ATOLL User - Manual-150

Chapter 2: Starting an Atoll Project
2.3 Making a Backup of Your Document

Atoll can create and automatically update backups of documents you are working on. Once you have saved the document,
Atoll creates a backup of the original document and updates it at a defined interval. For example, for a document named
"filename.atl," Atoll will create a backup file called "filename.atl.bak" in the same folder as the original document. You can
define the update interval each time you start Atoll.
You can also configure Atoll to create automatic backups of external path loss matrices (LOS files) by setting an option
in the atoll.ini file. For more information, see the Administrator Manual.
When you have activated automatic backup, Atoll automatically creates a backup for every document open. Conse-
quently, if you have a lot of documents open, this operation can take a long time. However, you can optimise the process
by opening large documents in separate Atoll sessions, instead of in the same Atoll session. This also improves memory
management because each instance of Atoll has its own 2 GB (under 32-bit operating systems; 4 GB under 64-bit oper-
ating systems) memory allocation. If you open two large documents in the same Atoll session, these documents will use
the same 2 GB memory pool. If you open them in two different Atoll sessions, each document will have its own 2 GB allo-
cated memory.
In this section, the following are explained:
• "Configuring Automatic Backup" on page 101
• "Recovering a Backup" on page 102.
2.3.1 Configuring Automatic Backup

You can set up automatic backup for each Atoll session.
To configure automatic backup:
1. Select File > Configure Automatic Backup. The Automatic Backup Configuration dialogue appears (see
Figure 2.18).
Figure 2.18: Automatic backup configuration dialogue
2. Select the Activate automatic backup check box.

3. Select the Prompt before starting automatic backup check box if you want Atoll to ask you before saving the
back up of your file every time (see Figure 2.19).
4. Enter a time interval, in minutes, between consecutive backups in the Automatically save backups every text
box.
Note: It can take a long time to back up large documents. Therefore, you should set a
correspondingly larger interval between backups when working with large documents in
order to optimise the process.
5. Click OK.
If you selected the Prompt before starting automatic backup check box, Atoll prompts you each time before backing
up the document. If you click OK, Atoll proceeds to back up all open documents. If you click Cancel, Atoll skips the
backup once.
Figure 2.19: Automatic backup prompt
The automatci backup timer is stopped while the prompt is displayed. Atoll displays a message in the Event Viewer every
time a backup file is updated. If you are performing calculations, i.e., coverage predictions or simulations, the automatic
backup is delayed until the calculations have ended. The timer starts again once the calculations are over. If you save the
original document manually, the timer is reset to 0.
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Atoll User Manual
2.3.2 Recovering a Backup

You can easily recover your backup document and open it in Atoll just like any other Atoll document.
To recover your backup document:
1. Using Windows Explorer, navigate to the folder containing your original Atoll document and its backup.
2. If the original document was named "filename.atl," the backup document will be in the same folder and will be
called "filename.atl.bak". Rename the document and remove the BAK extension. For example, you could change
the name to "filename-backup.atl."
Important: If you just remove the BAK extension, your backup file will have the same file name as
the original file and Windows will not allow you to rename the file. Therefore, it is safer to
give a new name to the backup file and keep the original file until you are sure which
version is most recent.
3. Open the renamed backup document in Atoll. You will be able to recover all the work up to the last time the backup
was saved.
2.4 Making and Sharing Portable Atoll Projects

Atoll documents can be made portable in two ways: by embedding all the geographic data in the ATL file, or by creating
a compressed archive (ZIP file) containing the ATL file and all geographic data linked to the Atoll document. In most work-
ing environments, geographic data files are stored on a common file server, and are linked to the ATL documents of differ-
ent users over a network. Often these geographic data files are quite large, and it is not feasible to embed these files in
an ATL file due to file size, memory consumption, and performance reasons. It is, therefore, more useful to make a project
portable by creating an archive that contains the ATL and all geographic data files.
Atoll lets you make an archive containing the ATL file and all geographic data directly from the File menu.
To make an archive containing the ATL file and all linked geographic data files:
1. Select File > Add to Archive. The Save As dialogue appears.
2. Select the folder where the created archive is to be stored, enter a File name for the archive to be created, and
select "Zip Files (*.zip)" from the Save as type list.
Atoll creates a ZIP file containing:
- A copy of the ATL file with the same name as the name of the archive (ZIP file).
The ATL file added to the archive contains all the data that might be embedded in it (path loss matrices, geo-
graphic data, coverage predictions, simulation results, measurement data, etc.).
- A ".losses" folder containing a pathloss.dbf file and a LowRes subfolder which contains the pathloss.dbf file
corresponding to the extended path loss matrices.
Externally stored path loss matrices are not added to the archive because they are not necessary for making
a portable document as they can be recalculated based on the network and geographic data in the ATL file.
The pathloss.dbf files are stored in the archive because they are needed when reopening the archive in Atoll.
- A "Geo" folder with all the linked geographic data available in the Geo tab of the Explorer window for the Atoll
document.
This folder contains subfolders with the same names as the folders in the Geo tab. Geographic data present
outside folders in the Geo tab are stored in files under the Geo folder, and data present within folders in the
Geo tab are stored inside their respective folders. If the geographic data files linked to the document are lo-
cated on a remote computer, such as a file server over a network, they are first copied to the local computer
in the Windows’ temporary files folder and then added to the archive.
Once the portable archive is created, you can open it directly from Atoll without first having to extract it using another tool.
To open an archive containing an ATL file and all linked geographic data files:
1. Select File > Extract and Open. The Open dialogue appears.
2. Select the ZIP file that contains the ATL file and linked geographic data files.
3. Click Open. The Browse For Folder dialogue appears.
4. Select the folder where you want to extract the contents of the ZIP file.
5. Click OK. Atoll extracts all the files from the archive to the selected folder. If necessary, it creates the subfolders
required for extracting the contents of the Geo folder. Once Atoll has finished extracting files from the archive, it
opens the extracted ATL file. Geographic data extracted from the archive are linked to the ATL file.
Notes:
• It is not required to have any compression utility, like WinZip or WinRAR, installed on the com-
puter for this feature.
• The highest compression level is used when creating the archive.
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Chapter 3
Managing Geographic Data
Atoll
RF Planning and Optimisation Software
Atoll User Manual

Chapter 3: Managing Geographic Data
3 Managing Geographic Data

Several different geographic data types are used in an Atoll document. For example: the Digital Terrain Model (DTM),
clutter classes, clutter heights, scanned images, population maps, and traffic data maps are types of the geographic data
that you can import or create. Some data types, such as clutter classes, can be used to give more realistic calculations.
Other types such as scanned images, are used to create a more realistic display of the region under study.
You can import a wide variety of both vector and raster-format geo data files. When you import a geo data file into Atoll,
you can decide in which folder it goes. The Geo tab of the Atoll Explorer window has folders for the commonly used data
types. Therefore, choosing a folder is choosing what the file will be used for. You can also create your own data type by
importing a file and defining what data is to be used.
Once you have imported a file into the Atoll document, you can edit the data, define how the geo data will be displayed.
Atoll also allows you to manage multiple files for a single data type, deciding the priority of data files with different infor-
mation or different resolutions. You can also display geo data over items on the Data tab, either by transferring them to
the Data tab, or by importing them directly to the Data tab.
You can also create and edit geographic data. You can add a vector layer to certain data types to which you can add
contours, lines, or points, create new geographic data, or modify existing data. You can also create raster-based
geographic data such as traffic maps or clutter classes.
You can export most geo data objects (for example, DTM, clutter classes, clutter heights, raster polygons, or vector layers)
for use in other Atoll documents or in other applications. Atoll also allows you to save changes you make to geo data
objects back to the original files. This enables you to update the original files and, through the process of saving them,
recompact the file.
This chapter explains the following topics:
• "Geographic Data Types" on page 105
• "Supported Geographic Data Formats" on page 107
• "Importing Geo Data Files" on page 107
• "Clutter Classes" on page 114
• "Clutter Heights" on page 117
• "Digital Terrain Models" on page 114
• "Contours, Lines, and Points" on page 117
• "Scanned Images" on page 119
• "Population Maps" on page 120
• "Geoclimatic Maps" on page 121
• "Custom Geo Data Maps" on page 121
• "Setting the Priority of Geo Data" on page 124
• "Editing Geographic Data" on page 128
• "Saving Geographic Data" on page 135.
3.1 Geographic Data Types

An Atoll document can contain several different geographic data types. Atoll supports a wide range of file formats for
geographic data files. The different geographic data types play different roles in the Atoll document:
• Geographic data used in propagation calculation:
- Digital terrain model
- Clutter classes
- Clutter heights
• Geographic data used in dimensioning:
- Traffic maps
• Geographic data used in statistics:
- Population maps
- Custom maps
• Geographic data used for display purposes:
- Scanned maps
- Images from web map services (WMS)
- Contours, lines, and points representing, for example, roads, railways, or regions.
In this section, the following data types are described:
• "Digital Terrain Model" on page 106
• "Clutter Classes" on page 106
• "Clutter Heights" on page 106
• "Contours, Lines, and Points" on page 106
• "Scanned Images" on page 106
• "Population Maps" on page 106
• "Geoclimatic Maps" on page 106
• "Traffic Data Maps" on page 106
• "Custom Data Maps" on page 106.

Atoll User Manual
Digital Terrain Model
The DTM describes the elevation of the ground over sea level. You can display the DTM in different ways: by single value,
discrete values, or by value intervals (see "Display Properties of Objects" on page 33).
The DTM is automatically taken into account by the propagation model during computations.
Clutter Classes
The clutter class geo data file describes land cover or land use. Clutter classes are taken into account by the propagation
model during computations.
Each pixel in a clutter class file contains a code (from a maximum of 256 possible classes) which corresponds to a clutter
class, or in other words to a certain type of ground use or cover. The height per class can be defined as part of the clutter
class, however, the height will be defined as an average height for each clutter class. For information on defining the height
per clutter class, see "Defining Clutter Class Properties" on page 115. Clutter heights can also be defined by a separate
clutter heights file (see "Clutter Heights" on page 106). A clutter height map can represent height much more accurately
because it allows a different height to be assigned for each pixel of the map.
Clutter Heights
Clutter height maps describe the altitude of clutter over the DTM with one altitude defined per pixel. Clutter height maps
can offer more precise information than defining an altitude per clutter class because, in a clutter height file, it is possible
to have different heights within a single clutter class.
When clutter altitude is defined both in clutter classes and in a clutter height map, clutter altitude is taken from the clutter
height map.
You can display the clutter height map in different ways: by single value, discrete values, or by value intervals (see "Display
Properties of Objects" on page 33).
Note: The only propagation models that can take clutter heights into account in calculations are
the Standard Propagation Model and WLL model.
Contours, Lines, and Points
Atoll supports contours, lines, and points to represent polygons such as regions, or lines such as roads or coastlines, or
points. They are used for display only and have no effect on computations. Contours can also be used to create filtering
polygons or computation or focus zones.
Scanned Images
Scanned images are geographic data files which represent the actual physical surroundings, for example, road maps or
satellite images. They are used to provide a precise background for other objects or for less precise maps and are used
only for display; they have no effect on calculations.
Population Maps
Population maps contain information on population density or on the total number of inhabitants. Population maps can be
used in prediction reports in order to display, for example, the absolute and relative numbers of the population covered.
Population maps have no effect on prediction and simulation results.
Geoclimatic Maps
Geoclimatic maps are vector files containing information on climatic conditions such as rain density, vapour density,
temperature, and refractivity. Geoclimatic maps are used in microwave link documents to calculate radio wave attenuation.
Traffic Data Maps
Traffic data maps contain information on capacity and service use per geographic area. Traffic data maps are used for
network capacity analyses.
Custom Data Maps
You can import many different types of files for, for example, revenue, rainfall, or socio-demographic data. You could use
the imported data in prediction reports. For example, you could display the predicted revenue for defined coverage.
These imported data have no effect on prediction and simulation results.
3.2 Supported Geographic Data Formats

Atoll supports the following geographic data formats:
• DTM files in the following formats: TIF (8 or 16-bit), BIL (8 or 16-bit), IST (8 or 16-bit), Planet, BMP (8-bit), GRD/
GRC Vertical Mapper (8 or 16-bit), and Erdas Imagine (8 or 16-bit)

