ATOLL User - Manual-51-100

Chapter 1: The Working Environment
- The Default value of the field.

- The Group to which the field belongs. When opening an Atoll document from a database, you can select a
group of custom fields to be loaded from the database, instead of loading all custom fields.
Figure 1.14: The Table tab
1.5.2.2 Adding a Field to an Object Type’s Data Table

You can add a custom field to any object type’s data table.
To add a custom field to an object type’s data table:
1. Access the object type’s table fields as explained in "Accessing an Object Type’s Table Fields" on page 50.
2. Click Add. The Field Definition dialogue appears (see Figure 1.15).
3. The Field Definition dialogue has the following text boxes:
- Name: Enter the Name for the field that will appear in the database
- Group: If desired, you can define a Group that this custom field will belong to. When you open an Atoll doc-
ument from a database, you can then select a specific group of custom fields to be loaded from the database,
instead of loading all custom fields.
- Legend: Enter the name for the field that will appear in the Atoll document.
- Type: Select a type for the field (text, short integer, long integer, single, double, true/false, date/time, or cur-
rency)
- Size: The Size field is only available if you have selected "text" as the Type. Enter a size in characters.
- Default Value: If you want, enter a default value that will appear each time you create a new record of this
object type.
- Choice List: The Choice List field is only available if you have selected "text" as the Type. You can create
a choice list by entering the list items in the Choice List text box, separating each list item with a hard return.
4. Click OK to return to the object type table.
Note: User or custom fields are for information only and are not taken into account in any
calculation. You can find these fields in the Other Properties tab of an object type’s
Properties dialogue.
© Forsk 2009 Unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this document is prohibited 51

Atoll User Manual
Figure 1.15: The Field Definition dialogue
1.5.2.3 Deleting a Field from an Object Type’s Data Table

You can delete custom fields from an object type’s data table. Custom fields are the fields that the user adds to an object
type’s data table, as explained in "Adding a Field to an Object Type’s Data Table" on page 51.
To delete a custom field from an object type’s data table:
Caution: All data stored in the field will be lost when you delete the field itself. Make sure that you
are not deleting important information.
1. Access the object type’s table fields as explained in "Accessing an Object Type’s Table Fields" on page 50.
2. Select the custom field that you want to delete.
Tip: Some fields can not be deleted. If you select a field and the Delete button remains
unavailable, the selected field is not a custom field and can not be deleted.
3. Click Delete. The field is deleted from the object type’s data table.
1.5.3 Editing the Contents of a Table

To edit the contents of a table:
1. Click the Data tab in the Explorer window.
2. Right-click the data folder of which you want to display the data table.
3. Select Open Table from the context menu.
4. Edit the content of the table by entering the value directly in the field (see Figure 1.16).
5. Click elsewhere in the table when you have finished to update the table. Your changes are automatically saved.
Tip: If a list of options has been defined for a field, you can select a value from the list (see
Figure 1.17) or enter a new value.
52 Unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this document is prohibited © Forsk 2009

Figure 1.16: Editing data in the transmitters data tables
Figure 1.17: Choosing data in the transmitters data tables
1.5.4 Opening an Object’s Record Properties Dialogue from a Ta-

ble
You can open the Record Properties dialogue of an object, for example, a site, antenna, transmitter, or cell, from its data
table.
To open the Record Properties dialogue of an object:
1. Open the data table as explained in "Opening a Data Table" on page 50.
2. Right-click the record whose properties you want to see.
3. Select Record Properties from the context menu.
Note: You can also open the Record Properties dialogue by double-clicking the record. To
avoid editing the record when you double-click, double-click the left margin of the record
instead of the record itself.
1.5.5 Defining the Table Format

Atoll lets you format the data tables so that the data presented is more legible or better presented. You can change the
format of the data table by:
• "Formatting the Column Headers" on page 54
• "Formatting Table Columns" on page 54
• "Changing Column Width or Row Height" on page 54
• "Displaying or Hiding a Column" on page 55
• "Freezing or Unfreezing a Column" on page 55
• "Moving Columns" on page 55

Atoll User Manual
Formatting the Column Headers
2. Select Format > Header Format. The Format dialogue appears.
3. The Format dialogue has the following tabs:
- Font: You can select the Font, Outline (the font style), font Size, Effects, and Text Colour.
- Colour: You can select the background colour (Interior) of the column headers, by selecting a Foreground
colour, a Background colour, and a pattern from the list box. You can also select a 3D Effect for the header.
- Borders: You can select the Border, the Type, and the Colour for each column header.
- Alignment: You can select both the Horizontal and Vertical alignment of the column header text.
4. Click OK.
Formatting Table Columns
2. Select Format > Column Format. The Format dialogue appears.
3. The Format dialogue has the following tabs:
- Font: You can select the Font, Outline (the font style), font Size, Effects, and Text Colour.
- Colour: You can select the background colour (Interior) of the column headers, by selecting a Foreground
colour, a Background colour, and a pattern from the list box. You can also select a 3D Effect for the header.
- Borders: You can select the Border, the Type, and the Colour for each column header.
- Alignment: You can select both the Horizontal and Vertical alignment of the column header text.
4. Click OK.
Changing Column Width or Row Height
You can change the column width and row height in a data table. When you change the column width, you change the
width only for the selected column. When you change the row height, however, you change the row height for every row
in the table.
To change the column width:
2. Click the border separating two column headers and drag to change the column width (see Figure 1.18).
To change the row height:
2. Click the border separating two rows and drag to change the row height (see Figure 1.19).
Figure 1.18: Changing column width
Figure 1.19: Changing row height

Displaying or Hiding a Column
You can choose which columns in data tables to display or hide.

To display or hide a column:
2. Select Format > Display Columns. The Columns to Be Displayed dialogue appears (see Figure 1.20).
3. To display a column, select its check box.
4. To hide a column, clear its check box.
Tip: You can also hide a column by right-clicking on its header and selecting Hide Columns
from the context menu. You can hide more than one column by pressing CTRL while
selecting the columns and then selecting Hide Columns from the context menu.
5. Click Close.
Figure 1.20: The Columns to Be Displayed dialogue
Note: You can also right-click the data table and select the Display Columns or Hide Columns
command from the context menu.
Freezing or Unfreezing a Column
In Atoll, you can freeze one or more columns of a data table so that they always remain visible as you scroll horizontally
through the table. For example, while scrolling through the Sites table, you might want to have the Name column always
visible. You can keep this column, or any other column visible, by freezing it.
To freeze a column:
2. Select the header of the column you want to freeze. Click and drag over several headers to select more than one
column to freeze.
Note: You can only freeze adjacent columns.
3. Right-click the selected header or headers and select Freeze columns from the context men.
Note: You can not freeze a column in a report table.
To unfreeze columns:
• Select Format > Unfreeze columns.
Moving Columns
In Atoll, you can change the column order so that you can group similar columns or present data in a determined order.
To move a column:
2. Select the header of the column you want to move. Click and drag over several headers to select more than one
column to move.

Atoll User Manual
Note: You can only move several columns at the same time when they are adjacent.
3. Click again on the selected column and drag to the desired area. As you drag the column, the position the column
will occupy is indicated by a red line (see Figure 1.21).
Figure 1.21: Moving columns
Note: It may be necessary to click Refresh in the Zoom toolbar for your changes to appear.
1.5.6 Copying and Pasting in Tables

In Atoll, you can copy and paste data in tables using the Copy (CTRL+C), Cut (CTRL+X), and Paste (CTRL+V)
commands on the Edit menu. You can copy and paste data to create new elements or you can copy and paste the same
data into several cells.
In this section, the following is explained:
• "Copying and Pasting a Table Element" on page 56
• "Pasting the Same Data into Several Cells" on page 56.
1.5.6.1 Copying and Pasting a Table Element

You can create a new element in tables by copying an existing element, pasting it into a new row and editing the details
that are different.
Note: Each element in a table must have a unique Name.
To create a new element by copying and pasting:

2. Click in the left margin of the table row containing the element to select the entire row.
3. Select Edit > Copy to copy the table row.
4. Click in the left margin of the table row marked with the New Row icon ( ) to select the entire row.
5. Select Edit > Paste to paste the copied data into the new row. Atoll, creates a new element from the copied data.
The name of the new element is the same as that of the copied element, preceded by "Copy of." You can edit this
name.
1.5.6.2 Pasting the Same Data into Several Cells

You can paste the same data into several cells, using Fill Up or Fill Down.
To paste the same data into several cells:
2. Click on the cell with the data you wish to copy and drag to select the cells into which you wish to copy the data
(see Figure 1.22).

Figure 1.22: Selecting the cells
3. Copy into the selected cells:

- To copy the contents of the top cell of the selection into the other cells, select Edit > Fill > Down (see
Figure 1.23).
Figure 1.23: Copying the contents of the top cell
- To copy the contents of the bottom cell of the selection into the other cells, select Edit > Fill > Up (see
Figure 1.24).
Figure 1.24: Copying the contents of the bottom cell

Atoll User Manual
1.5.7 Exporting Tables to Text Files

You can export entire Atoll data tables, or selected columns, to ASCII text files (in text, TXT, and Comma Separated
Value, CSV, formats) and MS Excel files.
To export a table:
2. Right-click the table. The context menu appears.
3. Select Export from the context menu. The Export dialogue appears. You can see how the exported table will
appear in the Preview pane (see Figure 1.25).
Figure 1.25: Exporting a data table
4. Select the Header check box if you want to export the names of the columns with the data.
5. Select a Decimal Symbol from the list.
6. Select a Field Separator from the list.
7. Define which fields (displayed as columns in the table) you want to export:
a. To select a field to be exported, select the field in the Available Fields box and click to move it
to the Exported Fields list. All fields in the Exported Fields list will be exported.
b. To remove a field from the list of Exported Fields, select the field in the Exported Fields list and click
to remove it.
c. To change the order of the fields, select a field and click or to move it up or down in the list. The fields
at the top of the Exported Fields appear at the left of the exported table.
Note: You can save the choices you have made in the Export dialogue as a configuration file by
clicking the Save button at the top of the dialogue and entering a name for the file in the
Save As dialogue that appears. The next time you export a data table, you can click Load
in the Export dialogue to open your configuration file with the same settings you used this
time.
8. Click Export. The Save As dialogue appears.

9. In the Save As dialogue, enter the File name and select the format from the Save as type list.
10. Click Save to export the table.
For information on importing data into a data table, see "Importing Tables from Text Files" on page 59.

