes raster maps from the following aspects:
Volcano type: the clutter type defined in Volcano. The clutter types are Land, Water,
Building, Vegetation, Bridge and Built-up area.
These six clutter types use different calculation strategies. You shall select corresponding
volcano type according to the definitions of clutter types in digital maps.
Clutter attenuation: the clutter loss. Each volcano type has a default clutter attenuation,
but you can change it.
Building Linear Loss: linear loss of buildings. You can configure it for the clutter of
building type. It is 0.5 dB/m by default. If you do not consider linear loss of buildings,
you can configure it to 0.
In Volcano Microcell model, the penetration loss of buildings includes two parts: clutter attenuation
and building linear loss, but in SPM, there is loss per clutter class only. To make Volcano model and
SPM compatible, you can configure the clutter attenuation of Volcano consistent with losses per
clutter class of SPM while you configure building linear loss to 0. In this way, SPM and Volcano
You can configure vector parameters of vector maps in the Vectors tab, as shown in 4.1.1. If you use
2D vector map or no vector map, this tab is invalid.
When importing a vector map, you can see various clutter types in the Vectors tab. Volcano
Macrocell model describes vector properties from the following aspects:
Volcano type: the vector type defined in Volcano model. The Volcano types are Land,
Water, Building, Vegetation and Bridge.
These five clutter types use different calculation strategies. You shall select
corresponding volcano type according to the definitions of vector types in digital maps.
Clutter attenuation: the clutter loss. Each volcano type has a default clutter loss, but
you can change it.
You must configure volcano type to building in vector maps; otherwise, Volcano Microcell model will not perform multi-
path calculation of ray tracing.
If some 2D vector map with 5-meter resolution, the Vectors tab is invalid, gray. For the vector of
building type, you shall check whether its volcano type is Building. 4.1.1 shows the correct
configuration.
If the Volcano type (especially the building type) is incorrect in the Vectors tab, you need modify the
menu file for vector map by adding #BUILDING at the building type, as shown in 4.1.1. After
modification, you need re-import the vector layer.
You can configure parameters of ray tracing algorithm for Volcano Microcell model, as shown in
4.1.1.
Figure 1.1 Parameters in Ray Tracing tab for Volcano Microcell model
Launching parameters: the parameters of ray tracing (transmission ray) algorithm used by the
model.
You can configure other parameters for Microcell model, as show in 4.1.1.
Free space correction: coefficient for free space correction. You can set two sets of A and B for
LOS and NLOS respectively.
Deterministic weighting: weighting factor of deterministic calculation.
Urban correction: environment correction factor. It includes forward correction, backward
correction, and roughness.
You can configure the name and description information of the model, similar to these of SPM.
You can configure the parameters related to map used in model and map-related aspects, as shown in
4.1.2.
Figure 1.1 Parameters in Map data tab for Volcano Microcell model
Vertical analysis mode: it indicates whether the height information about clutters is from 3D raster
map (raster favorite) or 3D vector map (vector favorite). If you use 2D vector map without height
information about clutters, you shall select raster favorite.
Map data layers: the digital map used by the model. You shall import layers into Volcano model
respectively. The layers are usually consistent with the imported digital maps in U-Net.
Altimetry: raster map of terrain height. In digital maps, it is contained in the index file under the
heights or DTM directory.
Clutter: raster map of clutter type. In digital maps, it is contained in the index file under the clutter
or DLU directory.
Clutter height: raster map of clutter height. In digital maps, it is contained in the index file under
the building or DHM directory.
2DVector/3D Vector: 2D/3D vector map. In digital maps, it is contained in the index file under the
vector directory. The vector map in Volcano Microcell model is mandatory, and at least the 2D
vector map is mandatory.
Vector reference: it is valid only when 3D vector map is imported. It indicates whether the height
reference of vector map is ground (relative height) or sea surface (absolute height). Its reference is
usually ground.
Prediction Preferences: it is valid only when the import map contains various resolutions, such as
20 m and 5 m. It indicates the preferential resolution.
You can configure clutter parameters in raster map in Clutter tab, as shown in 4.1.2.
When you import the raster map of clutter type (DLU), you can see various clutters in the Clutter
tab. Volcano Minicell model describes raster maps from the following aspects:
Volcano type: the clutter type defined in Volcano. The clutter types are Land, Water,
Building, Vegetation, Bridge and Built-up area.