• Clutter height files in the following formats: TIF (8 or 16-bit), BIL (8 or 16-bit), IST (8 or 16-bit), Planet, BMP (8-bit),,
GRC Vertical Mapper (8 or 16-bit), and Erdas Imagine (8 or 16-bit)
• Clutter class and traffic files in the following formats: TIF (8-bit), BIL (8-bit), IST (8-bit), BMP (8-bit), Planet, GRC
Vertical Mapper (8-bit), and Erdas Imagine (8-bit)
• Vector data files in the following formats: AGD, DFX, Planet, SHP, MIF, and TAB.
• Vector traffic files in the following formats: AGD, DFX, Planet, SHP, MIF, and TAB.
• Scanned image files in the following formats: TIF (1 to 24-bit), BIL (1 to 24-bit), IST (1 to 24-bit), BMP (1 to 24-bit),
Planet, Erdas Imagine (1 to 24-bit), GRC Vertical Mapper (1 to 24-bit), and ECW (8 or 24-bit)
• Population files in the following formats: TIF (16-bit), BIL (16-bit), IST (16-bit), Planet, BMP (16-bit), Erdas Imagine
(16-bit), GRD/GRC Vertical Mapper (16-bit), AGD, DXF, SHP, MIF, and TAB.
• Geoclimatic files in the following formats: AGD, DXF, SHP, MIF, and TAB.
• Other data in the following formats: TIF (16-bit), BIL (16-bit), IST (16-bit), Planet, BMP (16-bit), Erdas Imagine
(16-bit), GRD/GRC Vertical Mapper (16-bit), AGD, DXF, SHP, MIF, and TAB.
Caution: All raster maps imported must have the same projection coordinate system.
3.3 Importing Geo Data Files

You can import the geographic data you need into the current Atoll document. As explained in "Supported Geographic
Data Formats" on page 107, Atoll supports a variety of both raster and vector file formats. When you import a new geo
data file, Atoll recognises the file format and suggests the appropriate folder on the Geo tab of the Explorer window. You
can embed geo data files in the Atoll document while you are importing them or afterwards (see "Embedding Geographic
Data" on page 113).
You can share the paths of imported maps and display settings with other users by using Atoll’s user configuration files.
For information on exporting the paths of your document’s files or to import the path from another document using user
configuration files, see "Geographic Data Sets" on page 127.
Note: The instructions in this section do not apply to custom geo data maps. For information on
importing or creating an custom geo data map, see "Custom Geo Data Maps" on
page 121.
This section explains the following:

• "Importing a Raster-format Geo Data File" on page 107
• "Importing a Vector-format Geo Data File" on page 108
• "Importing MSI Planet® Geo Data" on page 110
• "Importing a WMS Raster-format Geo Data File" on page 111
• "Grouping Geo Data Files in Folders" on page 112
• "Embedding Geographic Data" on page 113.
Tip: You can use the drag-and-drop feature to import geo data files into a document. The
format is automatically recognized and Atoll presents you with the appropriate dialogue.
3.3.1 Importing a Raster-format Geo Data File

All raster geo data files must be represented in the same projection coordinate system as the Atoll document itself.
To import a geographic data file in a raster format:
1. Select File > Import. The Open dialogue appears.
2. Select the geo data file you want to import.
You can import more than one geo data file at the same time, providing that the geo data files are of the same
type. You can select contiguous files by clicking the first file, pressing SHIFT and clicking the last file you want to
import. You can select non-contiguous files by pressing CTRL and clicking each file.
3. Click Open. The File Import dialogue appears (see Figure 3.1).
Note: If the Vector Import dialogue appears, go to "Importing a Vector-format Geo Data File"
on page 108.
Depending on the type of geo data file you are importing, choose one of the following options:
- DTM: Select Altitudes (DTM) from the Data Type list.

- Clutter Classes: Select Clutter Classes from the Data Type list.
- Clutter Heights: Select Clutter Heights from the Data Type list.
- Scanned Images: Select Image or Scan from the Data Type list.
- Population:

Atoll User Manual
i. Select Population from the Data Type list. The Use as list becomes available.
ii. Select from the Use as list whether the imported data are to be interpreted as a Density (number of in-
habitants per square kilometre) or as a Value (number of inhabitants).
- Custom Geo Data: See "Custom Geo Data Maps" on page 121.
- Traffic Data Maps: Select Traffic Density from the Data Type list.
4. By default, the imported file is linked to the Atoll document. To embed the data file in the Atoll document, select
the Embed in Document check box. For information on embedding files, see "Embedding Geographic Data" on
page 113.
5. Click Import. The geo data file is imported and listed in the Geo tab of the Explorer window.
When you import a traffic data map, the traffic map’s Properties dialogue appears:
a. Under Terminals (%), enter the percentage of each type of terminal used in the map. The total percentages
must equal 100.
b. Under Mobilities (%), enter the percentage of each mobility type used in the map. The total percentages must
equal 100.
c. Under Services (%), enter the percentage of each service type used in the map. The total percentages must
equal 100.
d. Under Clutter Distribution, enter for each clutter class the percentage of indoor users.
An additional loss will be counted for indoor users during the Monte-Carlo simulations. You do not have to
define a clutter weighting for traffic density maps because the traffic is provided in terms of user density per
pixel.
e. For UMTS and CDMA, select whether the users are active in the Uplink/Downlink, only in the Downlink, or
only in the Uplink.
f. Click OK.
Figure 3.1: Importing a clutter class file
3.3.2 Importing a Vector-format Geo Data File

When you import geo data files in vector format, their geographic system can be converted to the system used by the Atoll
document.
To import a vector-format geographic data file:
2. Select the geo data file you want to import.
You can import more than one geo data file at the same time, providing that the geo data files are of the same
type. You can select contiguous files by clicking the first file, pressing SHIFT and clicking the last file you want to
import. You can select non-contiguous files by pressing CTRL and clicking each file.
3. Click Open. The Vector Import dialogue appears (see Figure 3.4).
Note: If the File Import dialogue appears, go to "Importing a Raster-format Geo Data File" on
page 107.
Depending on the type of geo data file you are importing, choose one of the following options:
- Vector Data:
- Select Geo from the Import to list.

- Population:
i. Select Population from the Import to list.
ii. Under Fields to be imported, the first list contains the attributes of the population vector data file that you
are importing, and the second list lets you select whether the attribute corresponds to population density
or to a number of inhabitants.
iii. Select from the first list which field is to be imported and from the second list whether the imported field is
a Density (number of inhabitants per square kilometre for polygons, or number of inhabitants per kilome-
tre for lines) or a Value (number of inhabitants) (see Figure 3.2 and Figure 3.3).
Figure 3.2: Population density (number of inhabitants/km²)
Figure 3.3: Population values (number of inhabitants per item – polygon/road/point)
- Geoclimatic File:
i. Select Geoclimatic Parameters from the Import to list.
ii. Under Fields to be imported, select from the first list which field is to be imported and select Value from
the second list.
- Custom Geo Data:
- See "Custom Geo Data Maps" on page 121.
- Traffic Data Maps: Select Traffic from the Import to list.
4. By default, the imported file is linked to the Atoll document. To embed the data file in the Atoll document, select
the Embed in Document check box. For information on embedding files, see "Embedding Geographic Data" on
page 113.
5. Click Import. The geo data file is imported and listed in the Geo tab of the Explorer window.
Figure 3.4: Vector Import dialogue

Atoll User Manual
Notes:
• You can import ellipses and arcs from MapInfo files (MIF and TAB). Rectangles are interpreted
as polygons.
• You can define mappings between the coordinate system used for the MapInfo/ESRI vector
files, defined in the corresponding MIF/PRJ files, and Atoll. This way, when you import a vector
file, Atoll can detect the correct coordinate system automatically. For more information about
defining the mapping between coordinate systems, please refer to the Administrator Manual.
3.3.3 Importing MSI Planet® Geo Data

MSI Planet® geo data are contained in a series of files described in index files. The index file is in ASCII text format and
contains the information necessary to identify and properly interpret each geo data file. When you import MSI Planet® geo
data, you can import each type of geo data separately, by importing the corresponding index file, or you can import several
MSI Planet® geo data files at the same time, by importing several index files.
• "Importing One MSI Planet® Geo Data Type" on page 110
• "Importing a MSI Planet® Geo Database" on page 110.
3.3.3.1 Importing One MSI Planet® Geo Data Type

When you want to import a certain type of MSI Planet® geo data, such as a DTM or clutter heights, you import the index
file containing the information necessary to import the set of files containing the geo data.
To import one type of MSI Planet® geo data:
2. Select the index file you want to import and click Open. The Data Type dialogue appears (see Figure 3.5).
Figure 3.5: Importing an MSI Planet® index file
3. Select the type of geo data you are importing and select the Embed check box if you want to embed the data in
the current Atoll document.
4. Click OK to import the geo data into the current Atoll document.
3.3.3.2 Importing a MSI Planet® Geo Database

You can import all available MSI Planet® geo data at the same time by importing all index files.
To import the MSI Planet® geo database:
2. Select "Planet® database" from the Files of Type list. The Planet Data to Be Imported dialogue appears (see
Figure 3.6).

Figure 3.6: Importing an MSI Planet® database
3. For each type of data that you want to import:

a. Select the corresponding check box
b. If you want to embed the data, select the Embed check box.
c. To locate the MSI Planet® index file, click . The Open dialogue appears.
d. Select the MSI Planet® index file and click Open. The path and name of the file appears in the corresponding
field of the Planet Data to Be Imported dialogue.
4. When you have selected all the types of data you want to import, click OK. The data is imported into the current
Atoll document.
3.3.4 Importing a WMS Raster-format Geo Data File

You can import raster images from a Web Map Service (WMS) server into your Atoll document. The image must be in TIF
format. All images imported at the same time are imported as a single image. Before you import them, you can arrange
them by placing on top the image that is the most important, such as roads. Or, you can place the least transparent image
towards the bottom so that the other images imported at the same time remain visible.
The image will be referenced in the document; it can not be embedded. Only WMS data mapped with a projection system
(for example, the Lambert Conformal-Conic or the Universal Transverse Mercator projection) can be imported. Before
importing an image from a WMS server, you must ensure that the coordinate system used in your document is the same
projection system supported by the server. All raster geo data files must be represented in the same projection coordinate
system as that used by the Atoll document itself.
To import a geographic data file from a web map service:
2. From the Files of Type list, select Connection to a Web Map Services server. The Web Map Services Data
Import dialogue appears.
3. Select the URL of the WMS server from the Server URL list or enter it directly.
Note: The list of WMS servers that appears in the Server URL list are defined by entries in the
atoll.ini file. For information on defining these entries, see the Administrator Manual.
4. Click the Connect button. Atoll connects to the URL of the WMS server and displays the information available
along with a description of the service (Figure 3.7 on page 112).

Atoll User Manual
Figure 3.7: The Web Map Services Data Import dialogue
5. In the left pane of the Web Map Services Data Import dialogue, navigate to the item you want to import by clicking
the Expand button ( ) to open each level.
6. Select either the image you want to import, or the image group, i.e., a group preceded by an Expand button ( ).
7. Click for each image you want to import. The files you want to import appear in the right pane of the Web Map
Services Data Import dialogue.
Note: You can remove an image or group of images from the images to be imported by
selecting it in the right pane and clicking .
8. Arrange the order in which you want the images to appear by selecting each image in the right pane and clicking
to move it towards the top or to move it toward the bottom. The images will be imported as a single object
and their appearance will depend on the order you define here.
9. The Web Map Import dialogue appears. The following information is given about the imported WMS data:
- Data Types: "Image or Scan" is selected.
- Geographic Coordinates: The geographic coordinates are the WMS data are given.
10. The Name suggested is the name of the lowest layer to be imported. If desired, you can modify this name.
11. Click Import. The image is imported by reference into the Atoll document. You can not embed a WMS image in
your document.
If you had selected more than one image or an image group, Atoll imports the group as a single object. You can
not modify this object. If you want to remove one of the images or add another one you will go through the import
process again.
3.3.5 Grouping Geo Data Files in Folders

By default, when you import scanned images and contours, lines, and points, they appear directly on the Geo tab. Other
data files, such as clutter classes, are listed together in a single Clutter Classes folder. You can, however, group scanned
images and contours, lines, and points into folders as well.
Once grouped, these geo data files can be displayed or hidden and moved more easily. They retain, however, their own
individual display settings; the display settings cannot be managed at the folder level.
You create the folder when you import the first geo data file that will be imported into it. When you import the next geo data
file, either raster or vector, you can import it directly into the new folder.
To create a new geo data folder when importing:
2. Select the geo data file and click Open. If the file to be imported is a raster file, the File Import dialogue appears
(see Figure 3.1). If the file to be imported is a vector file, the Vector Import dialogue appears (see Figure 3.4).
3. From the Data Type list (on the File Import dialogue) or the Import To list (on the Vector Import dialogue), select
New folder in Geo. The New Folder dialogue appears.
Note: If you want to import your file to the Data tab, you can select New folder in Data.