1.5.8 Importing Tables from Text Files

You can import data in the form of ASCII text files (in TXT and CSV formats) into Atoll data tables.
To import a table:
2. Right-click the table. The context menu appears.
3. Select Import from the context menu. The Open dialogue appears.
4. Select the ASCII text file you want to open and click Open. The Import dialogue appears (see Figure 1.26).
5. Enter the number of the first line of data in the 1st Data Line box.
6. Select a Decimal Symbol from the list.
7. Select a Field Separator from the list.
8. Select the Update Records check box if you want to replace the data of records already existing in the table.
Note: Atoll compares the values in the left-most column of the data to be imported with the
values in the same column of the data table to see if records already exist. The values of
these records are replaced when the Update Records check box is selected. If the
Update Records check box is not selected, these records are not imported.
9. Under Field Mapping, there are two header rows:

- Source: The column headers from the text file you are importing.
- Destination: The column headers from the Atoll data table.
Align the content of the source file with the content of the destination file by clicking the column header in the Desti-
nation row and selecting the corresponding column from the Atoll data file (see Figure 1.26). Select <Ignore> for
source file columns that you do not want to import.
Tip: You can change the width of the columns to make the contents easier to work with. See
"Changing Column Width or Row Height" on page 54.
Note: You can save the choices you have made in the Import dialogue as a configuration file by
clicking the Save button at the top of the dialogue and entering a name for the file in the
Save As dialogue that appears. The next time you export a data table, you can click Load
in the Import dialogue to open your configuration file with the same settings you used this
time.
10. Click Import. The contents are imported in the current Atoll data table.
Figure 1.26: Importing information into a data table

Atoll User Manual
For information on exporting the information in a data table into a text file, see "Exporting Tables to Text Files" on page 58.
1.5.9 Exporting Tables to XML Files

You can export the data tables in your Atoll document to XML files. You can use XML to exchange information between
Atoll and the OMC.
Atoll creates one XML file for each exported data table, and an index.xml file that contains the mapping between the tables
that were exported and the XML files corresponding to each data table. The index.xml file also stores the information on
the system (GSM, UMTS, etc.), the technology (TDMA, CDMA, TD-SCDMA, etc.), and the version of Atoll with which the
XML files were created. For more information about the formats of the XML files, see the Technical Reference Guide.
To export all the data tables in your document to XML files:
1. Select File > Data Exchange > XML File Export. The Browse for Folder dialogue appears.
2. Select the folder where the XML files are to be stored. Click the Make New Folder button if you wish to create a
new folder to store the XML files.
3. Click OK. All the data tables in the document are exported to XML files.
For information on importing the data tables from XML files into your document, see "Importing Tables from XML Files" on
page 60.
1.5.10 Importing Tables from XML Files

You can import data tables into your Atoll document from XML files. You can use XML to exchange information between
Atoll and the OMC.
In order for Atoll to be able to correctly import the data tables from XML files, the XML files and the current Atoll document
must use the same system (GSM, UMTS, etc.), the technology (TDMA, CDMA, TD-SCDMA, etc.), and the Atoll version
used to create the XML files must be the same as the version used to import the data. For more information about the
formats of the XML files, see the Technical Reference Guide.
To import data tables into your document from XML files:
1. Select File > Data Exchange > XML File Import. The Browse for Folder dialogue appears.
2. Select the folder where the index.xml file is located.
3. Click OK. The data tables from the XML files listed in the index.xml file are imported in the document .
Note: Tables are imported in the same order they appear in the index.xml file. Do not modify the
order of tables in the index.xml file because the order in which the data is imported is very
important; some data must be imported before other data. For example, antennas used
by transmitters must be imported before the transmitters themselves.
During the import procedure, existing data in the tables are overwritten by the data from the XML files. Once the import is
complete, Atoll performs a database integrity check, and a duplicate records check to ensure that the import did not create
database problems.
For information on exporting the data tables in your document to XML files, see "Exporting Tables to XML Files" on
page 60.
1.6 Printing in Atoll

In Atoll, you can print any part of your document, including maps, data tables, document reports, and antenna patterns.
This section explains the following:
• "Printing Data Tables and Reports" on page 60
• "Printing a Map" on page 61
• "Printing a Docking Window" on page 64
• "Printing Antenna Patterns" on page 64.
1.6.1 Printing Data Tables and Reports

Data tables and reports are both presented in tabular format in Atoll and can, therefore, both be printed in the same way.
If you wish to see how the table will appear once printed, see "Previewing Your Printing" on page 64.
To print a table:
2. If you want to print an area of the table, select it by clicking in one corner of the area and dragging diagonally to
the opposite corner.
3. Select File > Print.

4. If you want to print only a selected area, choose Selected in the Print dialogue.
5. Click OK to print.
1.6.2 Printing a Map

You can print a map in Atoll and create a paper copy of studies, predictions, etc. Atoll offers several options allowing you
to customise and optimise the printed map. Atoll supports printing to a variety of paper sizes, including A4 and A0.
Before you print a map, you have the following options:
• You can print the entire map, or you can define an area of the map to be printed in one of the following ways:
- Selecting the print area (see "Defining the Printing Zone" on page 61).
- Creating a focus zone (see "Drawing a Focus Zone or Hot Spot Zones" on page 43).
• You can accept the default layout or you can modify the print layout (see "Defining the Print Layout" on page 62).
• You can see how the map will appear once printed (see "Previewing Your Printing" on page 64).
Important: Printing graphics is a memory-intensive operation and can make heavy demands on your
printer. Before printing for the first time, you should review the "Printing
Recommendations" on page 61 to avoid any memory-related problems.
To print a map:
1. Select the document window containing the map.
2. You now have the following options before printing the map:
- You can select a print area ("Defining the Printing Zone" on page 61) or create a focus zone ("Drawing a Focus
Zone or Hot Spot Zones" on page 43).
- You can modify the print layout ("Defining the Print Layout" on page 62).
- You can see how the map will appear once printed (see "Previewing Your Printing" on page 64).
3. Select File > Print.
4. Click OK.
1.6.2.1 Printing Recommendations

The appearance of the map is determined by the arrangement and properties of the objects the map contains. Objects in
Atoll are arranged in layers. The layers on the top (as arranged on the Data and Geo tabs) are the most visible on the
screen and in print. The visibility of the lower layers depends on which layers are above it and on the transparency of these
layers (for information on transparency, see "Defining the Transparency of Objects and Object Types" on page 35).
Before printing a map, it is recommended to organise the layers from top to bottom as follows, when a document contains
surface layers (raster maps or polygonal vector maps), lines (vectors such as roads, or airport), and points (measure-
ments, etc.):
• Points (vectors)
• Roads and Lines (vectors)
• Surface polygons (vectors)
• Multi-format maps - population, geoclimatic, traffic maps (vector or raster), and others
• Clutter class maps (transparent raster maps)
• Images, DTM, or clutter height maps (non-transparent maps).
Sites and transmitters must be above all the other layers. For this reason, visible objects on the Data tab, for example,
sites, transmitters, and predictions, are displayed above objects on the Geo tab. For performance reasons, however, it is
strongly recommended to put vector layers, such as roads, over predictions. This will ensure that these vector layers are
visible when you print the map.
To put vector layers from the Geo tab over predictions:
1. In the Explorer window, click the Geo tab.
2. Right-click the vector layer you wish to move to the Data tab. The context menu appears.
3. Select Transfer to Data from the context menu.
4. Click the Data tab.
5. Drag the vector layer to a position above Predictions but below Sites, Antennas, and Transmitters.
1.6.2.2 Defining the Printing Zone

You can define an area to be printed.
To create a printing zone:
1. Click the Geo tab in the Explorer window.
2. Click the Expand button ( ) to expand the Zones folder.
3. Right-click the Printing Zone folder. The context menu appears.
4. Select Draw from the context menu.

Atoll User Manual
5. Draw the printing zone:

a. Click the point on the map that will be one corner of the rectangle that will define the printing zone.
b. Drag to the opposite corner of the rectangle that will define the printing zone. When you release the mouse,
the printing zone will be created from the rectangle defined by the two corners.
The printing zone is displayed as a rectangle with a light green border (see Figure 1.27). If you clear the printing
zone’s visibility check box in the Zones folder of the Geo tab in the Explorer window, it will no longer be displayed
but will still be taken into account.
Figure 1.27: Printing zone
You can also create a printing zone as follows:

• Importing a polygon: If you have a file with an existing polygon, you can import it and use it as a printing zone.
You can import it by right-clicking the Printing Zone folder on the Geo tab and selecting Import from the context
menu.
• Fit to Map Window: You can create a printing zone the size of the map window by selecting Fit to Map Window
from the context menu.
• Use as Printing Zone: You can create a printing zone from an existing polygon by right-clicking it and selecting
Fit to Map Window from the context menu.
Once you have created a printing zone, you can change its size by dragging the edges of the zone displayed on the rulers
of the map window. You can also use Atoll’s polygon editing tools to edit the printing zone. For more information on the
polygon editing tools, see "Using Polygon Zone Editing Tools" on page 44.
Note: You can save the printing zone, so that you can use it in a different Atoll document, in the
following ways:
- Saving the printing zone in the user configuration: For information on exporting the
printing zone in the user configuration, see "Exporting a User Configuration" on
page 75.
- Exporting the printing zone: You can export the printing zone by right-clicking the
Printing Zone folder on the Data tab of the Explorer window and selecting Export
from the context menu.
1.6.2.3 Defining the Print Layout

You can use the Print Setup dialogue to define how your map will appear when you print it. On the Print Setup dialogue,
you can:
• Set the scale of the map.
• Choose to print the rulers with the map.
• Choose to print the area outside the focus zone.
• Choose to print the legend.
• Add a title, comment, logo, header, or footer.
• Select paper size and source, as well as the page orientation and the margins.
These settings can be saved as a configuration, allowing you to define a standard appearance which you can then import
the next time you print a similar document.

To define the appearance of the map when it is printed:

1. Select File > Print Setup. The Print Setup dialogue appears. You define the print set up on the Page tab, the
Components tab, and the Header/Footer tab. You can see any changes you make in the schematic preview on
the right side of the Print Setup dialogue.
Note: If you have previously defined a configuration file containing all the necessary settings,
you can click the Import button under Configuration to import those settings.
2. Click the Page tab. On the Page tab, you can define the page size, margins, and orientation and the scale of the
printed map:
a. Under Orientation, select whether the page should be printed in Portrait or Landscape.
b. Under Paper, select the Size of the paper and, optionally, the Source of the paper.
c. Under Scaling, define the scale of the printed image either by selecting Fit to page, or by selecting Scale and
defining the scale.
d. Under Margins, set the margins of the page in millimetres.
3. Click the Components tab.
a. Under Map, you can define the appearance of the printed map:
- Select the Rulers check box if you want to print the map with a scale around it.
- Select the Area inside focus zone only check box if you only want to print the part of the map inside the
focus zone.
b. Under Legend, you can define the placement of the legend.
- Select the Legend check box if you want to print the map with a scale around it.
- Click a button to set the Position of the legend. The buttons

inside the square will place the legend on top of the map. The
buttons outside of the square will place the legend outside of
the map.
4. Click the Header/Footer tab. On the Header/Footer tab, you can set the position of graphic elements.
5. Select the Map Title check box if you want to define a title for the map and set its Position. Clicking the Properties
button opens a dialogue where you can enter text and set variables such as the current time and date. If you want
the title to appear on the map (and not outside of it), select the On the map check box.
6. Under Logo 1 and Logo 2, you can define graphics that appear for the map. The graphics can be a company logo
or other information, such as copyright information, in the form of a BMP graphic.
a. For the selected check box, click the Properties button. The Logo dialogue appears.
By default, Atoll searches for the header and footer logos in the Atoll’s installation folder. If a file named lo-
go.bmp is present in this folder, it is considered as the default header logo. However, you can select a different
file.
b. Click File. The Open dialogue appears.

c. Select the your graphic in BMP format and click Open.
Note: Only BMP graphics can be used as logos. If your logo is in a different format, you must
first convert it using a graphics programme to the BMP format.
d. Select the correct Width and Height (in pixels).

e. Click OK.
7. Select the Header/Footer check box if you want to define a header or footer for the map and set its Position.
Clicking the Properties button opens a dialogue where you can enter text and set variables such as the current
time and date. If you want the header or footer to appear on the map (and not outside of it), select the On the map
check box.
8. Once you have made your settings, click OK to close the Print Setup dialogue, or click Print to print the document.
Note: You can save the current settings as a configuration file by clicking the Export button
under Configuration. This enables you to re-use the same settings the next time by
importing them.

Atoll User Manual
1.6.3 Previewing Your Printing

When you want to print maps, data tables, or reports, you can preview your printing.
To preview your printing:
1. Select the map or table you want to print.
2. Select File > Print Preview. The Print Preview window appears.
At the top of the Print Preview window, you can click one of the following buttons:
- Click Print to open the Print dialogue.