These six clutter types use different calculation strategies. You shall select corresponding
volcano type according to the definitions of clutter types in digital maps.
Clutter attenuation: the clutter loss. Each volcano type has a default clutter attenuation,
but you can change it.
Building Linear Loss: linear loss of buildings. You can configure it for the clutter of
building type. It is 0.5 dB/m by default. If you do not consider linear loss of buildings,
you can configure it to 0.
In Volcano Minicell model, the penetration loss of buildings includes two parts: clutter attenuation
and building linear loss, but in SPM, there is loss per clutter class only. To make Volcano model and
SPM compatible, you can configure the clutter attenuation of Volcano consistent with losses per
clutter class of SPM while you configure building linear loss to 0. In this way, SPM and Volcano
model have same indoor penetration loss.
You can configure vector parameters of vector maps in the Vectors tab, as shown in 4.1.2. If you use
2D vector map or no vector map, this tab is invalid.
When importing a vector map, you can see various clutter types in the Vectors tab. Volcano
Macrocell model describes vector properties from the following aspects:
Volcano type: the vector type defined in Volcano model. The Volcano types are Land,
Water, Building, Vegetation and Bridge.
These five clutter types use different calculation strategies. You shall select
corresponding volcano type according to the definitions of vector types in digital maps.
Clutter attenuation: the clutter loss. Each volcano type has a default clutter loss, but
you can change it.
Building Linear Loss: linear loss of buildings You can configure it for the clutter of
building type. It is 0.5 dB/m by default. If you do not consider linear loss of buildings,
you can configure it to 0.
You must configure volcano type to building in vector maps; otherwise, Volcano Microcell model will not perform multi-
path calculation of ray tracing.
If some 2D vector map with 5-meter resolution, the Vectors tab is invalid, gray. For the vector of
building type, you shall check whether its volcano type is Building. 4.1.2 shows the correct
configuration.
If the Volcano type (especially the building type) is incorrect in the Vectors tab, you need modify the
menu file for vector map by adding #BUILDING at the building type, as shown in 4.1.2. After
modification, you need re-import the vector layer.
You can configure parameters of ray tracing algorithm for Volcano Minicell model, as shown in
4.1.2.
Figure 1.1 Parameters in Ray Tracing tab for Volcano Minicell model
Launching parameters: the parameters of ray tracing (transmission ray) algorithm used by the
Minicell model.
You can configure other parameters for Minicell model, as show in 4.1.2.
Free space correction: coefficient for free space correction. You can set two sets of A and B for near
region and far region respectively.
Deterministic weighting: weighting factor of deterministic calculation.
Ray-Tracing Weighting: weighting factor of ray tracing calculation. It includes reflection weight,
diffraction weight, and backward weight.
29 Import map.
32 ----End
Set up propagation model
The detailed steps are skipped herein, which are in the sections 3.2and 3.2.3. This section describes
the process of model tuning and the method to check tuning result.
After filtering data and setting model correctly, you can tune Volcano models.
In the propagation model properties dialog box, click Tuning Parameters button, and a Volcano
Tuning dialog box is displayed. The Volcano Macro/Micro/Mini model tuning dialog boxes are
similar, as shown in 4.2.1.
The only difference between micro model and other two models is the Autotuning mode drop-down
list, which includes full tuning and Simple tuning.
Figure 1.2 Selecting automatic tuning mode for Volcano Microcell model
The automatic tuning mode of Volcano Macrocell model is selected in the Parameters tab. For
Macrocell/Microcell model, the full tuning mode is recommended. Full tuning and simple tuning
make no difference for Minicell model.
As shown in 4.2.1, you can see the imported CW measurement data in the upper part of the dialog
box. You can select one or more groups of data as required. After selection, start automatic tuning by
clicking the Start button. The tuning time depends on the type of Volcano model
(Macro/Micro/Mini) and amount of data. Generally, tuning Macrocell model takes least time, usually
within half a minute. Tuning Microcell/Minicell is slower, about 4-10 minutes.
The Tuning Report dialog box displays the tuned parameters. The most important parameters are A
and B. The range of tuned A is [–5, 5] while that of tuned B is [20, 30].
Apply the tuned parameters to the model by clicking Apply button. You can see open a detailed
tuning report by clicking Show results, and the report is a text file.