4. Enter a name for the folder in Folder Name box and click OK.
5. Click Import. Your file is imported into the newly created folder.
You can now import other geo data files into this folder by selecting it from the Data Type list (on the File Import dialogue)
or the Import To list (on the Vector Import dialogue) when you import.
Note: You can transfer geo data that has been imported from the Geo tab to the Data tab, or
vice versa. Right-click the data in the Explorer window and select Transfer to Data or
Transfer to Geo.
3.3.6 Embedding Geographic Data

By default, when you import a geo data file, Atoll creates a link to the file. You can, however, choose to embed the geo
data file in your Atoll document, either when you import it or later. When Atoll is linked to a geo data file, the geo data file
remains separate and modifying or saving the Atoll document has no effect on the geo data file. When the geo data file
is embedded in the Atoll document, it is saved as part of the document.
Both linking and embedding present advantages and disadvantages. For more information, see the Administrator Manual.
Important: If you are using distributed calculations, you must link your geo data files. Distributed
calculations can not work with embedded geo data files. For information, see the
Administrator Manual.
To embed a geo data file in the current Atoll document while you are importing:
• Select the Embed in Document check box on the File Import or Vector Import dialogue box.
To embed a geo data file that is already linked to the current Atoll document:
1. Click the Geo tab in the Explorer window.
2. Right-click the file you want to embed in the current document.
3. Select Properties from the context menu.
4. Click the General tab of the Properties dialogue.
5. Click Embed.
6. Click OK. The geo data file is now embedded in the current Atoll document.
3.3.7 Repairing a Broken Link to a Geo Data File

By default, when you import a geo data file, Atoll creates a link to the file; the geo data file remains separate and modifying
or saving the Atoll document has no effect on the geo data file. If, however, the geo data file is moved, the link will be
broken. The next time you open an Atoll document with the linked geo data file, Atoll cannot find the file and displays the
error message shown in Figure 3.8.
Figure 3.8: Missing shortcut
To find the file yourself:

• When the Missing Shortcut dialogue (see Figure 3.8) appears, click the Browse button to locate the geo data file.
Atoll automatically searches for the missing file as well. It searches for the nearest match, based on size, date, and type.
When it finds a possible match, it informs you with a message (see Figure 3.9).
If the file corresponds to the source file:
• Click Yes. The link will be corrected to point to the indicated file.

Atoll User Manual
Figure 3.9: Problem with shortcut
You can also repair the link to the geo data file from within the Atoll document.
To repair a broken link from within the Atoll document:
- If the geo data file is in a folder, such as the Clutter Classes, Traffic, or DTM folder, click to expand the
folder.
2. Right-click on the geo data file whose link you want to repair. The context menu appears.
4. On the General tab of the Properties dialogue, click the Find button.
5. Browse to the geo data file, select it and click OK.
3.4 Digital Terrain Models

The Digital Terrain Model (DTM) is a geographic data file representing the elevation of the ground over sea level.
To manage the properties of the DTM:
2. Right-click the Digital Terrain Model folder.
3. Select Properties from the context menu. The Properties dialogue appears.
4. Click the Display tab to define the display properties for the DTM.
- For information on Display tab settings, see "Display Properties of Objects" on page 33.
5. Move the Relief slider towards Flat, if you want to display very few little relief or towards x6 if you want to empha-
sise the differences in altitude.
6. Click OK to close the Properties dialogue.
3.5 Clutter Classes

The clutter class geo data file describes land cover or land use.
Each pixel of a clutter class file contains a code (from a maximum of 256 possible classes) which corresponds to a clutter
class, or in other words to a certain type of ground use or cover. The height per class can be defined as part of the clutter
class, however this height is only an average per class. A clutter height map can represent height much more accurately
because it allows a different height to be assigned for each bin of the map. For information on clutter height maps, see
"Clutter Heights" on page 117.
• "Assigning Names to Clutter Classes" on page 114
• "Defining Clutter Class Properties" on page 115
• "Adding a Clutter Class" on page 116
• "Refreshing the List of Clutter Classes" on page 116
• "Displaying Total Surface Area per Clutter Class" on page 117.
3.5.1 Assigning Names to Clutter Classes

The clutter class file identifies each clutter class with a code. To make it easier to work with clutter classes, you can assign
a descriptive name to each clutter class name. When a clutter class has a descriptive name, it is the name that appears
in tool tips and reports.
When you import a clutter class file in BIL, TIF, or IMP format, Atoll can automatically assign names to clutter classes if
the clutter class file has a corresponding MNU file. The MNU file contains a list with the clutter class codes and their corre-
sponding names. For more information on the MNU file format and on creating an MNU file, see the Technical Reference
Guide.
To assign names to clutter classes:
1. Click the Geo tab of the Explorer window.
2. Right-click the Clutter Classes folder.


4. Click the Description tab of the Properties dialogue.
5. In the Name column, enter descriptive text for each class identified in the Code column.
3.5.2 Defining Clutter Class Properties

The parameters are applied in relation to the location of the receiver being studied and the clutter class of the receiver
location. These parameters can be set on the Properties dialogue:
To define clutter class properties:
4. Click the Description tab of the Properties dialogue.
5. Enter a Name and average Height (m) for each code.
Important: If the Height field is left blank, propagation models which use the height information of
clutter classes will assume a clutter height of "0" if there is no clutter height map.
6. If desired, you can enter a value for each of the following fields applicable to the current document:
- For all Atoll documents:
- Model Standard Deviation (dB): to calculate shadowing losses on the path loss, as related to a user-
defined cell edge coverage probability.
- Indoor Loss (dB): to be applied to the path loss and used in coverage predictions, point analysis or in
Monte Carlo simulations.
- For GSM/GPRS/EGPRS documents:
- C/I Standard Deviation (dB): to calculate shadowing losses on the C/I values, as related to a user-de-
fined cell edge coverage probability.
- For UMTS HSPA, IS-95 cdmaOne, and CDMA2000 1xRTT 1xEV-DO documents:
- Ec/Io Standard Deviation (dB): to calculate shadowing losses on the Ec/Io values, as related to a user-
- Eb/Nt Standard Deviation DL (dB): to calculate shadowing losses on the Eb/Nt values, as related to a
user-defined cell edge coverage probability.
- Eb/Nt Standard Deviation UL (dB): to calculate shadowing losses on the Eb/Nt values, as related to a
user-defined cell edge coverage probability.
- % Pilot Finger: to be used in the Ec/Io calculations. This factor represents the percentage of energy
received by the mobile pilot finger. Mobile user equipment has one searcher finger for pilot. The searcher
finger selects one path and only energy from this path is considered as signal; energy from other multip-
aths is considered as interference. For example, if 70% of the total energy is in one path and 30% of the
energy is in other multipaths, then the signal energy is reduced to 70% of total energy).
- Orthogonality Factor: to be used to evaluate DL Eb/Nt. This parameter indicates the remaining orthog-
onality at the receiver; it can be modelled by a value from 0, indicating no remaining orthogonality because
of multi-path, to 1, indicating perfect orthogonality.
- Spatial Multiplexing Gain Factor: to apply to the spatial multiplexing gain read from the Max Spatial
Multiplexing Gain graphs in the MIMO tab of reception equipment.
- Additional Transmit Diversity Gain (dB): to add to the user’s downlink HS-PDSCH Ec/Nt, if the user
and its reference cell support transmit diversity.
- For TD-SCDMA documents:
- P-CCPCH Eb/Nt or C/I Standard Deviation (dB): to calculate shadowing losses on the P-CCPCH Eb/Nt
or C/I values, as related to a user-defined cell edge coverage probability.
- DL Eb/Nt or C/I Standard Deviation (dB): to calculate shadowing losses on the Eb/Nt or C/I values, as
related to a user-defined cell edge coverage probability.
- UL Eb/Nt or C/I Standard Deviation (dB): to calculate shadowing losses on the Eb/Nt or C/I values, as
related to a user-defined cell edge coverage probability.
- DL Orthogonality Factor: to be used to evaluate DL Eb/Nt or C/I. This parameter indicates the remaining
orthogonality at the receiver; it can be modelled by a value from 0, indicating no remaining orthogonality
because of multi-path, to 1, indicating perfect orthogonality.
- UL Orthogonality Factor: to be used to evaluate UL Eb/Nt or C/I. This parameter indicates the remaining
orthogonality at the receiver; it can be modelled by a value from 0, indicating no remaining orthogonality
because of multi-path, to 1, indicating perfect orthogonality.
- Spreading Angle (°): to be used in determining the cumulative distribution of C/I gains for statistical smart
antenna modelling.
- For WiMAX 802.16d and WiMAX 802.16e documents:
- C/I Standard Deviation (dB): to calculate shadowing losses on the C/(I+N) values, as related to a user-

Atoll User Manual
- SU-MIMO Gain Factor: to apply to the spatial multiplexing gain read from the Max SU-MIMO Gain graphs
in the MIMO tab of reception equipment.
- Additional STTD/MRC Gain (DL) (dB): to add to the user’s downlink C/(I+N), if the user and its reference
cell support STTD/MRC.
- Additional STTD/MRC Gain (UL) (dB): to add to the user’s uplink C/(I+N), if the user and its reference
cell support STTD/MRC.
- For LTE documents:
- C/I Standard Deviation (dB): to calculate shadowing losses on the C/(I+N) values, as related to a user-
- SU-MIMO Gain Factor: to apply to the spatial multiplexing gain read from the Max SU-MIMO Gain graphs
in the MIMO tab of reception equipment.
- Additional Transmit Diversity Gain (dB): to add to the user’s downlink C/(I+N), if the user and its refer-
ence cell support transmit diversity.
- Additional Receive Diversity Gain (dB): to add to the user’s uplink C/(I+N), if the user and its reference
cell support receive diversity.
7. Click the Default Values tab. Enter default values for each field. For information about each field, see the descrip-
tions in the previous step.
The values entered on the Default Values tab are used if no clutter map is available. Even if there is a clutter
classes map, you can select the Use default values only check box on the Default Values tab to make Atoll use
the values specified in this tab instead of the values defined per clutter class.
8. Click the Display tab to define the display properties for clutter classes. In addition to the Display tab options
described in "Display Properties of Objects" on page 33, each clutter class display type has a visibility check box.
By selecting or clearing the visibility check box, you can display or hide clutter class display types individually.
Note: Selecting white as the colour for a clutter class value or value interval will cause that
clutter class value or value interval to be displayed as transparent.
9. Click OK.
Tip: You can copy the description table into a new Atoll document after importing the clutter
classes file. To copy the description table, select the entire table by clicking the cell in the
upper-left corner of the table and press CTRL+C. On the Description tab of the clutter
classes Properties dialogue in the new Atoll document, press CTRL+V to paste the
values in the table.
3.5.3 Adding a Clutter Class

You can add a new clutter class to your document.
To add a new clutter class to the your document:
4. Select the Description tab from the Properties dialogue.
5. In the blank row marked with at the bottom of the table, enter an unused number from 1 to 255 in the Code
column.
6. Fill in the remainder of the fields as described in step 5. and step 6. of "Defining Clutter Class Properties" on
page 115.
7. Click OK.
You can now use the new clutter class when modifying the clutter class map. For information on modifying the clutter class
map, see "Creating a Clutter Polygon" on page 129.
3.5.4 Refreshing the List of Clutter Classes

Under certain circumstances, it can happen that the list of clutter classes on the Description tab of the clutter classes Prop-
erties dialogue contains unused clutter classes. For example, if you have imported two clutter class files and then deleted
one of them, the list of clutter classes will still contain the clutter classes of the deleted file, even if they are not used in the
remaining file. Whenever you want to ensure that the list of clutter classes is accurate and current, you can refresh the list.
To refresh the list of the clutter classes:

4. Select the Description tab from the Properties dialogue.

5. Click Refresh. Atoll removes the unused clutter classes from the list.
6. Click OK.
3.5.5 Displaying Total Surface Area per Clutter Class

You can display the total surface area covered by each clutter class in the document. Atoll displays the surface area
covered by each clutter class in the focus zone if there is one, in the computation zone if there is no focus zone and, if
there is no focus or computation zone, Atoll displays the total surface area covered by each clutter class in the entire docu-
ment. This information is also available in prediction reports.
To display the surface area covered by each clutter class:
3. Select Statistics from the context menu.
The Statistics dialogue appears, displaying the surface area (Si in km²) of each clutter class (i) and its percentage
(% of i) in the computation zone or focus zone, if one exists.
Si
% of I = -------------- × 100
∑ Sk
k
3.6 Clutter Heights