- Click Zoom In to zoom in on the print preview.
- Click Zoom Out to zoom out on the print preview.
- Click Next Page to display the following page
- Click Prev Page to display the previous page.
- Click Two Page to display two pages side by side
- Click One Page to display a single page.
1.6.4 Printing a Docking Window

You can print the content of many docking windows using the context menu; selecting File > Print only prints the contents
of a document window, as explained in "Printing a Map" on page 61. The docking windows whose contents you can print
are:
• Legend Window (for more information on this tool, see "Adding an Object Type to the Legend" on page 36)
• Point Analysis Tool
• CW Measurement Analysis Tool (for more information on this tool, see the Measurements and Model Calibration
Guide.
• Test Mobile Data Analysis Tool
• Microwave Link Analysis (for more information on this tool, see "Microwave Link Analysis" on page 1141)
To print the content of a docking window:
1. Open the docking window you want to print.
- If you want to print a Point Analysis window, click the tab of the study you want to print.
2. Right-click the window you wish to print.
3. Select Print from the context menu. The Print dialogue appears.
4. Click OK to print.
1.6.5 Printing Antenna Patterns

You can print the horizontal or vertical pattern of an antenna.
To print an antenna pattern:
1. Click the Data tab of the Explorer window.
2. Open the Antennas table:
- To open the RF Antennas table:
i. Right-click the Antennas folder.
ii. Select Open Table from the context menu.
- To open the microwave Antennas table:
i. Click the Expand button ( ) to the left of the Microwave Radio Links folder.
ii. Right-click the Links folder and select Antennas > Open Table from the context menu.
3. Right-click the antenna whose pattern you want to print.
4. Select Record Properties from the context menu. The Properties dialogue appears.
5. Select the Horizontal Pattern tab or the Vertical Pattern tab.
6. Right-click the antenna pattern and select Linear or Logarithmic from the context menu.
7. Right-click the antenna pattern and select Print from the context menu.
1.7 Grouping, Sorting, and Filtering Data

In Atoll you can organise data in several different ways, allowing you to select only certain data and then, for example,
modify only selected data or run calculations on the selected data. Atoll allows you to group, sort, or filter data quickly by
one criterion, or by several.
After you have defined how you will group, sort, or filter data, you can save this information as a folder configuration.

In this section the following will be explained:

• "Grouping Data Objects" on page 65
• "Sorting Data" on page 68
• "Filtering Data" on page 70
• "Folder Configurations" on page 78
• "Creating and Comparing Subfolders" on page 79
1.7.1 Grouping Data Objects

You can group objects according to a selected property on the Data tab of the Explorer window. The objects to be grouped
can be in a data folder or in a subfolder (see "Creating and Comparing Subfolders" on page 79). You can also define the
properties by which you can group objects. Grouping objects in the Explorer window is similar to sorting data in the data
table because it puts all records with the selected property together.
Once you have grouped data objects, you can access their Properties dialogue from the context menu to edit properties
on all grouped objects. You can save the grouping parameters as a folder configuration. For information, see "Folder
Configurations" on page 78.
This section explains:
• "Grouping Data Objects by a Selected Property" on page 65
• "Configuring the Group By Submenu" on page 65
• "Advanced Grouping" on page 66.
For examples of grouping data objects, see "Examples of Grouping" on page 67.
1.7.1.1 Grouping Data Objects by a Selected Property

You can group data objects by a selected property using the Group By command on the context menu.
To group data objects by a selected property:
2. Right-click the folder or subfolder whose objects you want to group. The context menu appears.
3. From the Group By submenu, select the property by which you want to group the objects. The objects in the folder
are grouped by that property.
Note: If the range of properties available in the Group By submenu has been configured as
explained in "Configuring the Group By Submenu" on page 65, you can select additional
properties by selecting More Fields from the Group By submenu. For information on
using the dialogue that appears, see "Configuring the Group By Submenu" on page 65.
To undo the grouping:

2. Right-click the folder or subfolder whose objects you have grouped.
3. From the context menu, select from the Group By > None.
See "Examples of Grouping" on page 67.
1.7.1.2 Configuring the Group By Submenu

Some data objects, such as transmitters, have a large number of properties that will appear by default in the Group By
submenu. You can make it easier to group data objects by configuring the Group By submenu to display only the prop-
erties that are relevant for grouping.
To configure the Group By submenu:
2. Right-click the folder whose Group By submenu you want to configure. The context menu appears.
3. Select Properties from the context menu.
4. Select the General tab of the Properties dialogue.
5. Click the Configure button next to the Group By field that shows how the data objects are presently grouped. The
Configuration dialogue appears (see Figure 1.28).

Atoll User Manual
Figure 1.28: The Configuration dialogue
6. Select the fields you want to appear in the Group By submenu. You can display all the fields belonging to a table
by clicking the Expand button ( ) to the left of the table name. You can select contiguous fields by clicking the
first field, pressing SHIFT and clicking the last field. You can select non-contiguous fields by pressing CTRL and
clicking each fields separately.
- To select a field to appear in the Group By submenu, select the field in the Available Fields list and click
to move it to the Grouping Fields list.

- To remove a field from the list of Grouping Fields, select the field in the Grouping Fields list and click
to remove it.
- To change the order of the fields, select a field and click or to move it up or down in the list. The objects
will be grouped in the order of the fields in the Grouping Fields list, from top to bottom.
7. Click OK to close the Configuration dialogue and click OK to close the Properties dialogue. The Group By sub-
menu will now contain only the fields you selected.
1.7.1.3 Grouping Microwave Links by Site

You can find all the microwave links that are connected to a specific site by grouping all links by site.
To group microwave links by site:
2. Click the Expand button ( ) to the left of Microwave Radio Links folder to expand the folder.
3. Right-click the Links folder. The context menu appears.
4. Select Classify by Site from the context menu. Atoll creates subfolders for each site with a microwave link and
sorts the links by site (see Figure 1.29).
Figure 1.29: Grouping microwave links by site
To restore normal display of microwave links:

2. Click the Expand button ( ) to the left of Microwave Radio Links folder to expand the folder.
3. Right-click the Links folder. The context menu appears.
4. Select Classify by Site from the context menu. The default display of the contents of the Links folder is restored.
1.7.1.4 Advanced Grouping

You can group data objects by one or more properties, using the Group By button on the Properties dialogue.
To group data objects by one or more properties:

4. Select the General tab of the Properties dialogue.

5. Click the Group By button. The Group dialogue appears (see Figure 1.30).
Figure 1.30: The Group dialogue
6. Select the fields by which you want to group the objects. You can select contiguous fields by clicking the first field,
pressing SHIFT and clicking the last field. You can select non-contiguous fields by pressing CTRL and clicking
each fields separately.
- To select a field to be used to group the objects, select the field in the Available Fields list and click
to move it to the Group these fields in this order list.

- To remove a field from the list of Group these fields in this order, select the field in the Group these fields
in this order list and click to remove it.
- To change the order of the fields, select a field and click or to move it up or down in the list. The objects
will be grouped in the order of the fields in the Group these fields in this order list, from top to bottom.
7. Click OK to close the Group dialogue and click OK to close the Properties dialogue and group the objects.
To undo the grouping:
3. From the context menu, select from the Group By > None.
1.7.1.5 Examples of Grouping

In this example, there is an Atoll document with a large number of sites and, therefore, transmitters. While it is easy to
see on the map which transmitters are part of which site, in the Explorer window, you can only see a very long list of trans-
mitters under the Transmitter folder.
By right-clicking the Transmitter folder and selecting Group By > Site (Figure 1.31), you can group the transmitters by the
site they are located on.

Atoll User Manual
Figure 1.31: Grouping transmitters by site
The result of grouping can be seen in Figure 1.32.
Figure 1.32: Transmitters grouped by site
1.7.2 Sorting Data

In Atoll, you can sort the document data either in the data tables or using the Sort function of Properties dialogue. You
can sort the data in ascending (A to Z, 1 to 10) or descending (Z to A, 10 to 1) order.
You can sort the data by either one or by several columns. When you sort data by several columns, Atoll sorts the records
by the first column and then, within each group of identical values in the first column, Atoll then sorts the records by the
second column, and so on.
Once you have sorted data objects, you can save the settings as a folder configuration. For information, see "Folder
Configurations" on page 78.
• "Sorting Data in Tables" on page 68
• "Advanced Sorting" on page 69
1.7.2.1 Sorting Data in Tables

When sorting data in tables, you can sort by one column or by several columns.

Sorting by One Column
To sort data in a table by one column:

2. Select the header of the column that you want to sort on. The entire column is selected.
3. Right-click the column header. The context menu appears.
4. From the context menu, select how you wish to sort:
- Sort Ascending: sort the data table records from the lowest value in the reference column to the highest
value.
- Sort Descending: sort the data table records from the highest value in the reference column to the lowest
value.
Sorting by Several Columns
You can only sort in a table by adjacent columns. If you want to sort by columns that are not adjacent, you can move the
columns first as explained in "Moving Columns" on page 55.
Tip: If you want to sort data by several columns without moving the columns, you can use the
Sort function on the Properties dialogue. For information, see "Advanced Sorting" on
page 69.
To sort data in a table by several columns:

2. Click the header of the first column and drag over the adjacent columns that will be your sort references.
The entire column is selected.
3. Right-click the column headers. The context menu appears.
4. From the context menu, select how you wish to sort:
- Sort Ascending: sort the data table records from the lowest value in the first reference column to the highest
value.
- Sort Descending: sort the data table records from the highest value in the first reference column to the lowest
value.
1.7.2.2 Advanced Sorting

You can sort data by several criteria using the Sort function of the Properties dialogue.
To sort data using the Sort function of the Properties dialogue:
1. Click the Data tab of the Explorer window.
2. Right-click the folder whose data you want to sort. The context menu appears
4. Select the General tab in the Properties dialogue.
5. Click the Sort button. The Sort dialogue appears (see Figure 1.33).
6. For the first column you want to sort on:
a. Select the column name from the Sort by list.
b. Choose whether you want to sort in ascending or descending order.
7. For each other column you want to sort on:
a. Select the column name from the And by list.
b. Choose whether you want to sort in ascending or descending order.
8. Click OK.

Atoll User Manual
Figure 1.33: The Sort dialogue
1.7.3 Filtering Data

In Atoll, you can filter data according to one or several criteria. You can filter data to be able to work with a subset of data,
or to facilitate working with large documents by reducing the amount of records displayed.
The filtered data objects are the data objects that remain after you have applied your filter criteria.
You can save the filtering parameters as a folder configuration. For information, see "Folder Configurations" on page 78.
• "Filtering in Data Tables by Selection" on page 70
• "Advanced Data Filtering" on page 71
• "Restoring All Records" on page 72
• "Advanced Filtering: Examples" on page 72.
1.7.3.1 Filtering in Data Tables by Selection

You can filter a data table by selecting one or more values. Once you have selected one or more values, you can choose
to view only records that have the same value or only records that do not have that value.
To filter a data table on one or more fields:
2. Select the value to filter on. To select more than one value, press CTRL as you click the other values.
3. Select one of the following from the Records menu:
- Filter by Selection: All records with the selected value or values are displayed. You can now modify these
records or make calculations on them as you would normally do with the entire data table (see Figure 1.34 on
page 70).
- Filter Excluding Selection: All records without the selected value or values are displayed. You can now
modify these records or make calculations on them as you would normally do with the entire data table (see
Figure 1.35 on page 71).
Figure 1.34: Filtering by selection (Antenna AO9209)

Figure 1.35: Filtering excluding selection (Antenna AO9209)
1.7.3.2 Advanced Data Filtering

You can use advanced data filtering to combine several criteria in different fields to create complex filters.
To create an advanced filter:
2. Select Records > Advanced Filter. The Filter dialogue appears.
Tip: You can also access the Filter dialogue by clicking the Filter button of the Properties
dialogue.
3. Click the Filter tab:

a. Select a Field from the list.
b. Under Values to Include, you will find all the values represented in the selected field. Select the check boxes
next to the values you want to include in the filter. Click Clear All to clear all check boxes.
Note: Making selections on the Filter tab of the Filter dialogue is the equivalent of filtering by
selection as explained in "Filtering in Data Tables by Selection" on page 70.
4. Click the Advanced tab:

a. In the Column row, select the name of the column to be filtered on from the list. Select as many columns as
you want (see Figure 1.36).
Figure 1.36: The Filter dialogue - Advanced tab
b. Underneath each column name, enter the criteria on which the column will be filtered as explained in the fol-
lowing table:
Formula Data are kept in the table only if