Clutter height maps describe the altitude of clutter over the DTM. Clutter height files allow for a higher degree of accuracy
because they allow more than one height per clutter class. In a clutter height file, a height is given for each point on the
map. If you define clutter height as a property of clutter classes, the height is given as an average per clutter class.
When a clutter height file is available, Atoll uses its clutter height information for calculations using certain propagation
models (the Standard Propagation Model and WLL model), for display (in tool tips and in the status line), and for CW meas-
urements and test mobile data paths. If no clutter height file exists, Atoll uses the average clutter height per clutter class
as defined in the clutter classes properties (see "Defining Clutter Class Properties" on page 115).
To manage the properties of clutter heights:
2. Right-click the Clutter Heights folder.
4. Click the Display tab to define the display properties for clutter heights.
- For information on Display tab settings, see "Display Properties of Objects" on page 33.
5. Click OK to close the Properties dialogue.
The clutter height of the current pointer position as given in the clutter height file or in the clutter classes is displayed in the
status bar.
3.7 Contours, Lines, and Points

In Atoll, you can import or create vector objects such as contours, lines, and points. The imported or created vectors are
used primarily for display purposes, but polygons can be used as filters, or computation or focus zones. Vector files can
also be used for traffic maps or for population maps. They can also be used as part of an custom geo data map (see
"Custom Geo Data Maps" on page 121).
In an Atoll document, vector objects such as contours, lines, and points are arranged in vector layers. When you import
a vector file, with, for example, roads, Atoll adds the file as a new vector layer containing all the vector objects in the file.
The vector object data can be managed in the vector layer table. For information on working with data tables, see "Working
with Data Tables" on page 50.
• "Managing the Display of a Vector Layer" on page 117
• "Managing the Properties of the Vector Layer" on page 118
• "Moving a Vector Layer to the Data Tab" on page 118.
3.7.1 Managing the Display of a Vector Layer

Imported geographic vector files can have different attributes depending on their file formats. Atoll can use additional infor-
mation related to vectors as display parameters. In addition, Atoll can read three-dimensional vector data.

Atoll User Manual
To manage the display of a vector layer:

1. Click the Data or Geo tab in the Explorer window on which the vector layer is located.
2. Right-click the vector layer. The context menu appears.
4. Select the Display tab of the Properties dialogue. For information on using the display tab, see "Display Properties
of Objects" on page 33.
Note: You can manage the display of an individual vector object by right-clicking the vector
object in the vector layer folder and selecting Properties from the context menu.
3.7.2 Managing the Properties of the Vector Layer

The properties of the objects on the vector layer can be managed in two ways: either from a table containing all vectors
and their attributes or from the Properties dialogue.
Vector Layer Table
All the vector objects of a vector layer and their attributes are listed in the vector table.
To open the vector layer table:
1. On the Explorer window tab containing the vector layer, right-click the vector layer folder. The context menu
appears.
2. Select Open Table from the context menu. The vector table appears.
You can edit the contents of this table using the commands from the context menu or from the Edit, Format, and Records
menus. For more information on editing tables in Atoll, see "Working with Data Tables" on page 50.
Vector Layer Properties Dialogue
The vector layer Properties dialogue has three tabs: a General tab, a Table tab, and a Display tab.
To open the Properties dialogue of a vector layer:
appears.
3. Click the General tab. The following options are available:
- Name: The name of the vector layer. You can rename the vector layer using this field.
- Source File: The complete path of the vector layer file if the file is linked to the Atoll document; otherwise the
file is described as embedded.
- Find: Click the Find button to redefine the path when the file’s location has changed.
- Embed: Click the Embed button to embed a linked vector layer file in the Atoll document.
- Coordinate System: When a vector layer is linked, the coordinate system used is the file’s, as specified when
the file was imported. When the a vector layer is embedded, the coordinate system used is document’s, as
specified when the file was embedded.
- Change: Click the Change button to change the coordinate system of the vector layer.
- Sort: Click the Sort button to sort the data contained in the vector layer. For information on sorting, see
"Advanced Sorting" on page 69.
- Filter: Click the Filter button to filter the data contained in the vector layer. For information on filtering, see
"Advanced Data Filtering" on page 71.
4. Click the Table tab. You can use the Table tab to manage the vector layer table content. For information on the
Table tab, see "Adding, Deleting, and Editing Data Table Fields" on page 50.
5. Click the Display tab. You can use the Display tab to manage the vector layer display. For information on the Table
tab, see "Display Properties of Objects" on page 33.
3.7.3 Moving a Vector Layer to the Data Tab

In Atoll, all objects on the Data tab, such as transmitters, antennas, and predictions, are displayed over all objects on the
Geo tab. You may wish, however, to ensure that certain geo data, for example, major geographical features, roads, etc.,
remain visible in the map window. You can do this by transferring the geo data from the Geo tab to the Data tab and placing
it above data such as predictions.
To transfer a vector layer to the Data tab of the Explorer window:
2. Right-click the vector layer you want to transfer. The context menu appears.
3. Select Transfer to Data tab from the context menu. The vector layer is transferred to the Data tab.

You can transfer the vector layer back to the Geo tab by right-clicking it in the Data tab and selecting Transfer to the Geo
tab from the context menu. For more information about display priority in Atoll, see "Setting the Priority of Geo Data" on
page 124.
3.8 Scanned Images

Scanned images are geographic data files which represent the actual physical surroundings, for example, road maps or
satellite images. They are used to provide a precise background for other objects or for less precise maps.They have no
effect on calculations.
• "Importing Several Scanned Images" on page 119
• "Defining the Display Properties of Scanned Images" on page 119.
3.8.1 Importing Several Scanned Images

You can import scanned images into the current Atoll document one at a time, as explained in "Importing Geo Data Files"
on page 107, or you can import a group of images by importing an index file listing the individual image files. The index
file is a text file with the information for each image file on a separate line.
Each line contains the following information, with the information separated by a space:
• File name: The name of the file, with its path relative to the current location of the index file.
• XMIN: The beginning X coordinate of the file.
• XMAX: The end X coordinate, calculated as XMIN + (number of horizontal bins x bin width).
• YMIN: The beginning Y coordinate of the file.
• YMAX: The end Y coordinate, calculated as YMIN + (number of horizontal bins x bin width).
• 0: The zero character ends the sequence.
nice1.tif 984660 995380 1860900 1872280 0

nice2.tif 996240 1004900 1860980 1870700 0
File name XMIN XMAX YMIN YMAX 0
To import an index
1. Select File > Import.
2. Select the index file and click Open. The File Import dialogue appears (see Figure 3.1).
3. Select Image or Scan from the Data Type list.
4. Click Import. The image files imported and listed in the Geo tab of the Explorer window.
3.8.2 Defining the Display Properties of Scanned Images

Because imported images cannot be modified, they have fewer display parameters than other object types.
To define the display properties of a scanned image:
1. Click the Geo tab in the Explorer window
2. Right-click the scanned image. The context menu appears.
3. Select Properties from the context menu. The Properties dialogue appears (see Figure 3.10).
4. Select the Display tab and set the following options:
- Colour: Select either Automatic, Shades of gray, or Watermark from the list.
- Transparent Colour: Select White from the list if you wish parts of the scanned image that are coloured white
to be transparent, allowing objects in lower layers to be visible.
- Lightness: Move the slider to lighten or darken the scanned image.
- Contrast: Move the slider to adjust the contrast.
- Visibility Scale: Enter a visibility scale minimum in the between 1: text box and maximum in the and 1: text
box. When the displayed or printed scale is outside this range, the scanned image is not displayed.
5. Click OK.

Atoll User Manual
Figure 3.10: Scanned image Properties dialogue
3.9 Population Maps

Population maps contain information on population density or on the total number of inhabitants.
Population maps can be used in prediction reports in order to display, for example, the absolute and relative numbers of
the population covered.
• "Managing the Display of Population Data" on page 120
• "Displaying Population Statistics" on page 120.
3.9.1 Managing the Display of Population Data

You can manage the display of population data.
To manage the display of population data:
2. Right-click the Population folder. The context menu appears.
4. Select the Display tab of the Properties dialogue. For information on using the display tab, see "Display Properties
of Objects" on page 33.
Note: Vector points added to a vector population map are not displayed if the map is displayed
by population density.
3.9.2 Displaying Population Statistics

You can display the relative and absolute distribution of population, according to the defined value intervals in the display
properties (for information on defining value intervals, see "Defining the Display Type" on page 34), as well as the total
population. Atoll displays the statistics for the focus zone if there is one, for the computation zone if there is no focus zone
and, if there is no focus or computation zone, Atoll displays the statistics for the entire document.
To display the population distribution statistics:
2. Right-click the Population folder.
3. Select Statistics from the context menu. The Statistics window appears with the distributions of each value
interval defined in the display properties.
Note: Statistics are displayed only for visible data. See "Displaying or Hiding Objects on the
Map Using the Explorer" on page 28.

3.10 Geoclimatic Maps

Geoclimatic maps are vector files containing information on climatic conditions such as rain density, vapour density,
temperature, and refractivity. Geoclimatic maps are used in microwave link documents to calculate radio wave attenuation.
• "Managing Geoclimatic Map Properties" on page 121
• "Displaying Geoclimatic Statistics" on page 121.
3.10.1 Managing Geoclimatic Map Properties

To manage the properties of a geoclimatic map:
1. Right-click the Geoclimatic Parameters folder on the Geo tab of the Explorer window.
3. The following tabs are available:
- Data Mapping: The Data Mapping tab enables you to select which value from each imported vector file is part
of the geoclimatic map. The imported vector files are listed in the Name column, with the relevant data
selected in the Field column. You can select the parameter it corresponds to from the Parameters column.
- Display: The Display tab enables you to define how the geoclimatic map appears in the map window. Value
interval is the only available display type.
For information on using the display tab, see "Display Properties of Objects" on page 33.
4. Click to expand the Geoclimatic Parameters folder.

5. Right-click any geoclimatic file in the Geoclimatic Parameters folder.
7. Click the Table tab. The Table tab enables you to manage the contents of the class table. For information on
working with the Table tab, see "Adding, Deleting, and Editing Data Table Fields" on page 50.
3.10.2 Displaying Geoclimatic Statistics

You can display the relative and absolute distribution of each value interval according to the defined value intervals in the
display properties (for information on defining value intervals, see "Defining the Display Type" on page 34) of a geoclimatic
map. Atoll displays the statistics for the focus zone if there is one, for the computation zone if there is no focus zone and,
if there is no focus or computation zone, Atoll displays the statistics for the entire document.
To display the statistics of the geoclimatic data:
2. Right-click the Geoclimatic Parameters folder.
interval.
3.11 Custom Geo Data Maps

You can import maps other than the default maps that Atoll uses. For example, you can import files for the revenue, rain-
fall, or socio-demographic data. Depending on the type of information displayed, you could use it in prediction reports. For
example, you could display the predicted revenue for defined coverage.
These maps can be raster files of 8, 16, or 32 bits per pixel or vector-format files that you have either imported or created
using the vector edition tool "Editing Contours, Lines, and Points" on page 130.
You create an custom data map by:
1. Importing an custom geo data file and creating the custom data map folder.
2. Importing other custom geo data files into the newly created custom data map folder, if more than one file will be
used for this custom geo data map.
• "Creating a Custom Geo Data Map" on page 122
• "Adding a File to a Custom Geo Data Map" on page 123
• "Managing the Properties of a Custom Geo Data Map" on page 123
• "Displaying Statistics on Custom Geo Data" on page 124
• "Integrable Versus Non Integrable Data" on page 124.

Atoll User Manual
3.11.1 Creating a Custom Geo Data Map

The first step in creating a custom geo data map is importing the first file and creating the custom data map folder.
To create an custom geo data map:
2. Select the first geo data file that will be a part of the custom data map and click Open.
- If the selected file is a raster file, the File Import dialogue appears (see Figure 3.1).
- If the selected file is a vector file, the Vector Import dialogue appears (see Figure 3.4).
3. Click the Advanced button. The New Type dialogue appears (see Figure 3.4).
4. Enter a Name for the custom geo data map. Atoll creates a folder with this name on the Geo tab and all other files
of the new custom geo data map will go in here.
5. Under Supported Input Formats, select the check boxes corresponding to the formats of both the present file
and all other files that will constitute the new custom geo data map:
- 8-bit Raster
- 16-bit Raster
- 32-bit Raster
- Vector.
Important: If you do not select all the formats you need now, you will not be able to add a format later.
6. Under Supported Input Formats, select the check box corresponding to the type of value of the present file and
all other files that will constitute the new custom geo data map:
- Classes (8 bits): to create a map of value classes (such as clutter classes) with classes from 0 to 255.
- Short Integer (16 bits): to create a map with whole values.
- Long Integer (32 bits): to create a map with whole values.
- Float (32 bits): to create a map with decimal values.
- Double (64 bits): to create a map with decimal values.
7. Select the Integrable check box if you want to be able to use imported data as a surface density value and show
cumulative custom geo data in prediction reports.
Important:
• To use imported data as a surface density value, you must select the Integrable check box.
• You can not change the integrable setting once you have created your custom geo data map.
8. Click OK.
9. If the imported file is a raster file, the File Import dialogue appears (see Figure 3.1 on page 108); if the imported
file is a vector file, the Vector Import dialogue appears (see Figure 3.4 on page 109):
- File Import dialogue: From the Use as list, select whether the new data is to be used a Density or as a Value.
- Vector Import dialogue: Under Fields to be imported, select from the first list which field is to be imported
and from the second list whether the imported field is a Density or a Value (see Figure 3.2 on page 109 and
Figure 3.3 on page 109).
Important: If the file you first import when you create your custom geo data map is an 8-bit raster
map, the Use as and Fields to be imported boxes will not be available for any file that is
imported into your new custom geo data map. The values in 8-bit maps are codes and not
values such as densities.
10. .Click Import. A new folder is created on the Geo tab of the Explorer window containing the geo data file you
imported.

Figure 3.11: The New Type dialogue
3.11.2 Adding a File to a Custom Geo Data Map

Once you have created the custom geo data map by importing the first file, you can add more files that will be part of the
custom map.
To add a file to an custom geo data map:
2. Select the geo data file that you want to add to the custom data map and click Open.
- If the selected file is a raster file, the File Import dialogue appears (see Figure 3.1).
i. From the File Type list, select the name of the custom geo data map.
ii. From the Use as list, select whether the new data is to be used a Density or as a Value.
- If the selected file is a vector file, the Vector Import dialogue appears (see Figure 3.4).
i. From the Import To list, select the name of the custom geo data map.
ii. Under Fields to be imported, select from the first list which field is to be imported and from the second list
whether the imported field is a Density or a Value (see Figure 3.2 on page 109 and Figure 3.3 on
page 109).
Important:
• If the file you first imported when you created your custom geo data map was an 8-bit raster
map, the Use as and Fields to be imported boxes will not be available for any file that is
imported into your new custom geo data map.
• To use imported data as a surface density value, you must select the Integrable check box.
3. Click Import. The file is added to the custom geo data file on the Geo tab of the Explorer window containing the
geo data file you imported.
3.11.3 Managing the Properties of a Custom Geo Data Map

To manage the properties of an custom geo data map:
1. Right-click the custom geo data map on the Geo tab of the Explorer window.
2. Select Properties from the context menu:
3. Depending on the imported file types, the following tabs are available:
- Description: The Description table lists the classes of all 8-bit raster files contained in the custom geo data
map. You must enter a different value for each class.
- Table: The Table tab enables you to manage the contents of the class table presented on the Description tab.
For information on working with the Table tab, see "Adding, Deleting, and Editing Data Table Fields" on
page 50.
- Data Mapping: The Data Mapping tab enables you to select which value from each imported vector file is part
of the custom geo data map. The imported vector files are listed in the Name column, with the relevant data
selected in the Field column. You can change this value by selecting another value from the Field list. If the
custom geo data map is marked as integrable (see "Integrable Versus Non Integrable Data" on page 124),
there is also a Density check box. If the value in the Field column is to be considered as a density, select the
Density check box.
- Display: The Display tab enables you to define how the custom geo data map appears in the map window.
Discrete value and value interval are the available display types.

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In the Field list, display by value is not permitted if the custom geo data map has:
- different raster maps with different resolutions

- both line and polygon vectors
- both raster and vector maps.
In the Field list, display by density is not permitted if the custom geo data map consists of vector points or lines.
For information on using the display tab, see "Display Properties of Objects" on page 33.
3.11.4 Displaying Statistics on Custom Geo Data

You can display the relative and absolute distribution of each value interval (for information on defining value intervals, see
"Defining the Display Type" on page 34) of an custom geo data map. Atoll displays the statistics for the focus zone if there
is one, for the computation zone if there is no focus zone and, if there is no focus or computation zone, Atoll displays the
statistics for the entire document.
To display the statistics of an custom geo data map:
2. Right-click the custom geo data map.
interval.
3.11.5 Integrable Versus Non Integrable Data

Integrable data can be summed over the coverage area defined by the item in a prediction report (for example, by trans-
mitter or threshold). The data can be value data (revenue, number of customers, etc.) or density data (revenue/km²,
number of customer/km², etc.). For example, if the integrable data comes from a revenue map, a prediction report would
indicate:
• The percentage of coverage for each revenue class for the entire focus zone, and for each single coverage area
(transmitter, threshold, etc.),
• The revenue of the focus zone and of each single coverage area,
• The percentage of the revenue map covered for the entire focus zone and for each single coverage area.
Data is considered as non-integrable if the data given is per pixel or polygon and cannot be summed over areas, for exam-
ple, socio-demographic classes, etc.
In the example of a socio-demographic classes map, a prediction report would indicate:
• The coverage of each socio-demographic class for the entire focus zone and for each single coverage area (trans-
mitter, threshold, etc.)
3.12 Setting the Priority of Geo Data

Atoll lists the imported DTM, clutter class or traffic objects in their respective folders and creates a separate folder for each
imported vector data file and scanned image. Each object is placed on a separate layer. Thus, there are as many layers
as imported objects. The layers are arranged from top to bottom in the map window as they appear on the Geo tab of the
Explorer window.
It is important to remember that all objects on the Data tab, such as transmitters, antennas, and predictions, are displayed
over all objects on the Geo tab.
3.12.1 Setting the Display Priority of Geo Data

There are several factors that influence the visibility of geo data:
• The display check box: The check box immediately to the left of the object name in the Geo tab controls whether
or not the object is displayed on the map. If the check box is selected ( ), the object is displayed; if the check
box is cleared ( ), the object is not displayed. If the check box, is selected but shaded ( ), not all objects in the
folder are displayed. For more information, see "Displaying or Hiding Objects on the Map Using the Explorer" on
page 28.
• The order of the layers: The layer at the top of the Geo tab is on top of all other layers in the map window. Data
on layers below is only visible where there is no data on the top layer or if you adjust the transparency of the objects
on the top layer. You can use drag and drop to change the order of layers by dragging a layer on the Geo tab of
the Explorer window towards the top or the bottom of the tab.

Note: All objects on the Data tab, such as transmitters, antennas, and predictions, are displayed
over all objects on the Geo tab. Vector geo data, however, can be transferred to the Data
tab, where they can be placed over data such as predictions. In this way, you can ensure
that certain vector geo data, for example, major geographical features, roads, etc., remain
visible in the map window For more information, see "Moving a Vector Layer to the Data
Tab" on page 118.
• The transparency of objects: You can change the transparency of some objects, such as predictions, and some
object types, such as clutter classes, to allow objects on lower layers to be visible on the map. For more informa-
tion, see "Defining the Transparency of Objects and Object Types" on page 35.
• The visibility range of objects: You can define a visibility range for object types. An object is visible only in the
map window if the scale, as displayed on the zoom toolbar, is within this range. For more information, see "Defining
the Visibility Scale" on page 35.
In Figure 3.12, vector data (including the linear vectors HIGHWAYS, COASTLINE, RIVERLAKE, MAJORROADS,
MAJORSTREETS, RAILWAYS and AIRPORT), clutter classes, DTM and scanned image have been imported and a
UMTS environment traffic map has been edited inside the computation zone. In the map window, the linear objects
(ROADS, RIVERLAKE, etc.) are visible both inside and outside the computation zone. The clutter class layer is visible in
the area where there is no traffic data (outside the computation zone). On the other hand, the DTM layer which is beneath
the clutter class layer and the scanned map which is beneath the DTM layer, are not visible.
Figure 3.12: Displaying Geo data layers
3.12.2 Setting the Priority of Geo Data in Calculations

The priority of geo data in calculations is determined in much the same way as it is for display.
When you make calculations in Atoll, the data taken into account in each folder (Clutter Classes, DTM, etc.) is the data
from the top down. In other words, Atoll takes the object on top and objects below only where there is no data in higher
levels; what is used is what is seen.
Note: The visibility in the context of calculations must not be confused with the display check
box ( ). Even if the display check box of an object is cleared ( ), so that the object is
not displayed on the map, it will still be taken into consideration for calculations. The only
cases where clearing the display check box means that the data will not be used are for
population data in reports, and for custom geo data maps.
Object folders, for example, the DTM, clutter classes, clutter heights, and traffic density folders, can contain more than one
data object. These objects can represent different areas of the map or the same parts of the map with the same or different
resolutions. Therefore for each folder, you should place the objects with the best data at the top. These are normally the
objects which cover the least area but have the highest resolution. For example, when calculating coverage in an urban
area, you might have two clutter class files: one with a higher resolution for the downtown core, where the density of users
is higher, and one with a lower resolution but covering the entire area. In this case, by placing the clutter class file for the
downtown core over the file with the lower resolution, Atoll can base its calculations for the downtown core on the clutter
class file with the higher resolution, using the second file for all other calculations.
Population maps and custom geo data maps, both of which can be used in prediction reports follow the same rules of
calculation priority.

Atoll User Manual
The following sections give several examples to better illustrate how data are used in Atoll:
• "Example 1: Two DTM Maps Representing Different Areas" on page 126
• "Example 2: Clutter Classes and DTM Maps Representing the Same Area" on page 126
• "Example 3: Two Clutter Class Maps Representing a Common Area" on page 126.
3.12.2.1 Example 1: Two DTM Maps Representing Different Areas

In this example, there are two imported DTM files:
• "DTM 1” represents a given area and has a resolution of 50 m.
• “DTM 2” represents a different area and has a resolution of 20 m.
In this example, the file order of the DTM files in the Explorer window does not matter because they do not overlap; in
both Case 1 and Case 2, Atoll will take all the data from both "DTM 1” and "DTM 2” into account.
Explorer window Work space
Case 1
DTM
• DTM 2 (20m)
• DTM 1 (50m)
Case 2
DTM
• DTM 1 (50m)
• DTM 2 (20m)
Figure 3.13Multi-layer management in calculations – two DTM maps representing different areas
3.12.2.2 Example 2: Clutter Classes and DTM Maps Representing the Same Area
In this example, there are two imported maps:
• A clutter class map called “Clutter.”
• A DTM map called “DTM”.
Independently of the order of the two maps in the Explorer window, Atoll uses both the clutter and DTM data in calcula-
tions. In Case 1, the clutter class map is on top of the DTM map. In Case 2, the DTM map is on top of the clutter class
map. In both Case 1 and Case 2, Atoll will use both the clutter and DTM data in calculations.

Case 1
Clutter classes
• Clutter
DTM
• DTM
Case 2
DTM
• DTM
Clutter classes
• Clutter
Figure 3.14Multi-layer management in calculations – Clutter and DTM maps representing the same area
3.12.2.3 Example 3: Two Clutter Class Maps Representing a Common Area

In this example, there are two imported clutter classes maps:
• "Clutter 1" represents a large area with a resolution of 50 m.
• "Clutter 2" represents a smaller area with a resolution of 20 m. This area is also covered by "Clutter 1"
In the case of two clutter class maps, Atoll uses the order of the maps in the Clutter Classes folder on the Geo tab of the
Explorer window to decide which data to use. In Case 1, "Clutter 2" is on top of "Clutter 1". Atoll will therefore use the
data in "Clutter 2" where it is available, and the data from "Clutter 1" everywhere that is covered by "Clutter 1" but not by

"Clutter 2." In Case 2, "Clutter 1" is on top and completely covers "Clutter 2." Therefore, Atoll will only use the data from
"Clutter 1."
Case 1
Clutter classes
• Clutter 2 (20m)
• Clutter 1 (50m)
Case 2
Clutter classes
• Clutter 2 (50m)
• Clutter 1 (20m)
Figure 3.15Multi-layer management in calculations – two clutter maps representing the same area
3.13 Displaying Information About Geo Data

You can display information about a geo data map by using tooltips. For information on how to display information in tool-
tips, see "Defining the Object Type Tip Text" on page 36.
To display information about the geo data in a tool tip:
• Hold the pointer over the geo data until the tool tip appears. The surface area is only given for closed polygons.
Note: Tool tips only appear when the Display Tips button ( ) on the toolbar has been
selected.
3.14 Geographic Data Sets

In Atoll, once you have imported geographic data and defined their parameters, you can save much of this information in
a user configuration file. Then, another user, working on a similar Atoll document, can import the configuration file contain-
ing the paths to the imported geographic data and many of the defined parameters.
When you export the geographic data set, you export:
• the paths of imported geographic maps
• map display settings (visibility scale, transparency, tips text, etc.)
• clutter description (code, name, height, standard deviations, indoor loss, orthogonality factor, percentage pilot
finger of each clutter class, default standard deviations, and indoor loss)
• raster or user profile traffic map description.
• "Exporting a Geo Data Set" on page 127
• "Importing a Geo Data Set" on page 128.
Note: You can export and import other types of information with user configuration files as well.
For information, see the Administrator Manual.
3.14.1 Exporting a Geo Data Set

When you export a geo data set in a user configuration file, the information listed in "Geographic Data Sets" on page 127
is saved into an external file.
Important: Vectors must be in the same coordinate system as the raster maps.