=X value equal to X (X may be a number or characters)
<> X value not equal to X (X may be a number or characters)
<X numerical value is less than X

Atoll User Manual
Formula Data are kept in the table only if

>X numerical value is greater than X
<=X numerical value is less than or equal to X
>=X numerical value is greater than or equal to X
*X* text objects which contain X
*X text objects which end with X
X* text objects which start with X
5. Click OK to filter the data according to the criteria you have defined.
Filters are combined first horizontally, then vertically.
See "Advanced Filtering: Examples" on page 72.
1.7.3.3 Restoring All Records

After you have applied filter criteria to records, you may want to cancel the filter criteria and display all the records again.
To restore all records:
• Select Records > Remove Filter.
1.7.3.4 Advanced Filtering: Examples

In this section, you will find a few examples of advanced filtering:
• "Advanced Filtering: Example 1" on page 72
• "Advanced Filtering: Example 2" on page 73
• "Advanced Filtering: Example 3" on page 73.
1.7.3.4.1 Advanced Filtering: Example 1

In this example, there is an Atoll document with antennas from two manufacturers and with different characteristics.
Figure 1.37: Initial table
The objective of this example is to use filter criteria to find antennas manufactured by Kathrein with a beamwidth between
50 and 100°. To do this, the following filter syntax is entered in the Advanced tab of the Filter dialogue (for information on
the Advanced tab, see "Advanced Data Filtering" on page 71):
• The first criterion, as shown in Figure 1.38, is all antennas made by a manufacturer with a name beginning with a
"K" ("=K*"). While you could write in the entire name ("=Kathrein"), it is not necessary because there is only one
manufacturer with a "K."
• The second criterion is all antennas with a beamwidth under 100°.
• The third criterion is all antennas with a beamwidth over 50°.
The combination of these criteria is all antennas from manufacturers with a name beginning with "K" and with a beamwidth
under 100° but over 50°.
The result of this advanced filter can be seen in the second pane of Figure 1.38.

Figure 1.38: Advanced filtering

In this example, the document is the same as in "Advanced Filtering: Example 1" on page 72. The objective of this example
is the same as well: to use filter criteria to find antennas manufactured by Kathrein with a beamwidth between 50 and 100°.
The filter syntax is entered in the Advanced tab of the Filter dialogue (for information on the Advanced tab, see "Advanced
Data Filtering" on page 71), in this case, however, the entered filter syntax contains errors:
• As shown in Figure 1.39, the first criterion is all antennas made by a manufacturer with a name beginning with a
"K" ("=K*").
• The second criterion is all antennas with a beamwidth under 100° and over 50°.
Figure 1.39: Errors in filtering
As previously stated, the objective of this example was to use filter criteria to find antennas manufactured by Kathrein with
a beamwidth between 50 and 100°. However, because the second criterion (beamwidth under 100° and over 50°) is
malformed, with "> 50" placed under "< 100", it functioned as an OR condition and not as an AND condition. The resulting
filter searched for all antennas manufactured by Kathrein with a beamwidth under 100°, or all antennas over 50°; all anten-
nas are displayed.

In this example, the document is the same as in "Advanced Filtering: Example 1" on page 72. The objective of this example
is the same as well: to use filter criteria to find antennas manufactured by Kathrein with a beamwidth between 50 and 100°.
The filter syntax is entered in the Advanced tab of the Filter dialogue (for information on the Advanced tab, see "Advanced
Data Filtering" on page 71), in this case, however, the entered filter syntax contains errors:
• As shown in Figure 1.40, the first criterion is all antennas made by a manufacturer with a name beginning with a
"K" ("=K*").
• The second criterion is all antennas with a beamwidth under 100° and over 50°.

Atoll User Manual
Figure 1.40: Errors in filtering
As previously stated, the objective of this example was to use filter criteria to find antennas manufactured by Kathrein with
a beamwidth between 50 and 100°. However, because the second criterion is malformed, the filter only generates an error
message and no antennas are filtered out.
1.7.4 User Configurations

In Atoll, you can export many types of settings you have made in a user configuration and then import the settings in
another document. If you are working in a multiple-user environment with a central database, the information stored in a
user configuration, such as geographic data or automatic neighbour allocation parameters, is not stored in the database.
You can create a user configuration file, however, to ensure that all users in a large radio-planning project use the same
settings.
The file extension of the user configuration file is CFG. If only the geographic data set or computation and focus zones are
being exported in the user configuration file, Atoll gives the file the extension "GEO." Because the file is in XML (eXtensible
Markup Language), you can open and edit it with any XML-capable text editor.
When you create a user configuration file, you can export the following information:
• Geographic data set: The complete path of imported geographic maps, map display settings (such as, the visi-
bility scale, transparency, tips text, etc.), clutter description (code, name, height, standard deviations, indoor loss,
orthogonality factor, the percentage of pilot finger of each clutter class, default standard deviations, and indoor
loss) and raster or user profile traffic map description. Vector maps must have the same coordinate system as the
raster maps.
Important: If you export the geographic data set in a user configuration file, the coordinate system of
any vector geographic data must be the same as that of the raster geographic data.
• Computation and Focus Zones: The computation and focus zone in the current document.
• Folder configurations: Sorting, grouping and filtering settings (those saved by the user and the current settings,
even if not saved), the filtering zone, and the display settings of radio data folders (including measurement display
settings).
• Automatic Neighbour Allocation Parameters: The input parameters of the automatic neighbour allocation.
• Automatic Scrambling Code Allocation Parameters: The parameters of the automatic scrambling code alloca-
tion (this option applies to UMTS documents only).
• Prediction List: The general information (name, comments, group, and sorting and filtering settings), prediction
coverage conditions, and display settings of coverage predictions that have been created.
• AFP Configuration: Calculation options selected when starting an AFP session as well as calculation parameters
used for interference histograms (this option applies to GSM documents only).
• Automatic PN Offset Allocation Parameters: The parameters of the automatic PN offset allocation. (this option
applies to CDMA2000 documents only).
• Microwave Link Parameters: The settings of microwave links.
• Macros: The complete path of any macros. Because a macro is linked to an Atoll session, and not to a specific
Atoll document, you can export the macros in a user configuration even if you do not have an Atoll document
open.
For a detailed description of the user configuration file, see the Administrator Manual.
In this section, the following are explained:
• "Exporting a User Configuration" on page 75
• "Importing a User Configuration" on page 75.

1.7.4.1 Exporting a User Configuration

You create a user configuration by exporting the selected settings to an external file.
To export a user configuration:
1. Select Tools > User Configuration > Export. The User Configuration dialogue appears (see Figure 1.41).
Figure 1.41: Exporting a user configuration
2. Select the check boxes of the information you want to export as part of the user configuration.
3. Click OK. The Save As dialogue appears.
4. Enter a File name for the user configuration file and click Save. The folder configuration has been saved.
1.7.4.2 Importing a User Configuration

You can import a user configuration that you or another user has created, as explained in "Exporting a User Configuration"
on page 75, it into your current Atoll document.
To import a user configuration:
1. Select Tools > User Configuration > Import. The Open dialogue appears.
2. Select the user configuration file with the data you want to import.
3. Click Open. The User Configuration dialogue appears (see Figure 1.42).
Figure 1.42: Importing a user configuration
4. Select the check boxes of the information you want to import.

5. Click OK. The user configuration is imported.
1.7.5 Site and Transmitter Lists

In Atoll, you can create lists of sites and transmitters. Once you have created a site or transmitter list, you can modify the
list and use it to filter data to be able to work with a subset of data, or to facilitate working with large documents by reducing
the amount of records displayed.

Atoll User Manual
In a multi-user environment, site lists can be stored in the database. When you open a document from a database, you
can select the sites to load according to any defined site lists. In a large radio-planning project, this allows you to more
effectively manage your resources by reducing the unnecessary data you retrieve from the database.
• "Creating a Site or Transmitter List" on page 76
• "Adding a Site or Transmitter to a List from the Explorer Window" on page 76
• "Adding a Site or Transmitter to a List from the Map Window" on page 76
• "Adding Sites or Transmitters to a List Using a Zone" on page 77
• "Editing a Site or Transmitter List" on page 77
• "Filtering on a Site or Transmitter List" on page 77.
1.7.5.1 Creating a Site or Transmitter List

You can create lists of sites or transmitters that you can then use to filter the data displayed.
To create a site or transmitter list:
2. Right-click the folder where you want to create the list:
Site list: if you want to create a site list:
a. Right-click the Sites folder. The context menu appears.
b. Select Site Lists > Open Table from the context menu. The Site Lists table appears.
Transmitter list: if you want to create a transmitter list:
a. Right-click the Transmitters folder. The context menu appears.

b. Select Transmitter Lists > Open Table from the context menu. The Transmitter Lists table appears.
3. Enter the name of the new list in the row marked with the New Row icon ( ).
1.7.5.2 Adding a Site or Transmitter to a List from the Explorer Window

You can add a site or transmitter to a list by selecting it from the Explorer window.
To add a site or transmitter to a list:
2. Click the Expand button ( ) to the left of Sites or Transmitters folder to expand the folder.
3. Right-click the site or transmitter you want to add to the list. The context menu appears.
Site list: if you want to add a site to a list:
- Select Add Site to a List from the context menu. A dialogue appears.
Transmitter list: if you want to add a transmitter to a list.
- Select Add Transmitter to a List from the context menu. A dialogue appears.
4. Select the name of the list from the dialogue.
Tip: You can create a new list by entering a name in the list instead of selecting the name
from the list. The selected site or transmitter will be added to the new list.
5. Click OK. The site or transmitter is added to the selected list.
Tip: You can quickly create a complete list by first filtering the contents of the Sites or
Transmitters folder as explained in "Filtering Data" on page 70. Then, by right-clicking
the Sites or Transmitters folder and selecting Site Lists > Add Sites to a List or
Transmitter Lists > Add Transmitters to a List from the context menu, you can add the
filtered contents of folder to the list you select.
1.7.5.3 Adding a Site or Transmitter to a List from the Map Window

You can add a site or transmitter to a list by selecting it from the map window.
To add a site or transmitter to a list:
1. In the map window, right-click the site or transmitter you want to add to a list.
Site list: if you want to add a site to a list:
- Select Add Site to a List from the context menu. A dialogue appears.
Transmitter list: if you want to add a transmitter to a list.
- Select Add Transmitter to a List from the context menu. A dialogue appears.

3. Click OK. The site or transmitter is added to the selected list.
1.7.5.4 Adding Sites or Transmitters to a List Using a Zone

You can add the sites or transmitters contained in a zone to a site or transmitter list.
To add the sites or transmitters contained in a zone to a list:
1. Create a zone as explained in "Using Zones in the Map Window" on page 41 that contains the sites or transmitters
you want to add to a list. You can use a filtering, computation, focus, hot spot, printing, or coverage export zone.
2. On the Geo tab of the Explorer window, right-click the zone and select one of the following from the context menu:
- Add Sites to a List: Select Add Sites to a List to add the sites in the zone to a site list. A dialogue appears.
- Add Transmitters to a List: Select Add Transmitters to a List to add the sites in the zone to a site list. A
dialogue appears.
4. Click OK. The sites or transmitters contained in the zone are added to the selected list.
1.7.5.5 Editing a Site or Transmitter List

You can edit a site or transmitter list using the Site List or Transmitter List table.
To edit a site or transmitter list:
2. Right-click the folder where you want to create the list:
Site list: if you want to edit a site list:
a. Right-click the Sites folder. The context menu appears.

b. Select Site Lists > Open Table from the context menu. The Site Lists table appears.
Transmitter list: if you want to edit a transmitter list:
a. Right-click the Transmitters folder. The context menu appears.

b. Select Transmitter Lists > Open Table from the context menu. The Transmitter Lists table appears.
3. Select the name of the list you want to edit and click Properties. The Properties dialogue appears.
4. You can now edit the list:
To add a site or transmitter to the list:
- Select the name of the site or transmitter in the row marked with the New Row icon ( ).
To delete a site or transmitter from the list:
a. Click in the left margin of the row containing the site or transmitter to select it.
b. Press DEL to delete the site or transmitter from the list.
5. Click OK when you have finished editing the site or transmitter list.
1.7.5.6 Filtering on a Site or Transmitter List

You can use site or transmitter lists to filter the contents of Sites and Transmitters folders.
To filter folder contents using a site or transmitter list:
2. Right-click the folder whose contents you want to filter. The context menu appears.
3. Select Properties from the context menu. The Properties dialogue appears.
4. On the General tab of the Properties dialogue, click the Filter button. The Filter dialogue appears.
5. If you have created a list, there will be an additional tab:
- Sites: Click the Site Lists tab.
- Transmitters: Click the Transmitter Lists tab.
6. Select the check box of the list or lists that you want to display.