Atoll User Manual
To export a geo data set in a user configuration file:

1. Select Tools > User Configuration > Export. The User Configuration dialogue appears (see Figure 3.16).
2. In the User Configuration dialogue, select the Geographic Data Set check box.
Figure 3.16: The User Configuration dialogue
3. Click OK, The Save As dialogue appears.

4. In the Save As dialogue, browse to the folder where you want to save the file and enter a File name.
5. Click OK.
3.14.2 Importing a Geo Data Set

When you import a user configuration file containing a geo data set, the information listed in "Geographic Data Sets" on
page 127 is imported into your current Atoll document.
To import a user configuration file containing a geo data set:
1. Select Tools > User Configuration > Import. The Open dialogue appears.
2. Browse to the user configuration file, select it and click Open.
3. The User Configuration dialogue appears.
When you import a user configuration file including a geographic data set, Atoll checks if there are already
geographic data in the current Atoll document. If so, the option Delete existing geo data appears with other
options in the User Configuration dialogue.
4. In the User Configuration dialogue, select the check boxes of the items you want to import.
5. If you already have geographic data in your current Atoll document and would like to replace it with any imported
data, select the Delete existing geo data check box.
If you do not want to replace existing geo data with imported data, clear the Delete existing geo data check box.
6. Click OK.
Note: You can automatically start Atoll with a user configuration file by naming the file "atoll.cfg"
and placing it in the same folder as the Atoll executable. You can also edit the Windows
shortcut to Atoll and add "-cfg <.cfg_file>" where is the complete path to the user
configuration file.
3.15 Editing Geographic Data

In Atoll, you can edit geo data that you have imported or you can create geo data by, for example, adding a vector layer
to the Population folder and then adding polygons.
The following types of geographic data can be edited:
• Clutter classes
• Contours, lines, and points
• Population maps (if they are in vector format, i.e., Erdas Imagine (16-bit), AGD, DXF, SHP, MIF, or TAB format)
• Geoclimatic maps
• Traffic data maps
• Custom data maps.

3.15.1 Editing Clutter Class Maps

Clutter class maps and certain traffic maps are raster maps. You can edit these maps by creating or modifying polygons.
• "Creating a Clutter Polygon" on page 129
• "Editing Clutter Polygons" on page 129
• "Displaying the Coordinates of Clutter Polygons" on page 130.
• "Deleting Clutter Polygons" on page 130
3.15.1.1 Creating a Clutter Polygon

In Atoll, you can modify imported clutter class maps or create your own maps by adding data in the form of polygons. You
can later edit and export the polygons you have created. All modifications you make to clutter class maps are taken into
account by propagation model calculations.
To create a polygon:
2. Right-click the Clutter Classes folder. The context menu appears.
3. Select Edit from the context menu. The Editor toolbar appears with a clutter or traffic list, a polygon drawing tool
, a polygon deletion tool , and a Close button (see Figure 3.17).
Figure 3.17: Editor toolbar
4. From the list, select the clutter class for the polygon you want to create.
Note: Clutter classes are defined on the Descriptions tab of the clutter classes Properties
dialogue.
5. Click the polygon drawing button ( ). The pointer changes to a pencil ( ).

6. Click once on the map where you want to begin drawing the polygon.
7. Click each time you change angles on the border defining the outside of the polygon.
8. Double-click to close the polygon.
Note: You can copy the exact coordinates of a closed polygon by right-clicking it on the map and
selecting Properties from the context menu.
3.15.1.2 Editing Clutter Polygons

You can edit clutter polygons by moving existing points of the polygon or by adding or deleting points.
To edit clutter polygons:
3. Select Edit from the context menu. The Editor toolbar appears (see Figure 3.17).
4. Select the polygon. You can now edit the clutter polygon by:
- Moving a point:
i. Position the pointer over the point you want to move. The pointer changes ( ).
ii. Drag the point to its new position.
- Adding a point:
i. Position the pointer over the polygon border where you want to add a point. The pointer changes ( ).
ii. Right-click and select Insert Point from the context menu. A point is added to the border at the position
of the pointer.
- Deleting a point:
i. Position the pointer over the point you want to delete. The pointer changes ( ).
ii. Right-click and select Delete Point from the context menu. The point is deleted.

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3.15.1.3 Displaying the Coordinates of Clutter Polygons

To display the coordinates of the points defining the polygon area:
4. Right-click the polygon and select Properties from the context menu. The Properties dialogue appears with the
coordinates of the points defining the polygon and the total area.
Note: You can select and copy the coordinates displayed in the Properties dialogue of the
polygon.
3.15.1.4 Deleting Clutter Polygons

You can delete clutter polygons.
To delete a clutter polygon:
4. Click the polygon deletion tool ( ). The pointer changes ( ).

5. Click the polygon you want to delete. The polygon is deleted.
3.15.2 Editing Contours, Lines, and Points

Contours, lines, and points are made up of individual vector objects. You can modify and create these geo data maps by
adding a vector layer and then adding vector objects to this layer.
• "Creating a Vector Layer for Contours, Lines, and Points" on page 130
• "Creating Contours, Lines, and Points" on page 130
• "Editing Contours, Lines, and Points" on page 131
• "Managing the Properties of the Vector Layer" on page 118.
3.15.2.1 Creating a Vector Layer for Contours, Lines, and Points

You can add a new vector layer to the Geo tab. A vector layer can contain contours, lines, and points.
To create a vector layer on the Geo tab:
2. If the Vector Edition toolbar is not visible, select View > Vector Edition Toolbar.
3. Click the New Vector Layer button ( ) on the Vector Edition toolbar. Atoll creates a folder called Vectors on
the Geo tab of the Explorer window. The new Vectors folder can be seen in the list of vector layers:
.
3.15.2.2 Creating Contours, Lines, and Points

By adding contours, lines, and points to a vector layer, created as described in "Creating a Vector Layer for Contours,
Lines, and Points" on page 130, you can add information to a geographic data type.
To create a vector object:
appears.
2. Select Edit from the context menu. The vector tools on the Vector Edition toolbar are activated.
Tip: You can also activate the vector tools by selecting the vector layer to edit from the Vector
Edition toolbar list. Because Atoll names all new vector layers "Vectors" by default, it
might be difficult to know which Vectors folder you are selecting. By renaming each
vectors folder, you can ensure that you select the correct folder. For information on
renaming objects, see "Renaming an Object" on page 29.
If the Vector Edition toolbar is not visible, select View > Vector Edition Toolbar.
3. Click one of the following buttons on the Vector Edition toolbar:

- New Polygon:
i. Click once on the map where you want to begin drawing the contour.
ii. Click each time you change angles on the border defining the outside of the contour.
iii. Double-click to close the contour.
- New Line:
i. Click once on the map where you want to begin the line.
ii. Click each time you change angles on the line.
iii. Double-click to end the line.
- New Point: Click once on the map where you want to place the point.
4. Press ESC to deselect the currently selected button on the Vector Edition toolbar.
3.15.2.3 Editing Contours, Lines, and Points

You can edit contours, lines, and points in several ways. Before you can edit a contour, line, or point, you must first put
the vector layer in editing mode.
To put the vector layer in editing mode:
appears.
Edition toolbar list.
You can now edit a object in the vector layer as explained in the following sections:
• "Editing the Points of Contours and Lines" on page 131
• "Editing Contours Using the Toolbar" on page 132
• "Editing Contours, Lines, and Points Using the Context Menu" on page 132.
Editing the Points of Contours and Lines
To edit a point of a contour, line, or point:

1. Put the vector layer containing the contour, line, or point in editing mode as explained in "Editing Contours, Lines,
and Points" on page 131.
2. Select the contour, line, or point. You can now edit by:
- Moving a point:
- Adding a point to a contour or a line:
i. Position the pointer over the contour border or line where you want to add a point. The pointer changes
( ).
ii. Right-click and select Insert Point from the context menu. A point is added to the contour border or line
at the position of the pointer.
- Deleting a point from a contour or a line:
Editing a Point
To edit a point:
1. Put the vector layer containing the point in editing mode as explained in "Editing Contours, Lines, and Points" on
page 131.
2. Select the point. You can now edit by:
- Moving:
i. Click the point you want to move. The pointer changes ( ).

- Deleting a point:
i. Click the point you want to delete. The pointer changes ( ).

Atoll User Manual
ii. Right-click and select Delete from the context menu. The point is deleted.
Editing Contours Using the Toolbar
In Atoll, you can create complex contours by using the tools on the Vector Edition toolbar.
To edit a vector object using the icons on the Vector Edition toolbar:
1. Put the vector layer containing the contour in editing mode as explained in "Editing Contours, Lines, and Points"
on page 131.
2. Click the contour to edit. The Vector Edition toolbar has the following buttons:
- : To combine several contours:
i. In the Vector Edition toolbar, click the Combine button ( ).

ii. Click once on the map where you want to begin drawing the new contour.
iii. Click each time you change angles on the border defining the outside of the contour.
iv. Double-click to close the contour.
v. Draw more contours if desired. Atoll creates a group of polygons of the selected and new contours. If con-
tours overlap, Atoll merges them.
- : To delete part of the selected contour:
i. In the Vector Edition toolbar, click the Delete button ( ).

ii. Draw the area you want to delete from the selected contour by clicking once on the map where you want
to begin drawing the area to delete.
iii. Click each time you change angles on the border defining the outside of the area.
iv. Double-click to close the area. Atoll deletes the area from the selected contour.
- : To create a contour out of the overlapping area of two contours:
i. In the Vector Edition toolbar, click the Intersection button ( ).

ii. Click once on the map where you want to begin drawing the contour that will overlap the selected one.
iv. Double-click to close the contour. Atoll creates a new contour of the overlapping area of the two contours
and deletes the parts of the contours that do not overlap.
- : To split the selected contour into several contours:
i. In the Vector Edition toolbar, click the Split button ( ).

ii. Click once on the map where you want to begin drawing the contour that will split the selected one.
iv. Double-click to close the contour. Atoll separates the area covered by the contour from the selected con-
tour and creates a new contour.
Editing Contours, Lines, and Points Using the Context Menu
When you are editing contours, lines, and points, you can access certain commands using the context menu.
To edit a vector object using the context menu:
1. Click the vector object you want to edit.
2. Right-click the vector object to display the context menu and select one of the following:
- Delete: Select Delete to remove the selected contour, line, or point from the map.
- Convert to Line: Select Convert to Line to convert the selected contour to a line.
- Convert to Polygon: Select Convert to Polygon to convert the selected line to a contour.
- Open Line: Select Open Line to remove the segment between the last and the first point.
- Close Line: Select Close Line to add a segment between the last and the first point of the line.
- Insert Point: Select Insert Point to add a point to the border of the contour at the position of the pointer.
- Move:
i. Select Move from the context menu to move the contour, line, or point on the map.
ii. Move the contour, line, or point.
iii. Click to place the contour, line, or point.
- Quit edition: Select Quit Edition to exit editing mode.
- Properties: Select Properties to open the Properties dialogue of the selected contour, line, or point. The
Properties dialogue has two tabs:

- General: The General tab gives the name of the vector Layer, the Surface of the object, and any Prop-
erties of the contour, line, or point.
- Geometry: This tab gives the coordinates of each point that defines the position and shape of the contour,
line, or point.
Note: Only the commands relevant to the selected contour, line, or point are displayed in the
context menu.
3.15.3 Editing Population, Geoclimatic or Custom Data Maps

Some geographic data maps, for example, geoclimatic maps, population maps, and custom data, are made up of individ-
ual vector objects. You can modify and create these geo data maps by adding a vector layer and then adding vector
objects (contours, lines, and points) to this layer.
• "Creating a Vector Layer and Vector Objects" on page 133
• "Editing Contours on the Vector Layer" on page 134.
3.15.3.1 Creating a Vector Layer and Vector Objects

To create a vector layer and vector objects:
2. Right-click the geo data object, the Geoclimatic Parameters, the Population, or the Custom Data folder, to
which you want to add a vector layer.
3. Select Add Vector Layer from the context menu. A new data object called "Vectors" is created in the selected
geo data object folder.
4. Right-click the new vector layer. The context menu appears.
Edition toolbar list. Because Atoll names all new vector layers "Vectors" by default, it
might be difficult to know which Vectors folder you are selecting. By renaming each
vectors folder, you can ensure that you select the correct folder. For information on
renaming objects, see "Renaming an Object" on page 29.
6. Click the New Polygon button ( ) on the Vector Edition toolbar:

a. Click once on the map where you want to begin drawing the contour.
b. Click each time you change angles on the border defining the outside of the contour.
c. Double-click to close the contour.
d. Right-click on the new polygon and select Properties from the context menu.
e. Enter a value:
- Population: Enter a value in the Population field to indicate the number of inhabitants or the population
density.
- Geoclimatic Parameters: Enter a value in the Rain Intensity field to indicate the intensity of rainfall for
the polygon.
- Custom Data Map: The value you enter will depend on the type of custom data map you created.
7. Press ESC to deselect the New Polygon button ( ) on the Vector Edition toolbar.
8. For Atoll to consider the new vector layer as part of the data map, you must map the vector layer. Right-click the
the Geoclimatic Parameters, the Population, or the Custom Data folder. The context menu appears.
10. Click the Data Mapping tab. For the following geo data:
- Population Map:
i. In the Field column, "Population" is selected by default.
ii. If the vector layer contains a population density, select the check box in the Density column. If the vector
layer indicates the number of inhabitants, and not the population density, clear the check box in the
Density column.
- Geoclimatic Parameters:
- In the Field column, "Rain" is selected by default.
- Custom Data Map: The data you map will depend on the type of custom data map you created.

Atoll User Manual
3.15.3.2 Editing Contours on the Vector Layer

You can edit contours in several ways. Before you can edit a contour, you must put the vector layer in editing mode.
To put the vector layer into editing mode:
appears.
Edition toolbar list.
You can now edit a object in the vector layer as explained in the following sections:
• "Editing the Points of Contours" on page 134
• "Editing Contours Using the Toolbar" on page 132
• "Editing Contours Using the Context Menu" on page 135.
Editing the Points of Contours
To edit a point of a contour:

1. Put the vector layer containing the contour in editing mode as explained in "Editing Contours on the Vector Layer"
on page 134.
2. Select the contour. You can now edit by:
- Moving a point:
- Adding a point to a contour:
i. Position the pointer over the contour border where you want to add a point. The pointer changes ( ).
ii. Right-click and select Insert Point from the context menu. A point is added to the contour border at the
position of the pointer.
- Deleting a point from a contour:
Editing Contours Using the Toolbar
In Atoll, you can create complex contours by using the tools on the Vector Edition toolbar.
To edit a vector object using the icons on the Vector Edition toolbar:
1. Put the vector layer containing the contour in editing mode as explained in "Editing Contours on the Vector Layer"
on page 134.
2. Click the contour to edit. The Vector Edition toolbar has the following buttons:
- : To combine several contours:
i. In the Vector Edition toolbar, click the Combine button ( ).

ii. Click once on the map where you want to begin drawing the new contour.
iv. Double-click to close the contour.
v. Draw more contours if desired. Atoll creates a group of polygons of the selected and new contours. If con-
tours overlap, Atoll merges them.
- : To delete part of the selected contour:
i. In the Vector Edition toolbar, click the Delete button ( ).

ii. Draw the area you want to delete from the selected contour by clicking once on the map where you want
to begin drawing the area to delete.
iii. Click each time you change angles on the border defining the outside of the area.
iv. Double-click to close the area. Atoll deletes the area from the selected contour.
- : To create a contour out of the overlapping area of two contours:
i. In the Vector Edition toolbar, click the Intersection button ( ).

ii. Click once on the map where you want to begin drawing the contour that will overlap the selected one.
iv. Double-click to close the contour. Atoll creates a new contour of the overlapping area of the two contours
and deletes the parts of the contours that do not overlap.
- : To split the selected contour into several contours:
i. In the Vector Edition toolbar, click the Split button ( ).

ii. Click once on the map where you want to begin drawing the contour that will split the selected one.
iv. Double-click to close the contour. Atoll separates the area covered by the contour from the selected con-
tour and creates a new contour.
Editing Contours Using the Context Menu
When you are editing contours, you can access certain commands using the context menu.
To edit a vector object using the context menu:
1. Click the vector object you want to edit.
2. Right-click the vector object to display the context menu and select one of the following:
- Delete: Select Delete to remove the selected contour from the map.
- Insert Point: Select Insert Point to add a point to the border of the contour at the position of the pointer.
- Move:
i. Select Move from the context menu to move the contour, line, or point on the map.
ii. Move the contour, line, or point.
iii. Click to place the contour, line, or point.
- Quit edition: Select Quit Edition to exit editing mode.
- Properties: Select Properties to open the Properties dialogue of the selected contour. The Properties dia-
logue has two tabs:
- General: The General tab gives the name of the vector Layer, the Surface of the object, and any Prop-
erties of the contour.
- Geometry: This tab gives the coordinates of each point that defines the position and shape of the contour.
3.16 Saving Geographic Data

Atoll allows you to save your geographic data files separately from saving the Atoll document. Atoll supports a variety of
both raster and vector file formats (for more information, see "Supported Geographic Data Formats" on page 107). Saving
a geographic file separately from saving the Atoll document enables you to:
• Save modifications you have made to an external file: If you have made modifications to geo data, you can
export them to a new external file.
• Update the source file with modifications you have made: If you have made modifications to a geo data type
in Atoll, you can save these changes to the source file.
• Combine several files into one file: If you have several smaller files in one folder of the Geo tab, you can save
them as one file.
• Export an embedded file to be used in another Atoll document or in another application: You can save a
file to an external file, in the same format or in another one.
• Create a new file from part of a larger one: You can select part of certain geo data types and then save the
selected part as a new file.
• "Saving Modifications to an External File" on page 135
• "Updating the Source File" on page 137
• "Combining Several Files into One File" on page 137
• "Exporting an Embedded File" on page 137
• "Creating a New File from a Larger File" on page 138
3.16.1 Saving Modifications to an External File

In Atoll, you can save your modifications to an external file.
• "Exporting an Edited Clutter Class Map in a Raster-Format File" on page 136
• "Exporting an Edited Vector Layer in Vector-Format File" on page 136.

Atoll User Manual
3.16.1.1 Exporting an Edited Clutter Class Map in a Raster-Format File

You can export clutter class modifications in a raster-format file, either in the same format as used in the current Atoll
document, or in a different raster format. You can also choose to export the entire clutter class geo data, the part containing
the computation zone, or just your modifications to the geo data.
When you have made modifications to a raster-format geo data file, exporting either the entire geo data or just your modi-
fications allows you to save those modifications to an external file.
To export clutter class modifications in a raster-format file:
3. Select Save As from the context menu. The Save As dialogue appears.
4. In the Save As dialogue, browse to the folder where you want to save the file, enter a name for the file, and select
the file format from the Save as type list. You can select from one of the following file formats:
- BMP: When you select bitmap format, Atoll automatically creates the corresponding BPW file containing the
georeference information.
- TXT: The ArcView text format is intended only for export; no corresponding geo-reference file is created.
- TIF: When you select tagged image file format, Atoll automatically creates the corresponding TFW file con-
taining the georeference information.
- BIL: When you select the BIL format, Atoll automatically creates the corresponding HDR file containing the
georeference information. When exporting in BIL format, Atoll allows you to export files larger than 2 Gb.
- GRC or GRD: Files with the extension GRC or GRD are Vertical Mapper files. When exporting in GRD or GRC
formats, Atoll allows you to export files larger than 2 Gb.
5. Click Save. The Export dialogue appears (see Figure 3.18).
Figure 3.18: Export dialogue
6. Under Region, select one of the following:

- The Entire Project Area: This option allows you to export the entire clutter class geo data file, including any
modifications you have made to the geo data. The exported geo data file will replace the geo data file in the
current Atoll document.
- Only Pending Changes: This option allows you to export a rectangle containing any modifications you have
made to the clutter classes. The exported geo data file will be added as a new object to the Clutter Classes
geo data folder.
- The Computation Zone: This option allows you to export the clutter class geo data contained by a rectangle
encompassing the computation zone, whether or not the computation zone is visible. The exported geo data
file will be added as a new object to the selected geo data folder.
7. Define a Resolution in Metres. The resolution must be an integer and the minimum resolution allowed is 1. The
suggested resolution value is defined by the following criteria:
- If one object has been modified, the suggested resolution is the resolution of the modified object.
- If several objects have been modified, the suggested resolution is the highest resolution of the modified
objects.
- If there is no initial clutter class object, the resolution will equal the highest resolution of the DTM maps.
- If the Atoll document in which you created the clutter class file has no DTM, no other clutter class geo data
file, or traffic objects, the suggested resolution is 100 m.
8. Click OK. The selected data is saved in an external file.
3.16.1.2 Exporting an Edited Vector Layer in Vector-Format File

You can export an edited vector layer as a vector format file. A vector layer can contain contours, lines, and points. Along
with vector layers you have added to the Geo tab, the following maps can be exported as vector format files:
• Vector-format population maps
• Vector-format geoclimatic maps
• Vector-format custom maps.

Once you save a vector layer, the exported file replaces the vector layer as a linked file. You can embed the file afterwards
(see "Embedding Geographic Data" on page 113).
To export a vector layer:
appears.
3. In the Save As dialogue, browse to the folder where you want to save the file, enter a name for the file, and select
the file format from the Save as type list. You can select from one of the following file formats:
- AGD: The Atoll Geographic Data format is an Atoll-specific format. As a format created for Atoll, Atoll can
read AGD files faster than the other supported vector formats.
- SHP: The ArcView vector format should be used for vector layers containing only polygons; it cannot save
vectors made of lines or points. If you have a vector layer with vector lines or points, use either the AGD, the
MIF or the TAB format.
- MIF and TAB: MapInfo formats.
4. Click Save in the Save As dialogue. The Vector Export dialogue appears, displaying the current coordinate
system and allowing you to change the coordinate system by clicking Change.
5. Click Export. The vector layer is saved in the format and with the name you specified and the exported file
replaces the vector layer in the current document as a linked file.
3.16.2 Updating the Source File

While working on an Atoll document, you may make changes to geo data. If the geo data file is embedded in the Atoll
document, Atoll saves the changes automatically when you save the document. If the geo data file is linked, Atoll prompts
you to save the changes when you close the document.
To update the source file of a linked geo data file:
2. Right-click the folder containing geo data file whose source file you want to update. The context menu appears.
3. Select Save from the context menu. The linked file is updated.
Caution: You will not be warned that you are replacing the current file. Therefore, ensure that you
want to replace the current file before proceeding to the following step. If you do not want
to replace the current file, you can save your changes to an external file ("Exporting an
Edited Vector Layer in Vector-Format File" on page 136).
3.16.3 Combining Several Files into One File

In certain circumstances, for example, after importing an MSI Planet® index file, you may have several geo data files of
the same type. You can combine these separate files to create one single file. The files will be combined according to their
order from the top down in the folder on the Geo tab of the Explorer window. If the files overlap on the map, the combined
file will show the file on the top.
You can create a one file from a section of the following geo data types:
• Digital terrain model
• Clutter classes
• Clutter heights
• Scanned maps
To combine individual files into a new file:
2. Right-click the folder of the geo data files you want to combine into one file. The context menu appears.
4. Enter a File name and select a file type from the Save as type list.
5. Click OK. The Export dialogue appears (see Figure 3.19).
6. Under Region, select The Entire Project Area. This option allows you to save the entire area covered by the geo
data files, including any modifications you have made to the geo data.
7. Define a Resolution in Metres. The resolution must be an integer and the minimum resolution allowed is 1. The
suggested resolution value is the highest resolution of all objects.
8. Click OK. The selected data is saved as a new file.
3.16.4 Exporting an Embedded File

You can export an embedded geo data file to be used in a different Atoll document, or in a different application. When you
export an embedded file, Atoll replaces the embedded file in the current Atoll document with the newly exported file.