Atoll User Manual
7. Click OK to close the Filter dialogue.

8. Click OK to close the Properties dialogue. Only sites or transmitters that belong to the selected list are now dis-
played in the Data tab of the Explorer window and in the map window.
1.7.6 Folder Configurations

In Atoll, the parameters defining how data contained in a folder are grouped, sorted, or filtered are referred to as a folder
configuration. You can define folder configurations and save them, allowing you to consistently apply the same grouping,
filtering, or sorting criteria.
• "Creating a Folder Configuration" on page 78
• "Applying a Saved Folder Configuration" on page 78
• "Reapplying the Current Folder Configuration" on page 78
• "Exporting a Folder Configuration" on page 79
• "Importing a Folder Configuration" on page 79
• "Deleting a Folder Configuration" on page 79.
Note: For transmitters, there is a default folder configuration called Same as Sites Folder. You
can apply this configuration to arrange the transmitters in the Transmitters folder with the
same parameters as those defined for sites.
1.7.6.1 Creating a Folder Configuration

In Atoll, you can save the parameters defining how data contained in a folder are grouped, filtered, or sorted as a folder
configuration.
To create a configuration:
2. Right-click the folder whose settings you want to save.
5. If you have not yet done so, set the following parameters as desired:
- Group By (see "Grouping Data Objects" on page 65)
- Sort (see "Sorting Data" on page 68)
- Filter (see "Filtering Data" on page 70).
6. Under Configuration, click Save.
7. Enter the name of the configuration in the Save Configuration dialogue.
8. Click OK to save the configuration and click OK to close the Properties dialogue.
The saved folder configuration is only available for the current folder and can be reapplied to the folder by selecting it from
the Configurations submenu on the folder’s context menu.
1.7.6.2 Applying a Saved Folder Configuration

You can apply a configuration that has been created and saved for the present folder.
To apply a saved folder configuration:
2. Right-click the folder to which you want to apply a configuration. The context menu appears.
3. On the Configurations submenu, select the name of the configuration you want to apply. The folder configuration
is applied to the current folder.
1.7.6.3 Reapplying the Current Folder Configuration

If you have grouped, filtered, or sorted a data folder, you have created and applied a folder configuration. If you then add
or modify data, the properties of these may not match the folder configuration you previously made on the data folder. In
this case, you can reapply the same filter or sort settings to the new or modified data.
To reapply the folder configuration:
2. Right-click the folder whose folder configuration you want to reapply.
3. Select Apply Current Configuration from the context menu. The previously configured folder configuration is
reapplied to the data.

1.7.6.4 Exporting a Folder Configuration

When you create a folder configuration, you save it to the current ATL document. However, you can export it as part of a
user configuration to an external file, so that it can be used in other documents.
To export a folder configuration:
1. Select Tools > User Configuration > Export. The User Configuration dialogue appears (see Figure 1.41 on
page 75).
2. Select the Folder Configuration check box.
If you want to export other configurations at the same time, select those check boxes as well.
3. Click OK. The Save As dialogue appears.

4. Enter a File name for the CFG file and click Save. The folder configuration has been saved.
1.7.6.5 Importing a Folder Configuration

Once you have exported a folder configuration as explained in "Exporting a Folder Configuration" on page 79, you can
import it into your current document.
To import a folder configuration:
1. Select Tools > User Configuration > Import. The Open dialogue appears.
2. Select the CFG file with the folder configuration you want to import.
3. Click Open. The User Configuration dialogue appears (see Figure 1.42 on page 75).
4. Select the Folder Configuration check box.
If you want to import other configurations at the same time, select those check boxes as well.
5. Click OK. The folder configuration is imported.
1.7.6.6 Deleting a Folder Configuration

You can delete a folder configuration from the Atoll document when you no longer need it.
To delete a folder configuration:
2. Right-click the folder with the folder configuration you want to delete.
5. Under Configuration, select the name of the configuration from the list.
6. Click Delete. The folder configuration is deleted.
Caution: When you delete a folder configuration, Atoll will not ask for confirmation; it is deleted
immediately.
1.7.7 Creating and Comparing Subfolders

You can compare the effects of different grouping, sorting, or filtering settings by creating subfolders of object folders in
the Data tab and applying different settings to each subfolder. Each subfolder contains a copy of the data in the object
folder in which it was created.
To create a subfolder of a folder:
1. In the Data tab of the Explorer window, right-click the folder you want to create a subfolder of.
2. Select Create a Subfolder from the context menu. A subfolder is created containing a copy of the original folder
content.
You can now perform the following actions on the subfolder:
• Grouping (see "Grouping Data Objects" on page 65)
• Sorting (see "Sorting Data" on page 68)
• Filtering (see "Filtering Data" on page 70).
Tip: If you have created several subfolders, you can rename each one to give it a more
descriptive name. For information on renaming an object, see "Renaming an Object" on
page 29.
Once you have performed the actions on each subfolder, you can compare the differences, by displaying in turn each
subfolder, with its grouping, sorting, or filtering settings, on the map. For more information on display properties, see
"Display Properties of Objects" on page 33.

Atoll User Manual
To compare subfolders:
1. In the Data tab of the Explorer window, clear the check boxes to the left of each subfolder. The data objects are
not displayed on the map.
2. Select the check box of one of the subfolders, leaving the check boxes of the other subfolders cleared. The data
objects of the selected subfolder, with its associated grouping, sorting, or filtering settings, are displayed on the
map.
3. Clear this check box and select the check box of a different subfolder. How the objects are displayed on the map
will change, depending on the different grouping, sorting, or filtering settings of the selected subfolder.
You can remove subfolders by deleting them. When you delete a subfolder, the data contained are not deleted. When you
delete the last subfolder, the data reappear under the initial folder.
To delete a subfolder:
• Right-click the subfolder to be deleted and select Delete from the context menu.
Tip: If, after deleting the last subfolder, the data do not reappear under the initial folder, you
can refresh the display by right-clicking the folder and selecting Group By > None from
the context menu.
1.7.8 Filtering Data Using a Filtering Zone

In Atoll, you can simplify your calculations by using a polygon on the map to limit the amount of data considered in calcu-
lations. By limiting the number of sites, you can reduce the time and cost of calculations and make visualisation of data
objects on the map clearer. You can select a pre-existing computation or focus zone as a filter zone or you can draw a
new filtering zone.
The data objects filtered by the polygon are reflected on the map and in the data tables. On the Data tab of the Explorer
window, any folder whose content is affected by the filtering zone appears with a special icon ( ), to indicate that the
folder contents have been filtered.
When you have applied a polygon filter, you can perform the following actions on the filtered data:
• Grouping (see "Grouping Data Objects" on page 65)
• Sorting (see "Sorting Data" on page 68)
• Filtering (see "Filtering Data" on page 70).
For more information on creating and editing a filtering zone, see "Using a Filtering Zone" on page 41.
1.8 Tips and Tricks

In this section, you will learn a few shortcuts and tricks to help you work more efficiently with Atoll:
• "Undoing and Redoing" on page 80
• "Refreshing Maps and Folders" on page 81
• "Searching for Objects on the Map" on page 81
• "Using the Status Bar to Get Information" on page 82
• "Saving Information Displayed in the Event Viewer" on page 82
• "Using Icons from the Toolbar" on page 82
• "Using Shortcuts in Atoll" on page 84.
1.8.1 Undoing and Redoing

You can undo or redo most actions in Atoll, up to a maximum of 10 actions. If you perform an action that can not be
undone, for example, a simulation, the Undo and Redo histories are erased.
For example, you can undo or redo:
• Most modifications in the workspace: such as creating, deleting, and moving a site, a station or a group of sta-
tions, modifying the antenna azimuth, moving a transmitter, or deleting a transmitter,
• Tasks performed in the Explorer: such as creating and deleting objects (sites, transmitters, antennas, repeaters
or remote antennas, links, groups of hexagons, measurement paths, coverage predictions, maps, propagation
models, etc.).
• Tasks performed in tables: such as adding or deleting records, pasting in tables.
To undo an action:
• Select Edit > Undo.
To redo an action that you have undone:
• Select Edit > Redo.

1.8.2 Refreshing Maps and Folders

Under certain circumstances, for example, when you add data that is inconsistent with an applied filter, the data displayed
on the map or in the Explorer window, may not be actual. You can refresh the display to get Atoll to reload the data and
reapply the current configurations to folders.
To refresh the display of the Explorer window and the map:
• Click the Refresh button ( ) on the toolbar or press F5.
1.8.3 Searching for Objects on the Map

Atoll provides several tools for finding data objects on the map. You can search for some objects (sites, transmitters,
repeaters, or links) by their name, using the Find toolbar. By using the Location Finder, you can search for a site, a trans-
mitter, a repeater, a microwave link, or a vector by any text field. You can also use the Location Finder to search for a
point on the map by its x and y coordinates.
This section explains:
• "Searching for a Map Object by Its Name" on page 81
• "Searching for a Map Object using Any Text Property" on page 81
• "Searching for a Point on the Map" on page 82.
1.8.3.1 Searching for a Map Object by Its Name

You can use the Find toolbar to search for the following map objects by name:
• sites
• transmitters
• repeaters
• microwave links.
To search for a map object by name using the Find toolbar:
1. Select View > Find Toolbar to display the Find toolbar.
Note: You can change the Find toolbar to a floating window by double-clicking it.
2. From the Find list, choose the map object you are searching for:
- Site
- Transmitter
- Repeater
- Link
3. Enter the name of the object in the Named box. You can use an asterisk ("*")as a wild card in the following ways:
- *X* names which contain X
- X* names which start with X
- *X names which end with X
4. Press ENTER. Atoll selects the object and centres it in the map window.
Note: You can also search for a map object by its name by using the Location Finder. For
information, see "Searching for a Map Object using Any Text Property" on page 81.
1.8.3.2 Searching for a Map Object using Any Text Property

You can use the Location Finder to search for the following map object using any text (i.e., non-numeric) property:
• sites
• transmitters
• repeaters
• microwave links
• vectors.
To search for a map object by a text property using the Location Finder:
1. Click the Location Finder button ( ) on the toolbar. The Location Finder dialogue appears.
2. From the Find list, choose the map object you are searching for:
- Site
- Transmitter
- Repeater
- Link
- Vector

Atoll User Manual
3. If you wish to search all the sites in the search, including sites that are presently filtered out, select the Include all
the sites in the search (filtered or not) check box.
4. Under Criteria, select a Field to be searched and enter the value of the field. You can use an asterisk as a wild
card in the following ways:
- *X* text objects which contain X
- X* text objects which start with X
5. Click OK. Atoll selects the site and centres it in the map window.
1.8.3.3 Searching for a Point on the Map

You can search for a point by entering its x and y coordinates in the Location Finder.
To search on the map for a point using the Location Finder:
1. Click the Location Finder button ( ) on the toolbar. The Location Finder dialogue appears.
2. From the Find list, choose Point.
3. Enter the x and y coordinates of the point, using the same units as defined under Display on the Coordinates tab
of the Options dialogue (see "Projection and Display Coordinate Systems" on page 92).
4. Click OK. Atoll marks the point ( ) and centres it in the map window.
Note: To remove the point icon ( ), select it and then select Delete from the context menu.
1.8.4 Using the Status Bar to Get Information

Atoll displays the following information, if available, about the current position of the mouse pointer in right side of the
status bar (see Figure 1.43):
• the current X-Y coordinates (according to the defined display coordinate system)
• the altitude (as defined in the DTM)
• the clutter class (as defined in the clutter classes properties)
• the clutter height (as defined in the clutter height file, or in the clutter classes).
X-Y coordinates Altitude Clutter class

(from DTM)
Figure 1.43: Information displayed in the status bar
1.8.5 Saving Information Displayed in the Event Viewer

Atoll displays information about the current document in the Event Viewer. The Event Viewer displays information ( ),
warning ( ), and error ( ) messages, as well as the progress of calculations. You can save the information displayed
in the Event Viewer in a log file.
To save events in the Event Viewer in a log file:
1. If the Event Viewer is not displayed, select View > Event Viewer to display it.
2. Click the event in the Event Viewer to select it. Click and drag to select several events.
3. Right-click the select event(s). The context menu appears.
4. Select Save As. The Save As dialogue appears.
5. In the Save As dialogue, select a destination folder, enter a File name, and select a file type from the Save as
type list.
6. Click OK. The selected events are saved in the text file.
You can also automatically generate log files for each Atoll session and select the level of information displayed in the
Event viewer. For more information about these settings, see the Administrator Manual.
1.8.6 Using Icons from the Toolbar

You can access many commands in Atoll by clicking its icon on the toolbar. Some of them are also linked to shortcut keys
(see "Using Shortcuts in Atoll" on page 84).

The different icons located in the toolbar are listed below:

• In the Standard toolbar
Open the Project Templates dialogue (CTRL+N)
Open the Open dialogue (CTRL+O)
Save the current document (CTRL+S)
Cut the selected data (CTRL+X)
Copy the selected data (CTRL+C)
Paste the content of the clipboard (CTRL+V)
Print the current window (table or map) (CTRL+P)
Preview the current window before printing (table or map) (CTRL+P)
Open the About Atoll dialogue
• In the Radio toolbar
Create a new station based on the currently selected model
Create a new group of hexagons based on the currently selected station template ( indicates that no hexa-
gon radius is defined)
Note: A new hexagon group is created in the Hexagonal Design folder if the check box to the
left of this folder is selected when you create a new station or a group of stations. If the
check box is not selected, you can create a new station without creating a corresponding
hexagon group.
Station model currently selected
Create a new repeater or remote antenna for the currently selected transmitter
Graphically manage neighbours for the selected transmitter
Open the Point Analysis window
Calculate only invalid matrices, unlocked coverages, and pending simulations (F7)
Force the calculation of all matrices, unlocked coverages, and pending simulations (CTRL+F7)
Stop the calculation of all matrices, unlocked coverages, and pending simulations (ESC)
• In the Map toolbar
Select area
Refresh display of map and folders (F5)
Disable zooming and panning tools.
Move the map window (CTRL+D)
Map scale currently used
Previous/Next view (zoom and location)
Zoom in on the map and centre on the cursor location (CTRL+A) and zoom out on the map and centre on the
cursor location (CTRL+R)
Define a zoom area on the map (CTRL+W)
Turn on tool tips
Measure distances on the map

Atoll User Manual
Location finder
Display a point-to-point profile
• In the Microwave link toolbar
Create a new microwave link.
Create a new multi-hop microwave link.
Create a new multipoint microwave link.
Currently selected microwave link model
Activate the microwave link profile analysis window
Show or hide victim and interferer links
Show or hide site parities
Stop the calculations in progress
• In the Search toolbar
Centre site in the map window.
• In the Vector Edition toolbar
Create a new vector layer (in either the Geo or the Data tab)
Select the vector layer to edit
Draw a new polygon
Draw a new line
Draw points
Merge several vector polygons
Cut out areas in polygons
Create new polygon from overlapping areas
Split one polygon along the drawn lines.
Note: When you place the cursor over an icon, a tool tip appears, giving a short description.
1.8.7 Using Shortcuts in Atoll

Atoll provides many shortcuts that enable you to access commonly used tools and commands more quickly.
The shortcuts available are listed below (some of the same commands can be accessed using a toolbar icon; see "Using
Icons from the Toolbar" on page 82):
• Using the CTRL key:
- CTRL+A:
- In tables: Select all records
- In the map window: Zoom in on the map (toolbar: select and click)
- CTRL+C: Copy the selected data (toolbar: select )

- CTRL+D:
- In tables: Copy the first cell of a selection down into all selected cells
- In the map window: Move the map window (toolbar: select )
- CTRL+F: Open the Find dialogue in a table
- CTRL+N: Open the Project Templates dialogue (toolbar: select )

- CTRL+O: Open the Open dialogue (toolbar: select )
- CTRL+P: Print the current window (toolbar: select )
- CTRL+Q: Select Zoom In/Out tool (toolbar: select )
- CTRL+R: Zoom out on the map (toolbar: select and Right-click the map)
- CTRL+S: Save the current active document (toolbar: select )

- CTRL+U: Copy the last cell of a selection up into all selected cells
- CTRL+V: Paste the content of the clipboard (toolbar: select )
- CTRL+W: Define a zoom area on the map (toolbar: select )
- CTRL+X: Cut the selected data (toolbar: select )

- CTRL+Y: Redo the previous undone modification
- CTRL+Z: Undo the last modification
• Using the Function Keys
- F3: Select the Find Site tool.
- F5: Refresh display of map and folders (toolbar: select )
- F7: Calculate only invalid matrices, unlocked coverages, and pending simulations (toolbar: select )
- CTRL+F7: Force the calculation of all matrices, unlocked coverages, and pending simulations (toolbar: select
)
Tip: Menus and commands can be also accessed by pressing the ALT key and typing the
underlined letter in the menu or command name.

Atoll User Manual

Chapter 2
Starting an Atoll Project
Atoll
RF Planning and Optimisation Software
Atoll User Manual

Chapter 2: Starting an Atoll Project
2 Starting an Atoll Project

When you want to start a new project, you base it on a template that has the data and folder structure necessary for the
technology you are using. Once you have started your new Atoll project, you can modify the network parameters to meet
your particular needs. Several templates are supplied with Atoll: GPS GPRS EGPRS, CDMA200 1xRTT 1xEV-DO, micro-
wave radio links, UMTS HSPA, WiMAX, and LTE. The actual templates supplied depend on the modules included with
your Atoll installation. You can also create your own templates by opening an existing template, making the changes
necessary to meet your own needs and then saving it as a new template.
When you open an existing project, you can select it from the File menu if it is one of the last projects you have worked
on, or you can open it from the Open dialogue. Because Atoll can work with linked geographic data files, it may happen
that one of the linked files was moved or renamed since the last time you worked on that project. Atoll enables you to find
the file and repair the link.
In this chapter, the following are explained:
• "Before Starting a Microwave or Radio-Planning Project" on page 89
• "Creating an Atoll Document" on page 89.
2.1 Before Starting a Microwave or Radio-Planning

Project
For every microwave or radio-planning project you must assemble the information necessary:
• Radio and Microwave equipment: sites, transmitters, antennas, repeaters, and other equipment. For more infor-
mation on radio equipment, see the technology-specific chapters.
• Radio and Microwave data: frequency bands, technology-specific parameters, coordinate systems, etc. For
more information on radio or microwave data, see the technology-specific chapters.
• Geographic data: clutter classes, clutter heights, DTM, population maps, etc. For more information on geographic
data, see "Chapter 2: Starting an Atoll Project".
Once the necessary data have been assembled, you can create the Atoll document.
2.2 Creating an Atoll Document

Whatever the radio technology you will be modelling, you create an Atoll document in one of two ways:
• From a document template: You can create a new Atoll document from a template. Atoll is delivered with a
template for each technology you will be planning for. For information on creating a document from a template,
see "Creating a New Atoll Document from a Template" on page 89.
You can also create your own template by basing it on an existing document that you have already customised
with, for example, certain geo data or antennas.
• From an existing database: When you create a new Atoll document from a database, the database you connect
to has been created with the technology and data you need. Working with a database allows several users to share
the same data while at the same time managing data consistency. The exact procedure for creating a new Atoll
document from a database differs, depending on the database containing the data. Atoll can work with several
common databases. For information on starting a document from a database, see "Creating a New Atoll Document
from a Database" on page 95.
2.2.1 Creating a New Atoll Document from a Template

You can create a new Atoll document from a template. Atoll has a template for each technology you will be planning for.
Each template provides data and a data structure suitable for the technology. For example, the tabs in the transmitter
Properties dialogue as well as the radio parameters available differ according to the project. As well, the objects that are
available are appropriate for the technology. For example, UMTS cells are only available in UMTS documents and TRX
are only available in GSM-TDMA documents.
Once you have selected the appropriate template for your radio or microwave-planning project, you configure the basic
parameters of the Atoll document (see "Defining a New Atoll Document" on page 91).
• "Templates Available" on page 90
• "Creating a New Atoll Document from a Template" on page 90
• "Defining a New Atoll Document" on page 91

Atoll User Manual
2.2.1.1 Templates Available

Depending on your configuration of Atoll, the following templates are available:
• GSM/GPRS/EGPRS: This template can be used to model second generation (2G) mobile telecommunications
using TDMA (Time Division Multiple Access) technology. This template can be used to model the following tech-
nologies:
- GSM (Global System for Mobile Communication): GSM is a 2G technology based on TDMA.
- GPRS (General Packet Radio Service): GPRS is a packet-switched technology that enables data applica-
tions on GSM networks. It is considered a 2.5G technology.
- EDGE (Enhanced Data for Global Evolution): EDGE is an advancement for GSM/GPRS networks that tri-
ples data rates. Because it is based on existing GSM technology, it allows for a smooth upgrade for GSM oper-
ators, giving them capabilities approaching those of a 3G network, while remaining with the existing 2G
system.
- EGPRS (GPRS operating over EDGE): EGPRS is GPRS, but operating over EDGE for enhanced data rates.
• CDMA2000 1xRTT 1xEV-DO: This template can be used to model third generation (3G) mobile telecommunica-
tions based on CDMA2000 technology. CDMA2000 is an evolution of CDMA, or code division multiple access.
This template can be used to model the following technologies:
- 1xRTT (1 Radio Transmission Technology): 1xRTT is sometimes considered not as 3G but as 2.5G in
terms of mobile telecommunications. It offers increased voice capacity as compared to 2G technologies, but
not as much as pure 3G solutions.
- 1xEV-DO (1x Evolution - Data Only): 1xEV-DO is an evolution of CDMA2000 that provides data transfer
rates of over 10 times those of 1xRTT. It is considered a 3G solution and addresses, as its name suggests,
data only.
- IS-95 cdmaOne: Second generation (2G) mobile telecommunications based on code division multiple access
technology. IS-95 is an industry standard while cdmaOne is a proprietary implementation of this standard.
• Microwave Radio Links: Atoll allows you to model microwave radio links, as part of a complete mobile telecom-
munications network, from any technology template. However, this template is provided to enable you to create a
project of only microwave radio links.
• UMTS HSPA: UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications System) and HSDPA (High Speed Downlink Packet
Access) and HSUPA (High Speed Uplink Packet Access), collectively referred to as HSPA, are third generation
(3G) mobile telecommunication systems based on WCDMA (Wideband Code Division Multiple Access) tech-
nology. Although WCDMA is similar in implementation to CDMA, the two technologies are incompatible. UMTS
and HSPA are usually implemented in place and over GSM networks.
• TD-SCDMA: TD-SCDMA (Time Division Synchronous CDMA) is a 3G mobile telecommunication system based
on Time Division Duplex (TDD) mode. TD-SCDMA transmits uplink and downlink traffic in the same frame in dif-
ferent time slots.
• WiMAX: Atoll WiMAX is a state-of-the-art WiMAX and Broadband Wireless Access (BWA) network planning tool
developed in cooperation with world-leading WiMAX equipment suppliers. Atoll WiMAX supports the IEEE
802.16d as well as IEEE 802.16e.
• LTE: This template can be used to model the new fourth generation (4G) networks based on the UTRAN LTE
(UMTS Terrestrial Radio Access Networks’ Long Term Evolution) specifications proposed by the 3GPP. Atoll LTE
is strictly follows the latest 3GPP LTE specifications, and has been developed in collaboration with the market-
leading equipment manufacturers. Atoll LTE is the first and most comprehensive LTE network planning tool avail-
able on the market.
2.2.1.2 Creating a New Atoll Document from a Template

To create a new document from a template:
1. Select File > New > From a Document Template. The Project Templates dialogue appears.
2. Select the template on which you want to base your document and click OK. Atoll creates a new document based
on the template selected.
Figure 2.1 shows a new Atoll document based on the UMTS HSPA HSPA template. The Data tab of the Explorer window
now has a folder structure suitable for a UMTS HSPA HSPA radio-planning project, with, among other UMTSUMTS-
specific elements, folders for UMTS HSPA HSPA parameters and UMTS HSPA HSPA simulations. The Antennas folder
is expanded to show the UMTSUMTS-compatible antennas suggested by Atoll. These can be modified or replaced.
Figure 2.2 and Figure 2.3 show the contents of the Geo and Modules tabs of the new document, respectively.

Figure 2.1: New Atoll document based on a template
Figure 2.2: New Atoll document — Geo tab Figure 2.3: New Atoll document — Modules tab
When you create an Atoll document from a template, the document is not connected to a database.
To verify whether the document is connected to a database:
• Select File > Database > Connection Properties. The dialogue in Figure 2.4 appears.
Figure 2.4: An Atoll document based on a template is not connected to a database
2.2.1.3 Defining a New Atoll Document

Once you have created a new Atoll document as explained in "Creating a New Atoll Document from a Template" on
page 90, you configure the basic parameters of the Atoll document. You can accept the default values for some param-
eters, such as basic measurement units, but you must set projection and display coordinate systems.
• "Projection and Display Coordinate Systems" on page 92
• "Setting a Coordinate System" on page 92
• "Setting Measurement Units" on page 93

Atoll User Manual
2.2.1.3.1 Projection and Display Coordinate Systems

In Atoll, you define the two coordinate systems for each Atoll document: the projection coordinate system and the display
coordinate system. By default, the same coordinate system is used for both.
A projection is a method for producing all or part of a round body on a flat sheet. This projection cannot be done without
distortion, thus the cartographer must choose the characteristic (distance, direction, scale, area or shape) which is to be
shown appropriately at the expense of the other characteristics, or he must compromise on several characteristics1. The
projected zones are referenced using cartographic coordinates (meter, yard, etc.).
Two projection systems are widely used:
• The Lambert Conformal-Conic projection: a portion of the earth is mathematically projected on a cone concep-
tually secant at one or two standard parallels. This projection type is useful for representing countries or regions
that lay primarily east to west.
• The Universal Transverse Mercator projection (UTM): a portion of the earth is mathematically projected on a
cylinder tangent to a meridian (which is transverse or crosswise to the equator). This projection type is useful for
mapping large areas that are oriented north-south.
A geographic system is not a projection, but a representation of a location on the earth's surface from geographic coordi-
nates (degree-minute-second or grade) giving the latitude and longitude in relation to the origin meridian (Paris for NTF
system and Greenwich for ED50 system). The locations in the geographic system can be converted into other projections.
Atoll has databases including more than 980 international coordinate system references, a database based on the Euro-
pean Petroleum Survey Group and another one regrouping only France's coordinate systems. Atoll distinguishes the
cartographic coordinate systems for projection and either cartographic or geographic coordinate systems for display.
The maps displayed in the workspace are referenced with the same projection system as the imported geographic data
files; thus, the projection system depends on the imported geographic file. By choosing a specific display system, you can
see (using the rulers or status bars) the location of sites on the map in a coordinate system different from the projection
coordinate system. You can also position on the map sites referenced in the display system: the coordinates are automat-
ically converted from the projection system to the display system and the site is displayed on the map.
In Figure 2.5, the French Riviera geographic data file has been imported. The map shows the French Riviera projected
using the cartographic NTF (Paris)/France II étendue system (coordinates in metres). On the other hand, site coordinates
are stated in the geographic WGS 72 system (coordinates in degrees-minutes-seconds).
Figure 2.5: NTF (Paris)/France II étendue system used with WGS 72 system
Notes: All imported raster geographic files must be use the same cartographic system. If not, you
must convert them to a single cartographic system.
2.2.1.3.2 Setting a Coordinate System

Because you are working with maps, you must set a coordinate system for your Atoll document. By default, projection and
display coordinate systems are the same, but you can choose a different display coordinate system if you wish.
To define the coordinate system:
1. Select Tools > Options. The Options dialogue appears.
2. On the Coordinates tab, click the Browse button ( ) to the right of the Projection field. The Coordinate Sys-
tems dialogue appears.
3. In the Coordinate Systems dialogue, select a catalogue from the Find in list. For the projection system, only car-
tographic systems (identified by the symbol) are available.
1. Snyder, John. P., Map Projections Used by the US Geological Survey, 2nd Edition, United States Government
Printing Office, Washington, D.C., 313 pages, 1982.

4. Select a coordinate system from the list.
Tip: If you frequently use a particular coordinate system you can add it to a catalogue of
favourites by clicking Add to Favourites.
5. Click OK. The selected coordinate system appears in the Projection field and, by default, in the Display field as
well.
6. If you wish to set a different coordinate system for the display, click the Browse button ( ) to the right of the
Display field and repeat step 3. to step 5. For the display system, both cartographic systems (identified by the
symbol) and geographic systems (identified by the symbol) are available.
2.2.1.3.3 Selecting the Degree Display Format

Atoll can display longitude and latitude in four different formats. For example:
• 26°56’29.9’’N
• 26d56m29.9sN
• 26.93914N
• +26.93914
To change the degree display format:
2. On the Coordinates tab, select the format from the Degree Format list.
3. Click OK.
Note: The degree format options apply only to the geographic coordinate systems.
2.2.1.3.4 Setting Measurement Units

When you create a new Atoll document, Atoll sets certain measurement units for reception, transmission, distance,
height, and offset to internal defaults. You can accept these default measurement units, or you can change them using the
Options dialogue.
To set the measurement units:
2. On the Units tab, select the desired unit for the following measurements:
- Reception
- Transmission
- Distance
- Height and offset
3. Click OK.
2.2.2 Working in a Multi-User Environment

A multi-user environment is one where a number of users, or groups of users, work simultaneously on given parts of a
single, large (may be nation-wide) network. Different user groups may be working on regional or smaller sections of the
network. This section describes the different components of multi-user environments and outlines their purpose.
When you create a new Atoll document from a database, Atoll loads the data to which you have rights from database into
your new document and then disconnects it from the database. The connection to the reference database is reactivated
only when necessary, thus ensuring access to the database by other users.
When you work on a document created from a database, you are working on data that you are sharing with other users.
Consequently, there are issues related to sharing data that do not arise when you are working on a stand-alone document.
For example, when you archive your changes to the database, the changes you have made may occasionally interfere
with changes other users have made and you will need to resolve this conflict.
• "The Atoll Multi-User Environment" on page 94
• "Creating a New Atoll Document from a Database" on page 95
• "Working With a Document on a Database" on page 96
• "Refreshing an Atoll Document from the Database" on page 97
• "Archiving the Modifications of an Atoll Document in the Database" on page 98.

Atoll User Manual
2.2.2.1 The Atoll Multi-User Environment

An Atoll multi-user environment consists of the following elements, connected over a network:
• A central Atoll project: The central Atoll project can only be accessed, modified, and updated by the Atoll
administrator. Through this central Atoll project, the Atoll administrator can manage all the data shared by all the
individual Atoll users or groups of users.
• Shared data: Shared data are initially set up by the administrator using the central Atoll project and are then
accessed, modified, worked on, and updated by the Atoll users and the administrator. The shared data are mainly
of the following three types:
- The central database: The central database stores all the radio data of all the Atoll user documents. It is
initiated through the central Atoll project by the administrator, and is then subdivided into sections on which
users or groups of users can work simultaneously. Once the database is in place, users can modify their
projects, refresh their projects from the data stored in the database, and archive their modifications in the data-
base. The use of a database means that potential data conflicts due to modifications from other users, modi-
fied or deleted records, for example, can be detected and resolved.
- Shared geographic data: Shared geographic data files are usually stored on a common file server with a fast
access connection. Since geographic data files are usually large, they are usually linked to an Atoll file, i.e.,
they are stored externally, so as to minimise the size of the Atoll file. Users who modify geographic data
locally, for example, editing edit clutter or traffic in their respective projects, usually store these modifications
locally, since these modifications rarely have an impact on other users.
- Path loss matrices: The path loss matrices are computed through the central Atoll project by the adminis-
trator and can be updated only by the administrator. Each user can read these path loss data but cannot
modify them. If users modify their Atoll documents in such a way that the path loss data becomes invalid for
their document, any path loss matrices computed by these users are stored locally, either embedded in the
ATL file or link to an external file. The shared path loss data are not modified.
Shared path loss matrices are updated when the calculation administrator performs an update, taking into ac-
count the modifications made by other users which have been stored and updated in the central database.
Shared path loss matrices enable a number of users to work with a centralised path loss matrices folder, con-
taining path loss matrices corresponding to the central Atoll project.
• User Documents: Individual user documents are initialised by the administrator but are later worked upon and
managed by each user. User documents are Atoll files which are connected to the central database, load only the
required part of the geographic data (as defined by the CFG file, for example), and have access to the shared path
loss matrices folder.
Figure 2.6: Components of Multi-user Environments
Note: For information on creating and maintaining the database, see the Administrator Manual.

2.2.2.2 Creating a New Atoll Document from a Database

When you create a new document from a database, you must connect to the database. Once connected, Atoll loads the
database into a new Atoll document. Then the connected is interrupted. A new connection with the database will be
created only when necessary, in order to allow other users access to the database.
The exact procedure of connecting with the database differs from one database to another. Atoll can work with the follow-
ing databases:
• Microsoft Access
• Microsoft SQL Server
• Oracle
• Sybase
• Microsoft Data Link files
The following sections give examples of connecting to two different databases and loading data:
• "Connecting to an MS Access Database" on page 95
• "Connecting to an Oracle Database" on page 95.
• "Selecting the Data to Load From the Database" on page 95.
An example of a new Atoll document created from a database is shown in:
• "Working With a Document on a Database" on page 96
2.2.2.2.1 Connecting to an MS Access Database

To create a new document from an MS Access database:
1. Select File > New > From an Existing Database. The Open from a Database dialogue appears.
2. In the Files of type list, select "Microsoft Access" as the type of database:
3. Select the name of the database and click OK. The Data to Load dialogue appears, allowing you to select the
data to load into Atoll as a new document (see "Selecting the Data to Load From the Database" on page 95).
2.2.2.2.2 Connecting to an Oracle Database

To create a new document from an Oracle database:
1. Select File > New > From an Existing Database. The Open from a Database dialogue appears.
2. In the Files of type list, select "Oracle" as the type of database:
3. In the dialogue that appears, enter your User Name, Password, and Server (as defined in the tnsnames.ora file).
Figure 2.7: Connecting to an Oracle database
Note: Additional dialogues may open asking you to choose which project in the database to load
or which site list to load.
4. Click OK. The Data to Load dialogue appears, allowing you to select the data to load into Atoll as a new document
(see "Selecting the Data to Load From the Database" on page 95).
2.2.2.2.3 Selecting the Data to Load From the Database

When you create a new document from a database, you can select the data to be loaded from the database to create the
document in the Data to load dialogue. You can select which Project, Site List, Custom Fields Groups, and Neighbour
to load. If you load the intra-technology or the inter-technology neighbour list, Atoll will also load the associated excep-
tional pairs table.

Atoll User Manual
Figure 2.8: Selecting the data to load
2.2.2.3 Working With a Document on a Database

Figure 2.9 shows a new Atoll document based created from a database. The Data tab of the Explorer window now has
a folder structure suitable for a UMTS radio-planning project. The Sites folder is expanded to show that a document
created from a database can have additional data, such as sites, unlike a document created from a template. These can
be modified or replaced. Figure 2.10 and Figure 2.11 show the contents of the Geo and Modules tabs of the new docu-
ment, respectively.
Figure 2.9: New Atoll document opened from a database
Note: The new document may open with no site displayed in the map window. This is because
the north-west point of the project is by default the axis origin. You can re-centre the
document on the data displayed in the Data tab by expanding the Sites folder, right-
clicking on any site, and selecting Centre in the map window from the context menu.

Figure 2.10: New Atoll document — Geo tab Figure 2.11: New Atoll document — Modules tab
When you create an Atoll document from a database, you can view the characteristics of the database connection.
To view the characteristics of the database connection:
1. Select File > Database > Connection Properties. The Database Connection dialogue appears (see
Figure 2.12).
2. You can now:
- Disconnect your document from the database.
Caution: If you disconnect your document from the database, it will be become a stand-alone
document and you will not be able to reconnect it to the database.
- Modify your connection to the database.
Figure 2.12: The Database Connection dialogue
2.2.2.4 Refreshing an Atoll Document from the Database

As you are working on your document, other users who have access to the database may have modified some of the data.
You can ensure that you have the most recent data in your document by refreshing the information from the database.
How frequently you refresh the document depends on how frequently the database is updated. If the database is updated
frequently, you should refresh your document frequently as well, in order to continue working with the most up-to-date data.
To refresh an Atoll document from the database:
1. Select File > Database > Refresh From the Database. The Refresh dialogue appears.
2. In the dialogue, you can do one of the following if you have modified your document but have not yet saved those
changes in the database:
- Archive your changes in the database: This option allows you to archive your changes to the server instead
of refreshing your document from the server.
- Refresh unmodified data only: This option allows you to refresh from the database only those items that you
have not modified in your document.
- Cancel your changes and reload database: This option allows you to cancel any changes you have made
and start over from the point of the last archive to the database.
Notes:
• If you chose Refresh unmodified data only or Cancel your changes and reload database,
Atoll proceeds without asking for confirmation.
• If you chose Archive your changes in the database, the Archive dialogue appears. For infor-
mation on using the Archive dialogue, see "Archiving the Modifications of an Atoll Document
in the Database" on page 98.

Atoll User Manual
3. Under Take into account, you can select the neighbour lists, Intra-technology Neighbours and Inter-tech-
nology Neighbours, to refresh.
4. Under Modifications Since the Last Refresh, you can generate a report for the refresh process.
5. Click OK. The document is refreshed according to the selected options.
If you selected to generate a report, Atoll creates a text file in CSV (Comma Separated Values) format in the temporary
files system folder, and opens it. You can then rename the file and save it where you wish. The report lists all the modifi-
cations (deletions, additions, and updates) that were stored in the database since the last time you refreshed or opened
your document.
2.2.2.5 Archiving the Modifications of an Atoll Document in the Database

When you are working on an Atoll document that is attached to a database, you should from time to time archive the modi-
fications you have made to the data on the database. How frequently you should archive your document depends on
several factors: the amount and size of changes you make, the number of other users using the database who may benefit
from your modifications, etc. What you can archive depends on the user rights the database administrator has given to
you. For example, you can have read access to the antennas table, allowing you to create a new Atoll document with the
given antennas. However, because only the administrator can modify the properties of the antennas, you will not be able
to archive any changes you make to the antennas without write access to the table.
The Atoll archiving process is flexible. You can archive all your modifications or only the site-related modifications. As well,
when you are archiving, Atoll shows you all modifications that will be archived and, if you wish, you can archive only some
of them or even undo modifications you have made locally. Occasionally, other users might have modified some of the
same data and, when you archive your changes, Atoll will inform you of the possible conflicts and help you resolve them.
• "Archiving All Modifications in the Database" on page 98
• "Archiving Only Site-Related Data in the Database" on page 98
• "Resolving Data Conflicts" on page 99.
2.2.2.5.1 Archiving All Modifications in the Database

To archive all your modifications in the database:
1. Select File > Database > Archive to the Database. The Archive dialogue appears (see Figure 2.13).
2. In the Archive dialogue, you can do the following:
- Click Run All to archive all your changes to the database.
- Select one item under Pending Changes and click Run to archive the selected modification to the database
- Select one item under Pending Changes and click Differences to view the differences between the local item
and the item on the database.
- Select one item under Pending Changes and click Undo to refresh the modification with the original data from
the database.
Figure 2.13: The Archive dialogue
3. If some of the data has been modified on the database since you last refreshed, Atoll stops the archiving process
and asks you to resolve the conflict. For information on managing conflicts, see "Resolving Data Conflicts" on
page 99.
4. When you are finished archiving, click Close.
2.2.2.5.2 Archiving Only Site-Related Data in the Database

Atoll allows you to archive only site-related data if you wish. Which data is archived depends on the radio technology you
are working with. For example, in a UMTS HSPA radio planning project, the site-related data are: sites, transmitters, cells,
and neighbours.

To archive only the site-related data in the database:

1. Select File > Database > Archive to the Database. The Archive dialogue appears.
2. In the Archive dialogue, you can do the following:
- Click Run All to archive all your changes to the database.
- Select one item under Pending Changes and click Run to archive the selected modification to the database
- Select one item under Pending Changes and click Differences to view the differences between the local item
and the item on the database.
- Select one item under Pending Changes and click Undo to refresh the modification with the original data from
the database.
3. If some of the data has been modified on the database since you last refreshed, Atoll stops the archiving process
and asks you to resolve the conflict. For information on managing conflicts, see "Resolving Data Conflicts" on
page 99.
4. When you are finished archiving, click Close.
2.2.2.5.3 Resolving Data Conflicts

Atoll enables several users to use the same database by allowing user to load the data and then freeing the database for
other users. However, this also creates the possibility of two users modifying the same data. When the second user
attempts to archive his changes, Atoll warns him that the data have been changed since he last refreshed the data and
that there is a conflict.
Atoll allows you to resolve data conflicts. When Atoll finds a conflict, it displays the warning shown in Figure 2.14.
Figure 2.14: Conflict warning
You have three options:

• Ignore: If you click Ignore, Atoll ignores items causing conflicts in the table being archived, archives all other
modifications in the table, and continues with the next table. You can resolve the conflicts after the archiving
process has ended. However, if conflicts are found in other tables, Atoll will warn you with the Database Transfer
Error dialogue again.
• Ignore All: If you click Ignore All, Atoll ignores all items causing conflicts in all tables being archived, and
archives all other modifications. You can resolve the conflicts after the archiving process has ended.
• Abort: If you click Abort, the archiving process stops. You can attempt to resolve conflicts before restarting the
archiving process.
Whether you abort the archive process to resolve the conflict immediately, or wait until the end of the archive process, the
procedure to resolve the conflict is the same.
To resolve data conflicts one by one:
1. In the Pending Changes pane of the Archive dialogue, select the conflict you want to resolve and click Resolve.
There are two different types of data conflicts:
- On a modified record: You are in the process of archiving your modifications on the database and another
user has modified the same data since you last archived or refreshed your data. A conflict is caused only by
differences in the same field of the same record between the database and the current Atoll document.
The Conflict in Changes dialogue appears, with the fields in conflict highlighted (see Figure 2.15). In the
Conflict in Changes dialogue, you can see the value of the field in the database in the Database values col-
umn, as well as the value of the same field in your document in the Current values column.

Atoll User Manual
Figure 2.15: The Conflict in Changes dialogue
- If you want to overwrite the database value with the value of the same field in your document, select the
check box next to the highlighted change and click Archive. Your modification will be written to the data-
base, overwriting the value there.
- If you want to accept the value of the field in the database, clear the check box next to the highlighted
change and click Archive. Your modification will be lost and the value in the database will remain un-
changed.
- On a deleted record: You are in the process of archiving your modifications on the database and another
user has deleted a record since you last archived or refreshed your data. For information, see "Resolving Data
Conflicts" on page 99.
Atoll displays a message explaining that the record you are trying to update has been deleted from the data-
base (see Figure 2.16). Select one of the following:
Figure 2.16: Conflict on a deleted record
- Yes: Select Yes to store your modifications in the database, thereby recreating the deleted record.
- No: Select No to abandon your modifications to this record and delete this record from your document.
- Cancel: Select Cancel to cancel.
2. Click Close to close the Archive dialogue.
To resolve all the data conflicts:
1. In the Pending Changes pane of the Archive dialogue, select any conflict and click Resolve All. Atoll displays
a message explaining how Resolve All works (see Figure 2.17). Select one of the following:
Figure 2.17: Resolving all the data conflicts simultaneously
- Yes: Select Yes to accept all the modifications made by other users in the database and update your docu-
ment with values from the database.
- No: Select No to overwrite the modifications made by other users in the database with the values from your
document.
- Cancel: Select Cancel to cancel.
2. Click Close to close the Archive dialogue.
Important: You should only resolve all the data conflicts when you are certain about the
modifications.

ATOLL User - Manual-51-100

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

ATOLL User - Manual-51-100

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Chapter 1: The Working Environment

- The Default value of the field.

Figure 1.14: The Table tab

1.5.2.2 Adding a Field to an Object Type’s Data Table

© Forsk 2009 Unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this document is prohibited 51

Figure 1.15: The Field Definition dialogue

1.5.2.3 Deleting a Field from an Object Type’s Data Table

1.5.3 Editing the Contents of a Table

52 Unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this document is prohibited © Forsk 2009

Figure 1.16: Editing data in the transmitters data tables

Figure 1.17: Choosing data in the transmitters data tables

1.5.4 Opening an Object’s Record Properties Dialogue from a Ta-

1.5.5 Defining the Table Format

© Forsk 2009 Unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this document is prohibited 53

Formatting the Column Headers

Formatting Table Columns

Changing Column Width or Row Height

Figure 1.18: Changing column width

Figure 1.19: Changing row height

54 Unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this document is prohibited © Forsk 2009

Displaying or Hiding a Column

You can choose which columns in data tables to display or hide.

Figure 1.20: The Columns to Be Displayed dialogue

Freezing or Unfreezing a Column

Note: You can only freeze adjacent columns.

Note: You can not freeze a column in a report table.

© Forsk 2009 Unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this document is prohibited 55

Figure 1.21: Moving columns

1.5.6 Copying and Pasting in Tables

1.5.6.1 Copying and Pasting a Table Element

Note: Each element in a table must have a unique Name.

To create a new element by copying and pasting:

1.5.6.2 Pasting the Same Data into Several Cells

56 Unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this document is prohibited © Forsk 2009

Figure 1.22: Selecting the cells

3. Copy into the selected cells:

Figure 1.23: Copying the contents of the top cell

Figure 1.24: Copying the contents of the bottom cell

© Forsk 2009 Unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this document is prohibited 57

1.5.7 Exporting Tables to Text Files

Figure 1.25: Exporting a data table

8. Click Export. The Save As dialogue appears.

58 Unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this document is prohibited © Forsk 2009

1.5.8 Importing Tables from Text Files

9. Under Field Mapping, there are two header rows:

Figure 1.26: Importing information into a data table

© Forsk 2009 Unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this document is prohibited 59

1.5.9 Exporting Tables to XML Files

1.5.10 Importing Tables from XML Files

1.6 Printing in Atoll

1.6.1 Printing Data Tables and Reports

60 Unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this document is prohibited © Forsk 2009

1.6.2 Printing a Map

1.6.2.1 Printing Recommendations

1.6.2.2 Defining the Printing Zone

© Forsk 2009 Unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this document is prohibited 61

5. Draw the printing zone:

Figure 1.27: Printing zone

You can also create a printing zone as follows:

1.6.2.3 Defining the Print Layout

62 Unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this document is prohibited © Forsk 2009

To define the appearance of the map when it is printed:

- Click a button to set the Position of the legend. The buttons

X text objects which contain X