Atoll User Manual
To export an embedded geo data file:

2. Right-click the folder of the embedded geo data file you want to export. The context menu appears.
5. Click OK.
If the geo data file is a vector file, the Vector Export dialogue appears (see Figure 3.19).
Figure 3.19: The Vector Export dialogue
a. The Vector Export dialogue displays the coordinate system of the file. To change the coordinate system used
for the exported file, click Change. The Coordinate Systems dialogue appears. For information on the Co-
ordinate Systems dialogue, see "Setting a Coordinate System" on page 92.
b. Click Export. The geo data file is exported with the selected coordinate system.
If the geo data file is a raster file, the Export dialogue appears (see Figure 3.20).
Figure 3.20: Export dialogue
a. Under Region, select one of the following:

- The Entire Project Area: This option allows you to export the entire raster-format geo data file, including
any modifications you have made to the geo data. The exported file will replace the embedded file in the
Geo data tab.
- Only Pending Changes: This option allows you to export a rectangle containing any modifications you
have made to the geo data. The exported file will be added as an object in the geo data folder.
- The Computation Zone: This option allows you to export the geo data contained by a rectangle encom-
passing the computation zone, whether or not the computation zone is visible. The exported file will be
added as an object in the geo data folder.
b. Define a Resolution in Metres. The resolution must be an integer and the minimum resolution allowed is 1.
c. Click OK. The selected data is saved in an external file.
3.16.5 Creating a New File from a Larger File

You can create a new file from a section of a larger file. You can use this new file in the same Atoll document, or in a new
Atoll document. To create a new file, you must first define the area by creating a computation zone.
You can create a new file from a section of the following geo data types:
• Digital terrain model
• Clutter classes
• Clutter heights
• Scanned maps
• Population

• Geoclimatic maps
To create a new file from a section of a larger file:
2. Right-click the folder of the embedded geo data file you want to export. The context menu appears.
5. Click OK. The Export dialogue appears (see Figure 3.19).
6. Under Region, select The Computation Zone. This option allows you to export the geo data contained by a rec-
tangle encompassing the computation zone, whether or not the computation zone is visible. The exported geo
data file will be added as a new object to the selected geo data folder.
7. Define a Resolution in Metres. The resolution must be an integer and the minimum resolution allowed is 1.
8. Click OK. The selected data is saved as a new file.

Atoll User Manual

Chapter 4
Antennas and Equipment
Atoll
RF Planning and Optimisation Software
Chapter 4: Antennas and Equipment
4 Antennas and Equipment

In Atoll, the equipment used to create a network is modelled, along with the characteristics which have a bearing on
network performance.
This chapter explains working with antennas as well as equipment such as tower-mounted amplifiers, feeder cables, base
transceiver station equipment, or waveguides and cables:
• "Working With Antennas" on page 143
• "Working With Equipment" on page 147
• "Defining the List of Manufacturers" on page 149
• "Defining Antennas" on page 149
• "Microwave Equipment" on page 152
• "Microwave Waveguides and Cables" on page 163
• "Microwave Antenna/Equipment/Waveguide Compatibility" on page 164.
4.1 Working With Antennas

Atoll enables you to work with antennas in many ways. To create a new antenna, you can import the data necessary from
external sources, such as from a spreadsheet or from a Planet-format file. Once you have created an antenna, you can
improve signal level prediction by smoothing the high-attenuation points of the vertical pattern.
• "Creating an Antenna" on page 143
• "Importing Planet-Format Antennas" on page 144
• "Importing 3-D Antenna Patterns" on page 145
• "Smoothing an Antenna Pattern" on page 146.
4.1.1 Creating an Antenna

Each Atoll project template has antennas specific to the technology supported by the template. As well, Atoll allows you
to create antennas and set the parameters such as manufacturer, gain, horizontal pattern, and vertical pattern.
Tip: When you create a new antenna, you can copy the horizontal and vertical antenna
patterns from a spreadsheet or word processor.
To create an antenna:
1. Click the Data tab in the Explorer window.
2. Right-click on the Antennas folder. The context menu opens.
3. Select New from the context menu. A properties dialogue appears.
4. Click the General tab. You can enter information in the following fields:
- Name: Atoll automatically enters a default name for each new antenna. You can modify the name Atoll enters
if you wish.
- Manufacturer: The name of the antenna manufacturer.
- Gain: The antenna’s isotropic gain.
- Pattern Electrical Tilt: The antenna’s electrical tilt. This field is for information only; for an antenna’s electrical
tilt to be taken into consideration in calculations, it must be integrated into the horizontal and vertical patterns.
Atoll automatically calculates the pattern electrical tilt if the Pattern Electrical Tilt field is left blank or has a
value of "0."
Note: If you use the same antenna several times but with a different electrical tilt, you must
create a new antenna with corresponding patterns for each electrical tilt.
- Comments: Any additional information on the antenna.

5. Click the Horizontal Pattern tab. The Horizontal Pattern tab has a table describing the horizontal antenna pattern
in terms of the attenuation in dB (Att.) per Angle and a graphical representation of the pattern. Atoll allows you
to enter antenna pattern attenuations for as many as 720 angles. Therefore, attenuation values can also be
defined for angles other than integer values from 0° to 359°. If you have the horizontal pattern in a spreadsheet or
text document, you can copy the data directly into the table:
a. Switch to the document containing the horizontal pattern.
b. Select the columns containing the angles and attenuation values of the horizontal pattern.
c. Copy the selected data.

Atoll User Manual
Figure 4.1: Copying horizontal pattern values
d. Switch to Atoll.
e. Click the upper-left cell of the horizontal pattern.
f. Press CTRL+V to paste the data in the table.
- If there are some blank rows in your data sheet, Atoll will interpolate the values in order to obtain a com-
plete and realistic pattern.
- When performing a calculation along an angle for which no data is available, Atoll calculates a linear inter-
polation from the existing pattern values.
g. Click Apply to display the pattern.
6. Click the Vertical Pattern tab. The Vertical Pattern tab has a table describing the vertical antenna pattern in terms
of the attenuation in dB (Att.) per Angle and a graphical representation of the pattern. Atoll allows you to enter
antenna pattern attenuations for as many as 720 angles. Therefore, attenuation values can also be defined for
angles other than integer values from 0° to 359°. If you have the vertical pattern in a spreadsheet or text document,
you can copy the data directly into the table as described in step 5.
7. Click the Other Properties tab. You can define the following fields (not used in any calculation):
- Beamwidth: In a plane containing the direction of the maximum lobe of the antenna pattern, the angle
between the two directions in which the radiated power is one-half the maximum value of the lobe. Translated
in terms of dB, half power corresponds to -3 dB. In this window, you may enter this angle in degrees.
- FMin: The minimum frequency that the antenna is capable of emitting.
- FMax: The maximum frequency that the antenna is capable of emitting.
8. Click OK.
Atoll checks whether the vertical and horizontal patterns are correctly aligned at the extremities. The antenna patterns are
correctly aligned when:
• the horizontal pattern attenuation at 0° is the same as the vertical pattern attenuation at the pattern electrical tilt
angle, and
• the horizontal pattern attenuation at 180° is the same as the vertical pattern attenuation at the 180° less the pattern
electrical tilt angle.
4.1.2 Importing Planet-Format Antennas

In Atoll, you can import Planet-format antennas by importing an index file listing the individual antenna files to be imported.
Standard Atoll fields are directly imported. Other fields are imported for information only and are accessible on the Other
Properties tab of the Antenna Properties dialogue.
If you are working with a database, you will have to create the fields in the table below in the database before you import
the Planet-format antennas:
Field Definition
FREQUENCY The design frequency of the antenna
H_WIDTH The azimuth beamwidth
V_WIDTH The elevation beamwidth
FRONT_TO_BACK The ratio of forward antenna gain at 0 and 180 degree elevation
TILT Indicates whether the antenna is to be electrically or mechanically tilted
For more information on working with databases, see The Administrator Manual.
To import Planet-format antennas:
1. Select the Data tab in the Explorer window.
2. Right-click the Antennas folder. The context menu appears.

3. Select Import from the context menu. The Open dialogue appears.
4. Select "Planet 2D Antenna Files® (index)" from the Files of type list.
5. Select the index file you want to import and click Open. The antennas are imported.
Atoll checks whether the vertical and horizontal patterns are correctly aligned at the extremities. The antenna patterns are
correctly aligned when:
• the horizontal pattern attenuation at 0° is the same as the vertical pattern attenuation at the pattern electrical tilt
angle, and
• the horizontal pattern attenuation at 180° is the same as the vertical pattern attenuation at the 180° less the pattern
electrical tilt angle.
4.1.3 Importing 3-D Antenna Patterns

You can import three-dimensional antenna patterns in the form of text files. The three-dimensional antenna patterns you
import are saved in the Antennas table.
During calculations, Atoll interpolates the data of antennas for which only horizontal and vertical cross-sections are avail-
able to create a three-dimensional pattern. When you import a three-dimensional antenna pattern, even though only hori-
zontal and vertical sections of the antenna pattern are displayed, Atoll conserves all the information and can use it directly;
Atoll does not therefore need to interpolate to recreate the three-dimensional antenna pattern.
The text file must have the following format:
• Header: The text file may contain a header with additional information. When you import the antenna pattern you
can indicate where the header ends and where the antenna pattern itself begins.
• Antenna description: Three separate values are necessary to describe the three-dimensional antenna pattern.
The columns containing the values can be in any order:
- Azimuth: The range of values allowable is from 0° to 360°, with the smallest allowable increment being 1°.
- Tilt angle: The range of values allowable is from -90 to 90°, or from 0 to 180°, with the smallest allowable
increment being 1°.
- Attenuation: The attenuation (in dB).
To import three-dimensional antenna pattern files:
1. Select the Data tab in the Explorer window.
2. Right-click the Antennas folder. The context menu appears.
3. Select Import from the context menu. The Open dialogue appears.
4. Select the file to import.
5. Click Open. The Setup dialogue appears (see Figure 4.2).
Figure 4.2: Importing a 3-D antenna pattern

Atoll User Manual
6. If you already have an import configuration defining the data structure of the imported file, you can select it from
the Configuration list. If you do not have an import configuration, continue with step 7.
a. Under Configuration, select an import configuration from the Configuration list.
b. Continue with step 10.
7. Under Name, you can define a name for the imported antenna pattern. This name will appear in the Antennas
folder on the Data tab. If no name is defined, Atoll will use the file name as the name of the antenna:
- If the name of the antenna is in the file, check the Value read in the file check box and enter a Keyword
identifying the name value in the file.
- If you want to enter a name for the antenna, clear the Value read in the file check box and enter a name.
8. Under Gain, you can define the antenna gain. If no gain is defined, Atoll will assume that the gain is "0."
- If the gain of the antenna is in the file, check the Value read in the file check box and enter a Keyword iden-
tifying the gain value in the file.
- If you want to enter a gain for the antenna, clear the Value read in the file check box and enter a gain value.
9. Under Diagram, you define the structure of the antenna pattern file. As you modify the parameters, the results are
displayed in the table.
- 1st Pattern: Select the first row of the file containing data on the antenna pattern.
- File Tilt Range: Select the tilt range in the file. The tilt range can be measured from top to bottom or from
bottom to top and from 0° to 180° or from -90° to 90°.
- Field Separator: Select the character that is used in the file to separate fields (" ", "<tab>", ";")
- Decimal Symbol: Select the decimal symbol.
10. In the table under Diagram, click the title in each column in the table and select the data type: Azimuth, Tilt,
Attenuation, or <Ignore>. As you modify the parameters, the results are displayed in the table.
Note: You can save the choices you have made in the Setup dialogue as a configuration file by
clicking the Save button at the top of the dialogue and entering a name for the
configuration. The next time you import a three-dimensional antenna pattern file, you can
select the same settings from the Configuration File list.
11. Click Import. The antenna patterns are imported into the current Atoll document.
4.1.4 Smoothing an Antenna Pattern

Empirical propagation models, such as the Standard Propagation Model (SPM), require antenna pattern smoothing in the
vertical plane to better simulate the effects of reflection and diffraction, which, therefore, improves signal level prediction.
In Atoll, you can smooth antennas’ vertical as well as horizontal patterns.
Important: You should make a copy of the antenna before smoothing its vertical pattern. You can
make a copy of the antenna by opening the Antennas table and copying and pasting the
antenna data into a new row. For information on data tables, see "Working with Data
Tables" on page 50.
To smooth the vertical or horizontal pattern of an antenna:

2. Click the Expand button ( ) to expand the Antennas folder.
3. Right-click the antenna whose pattern you want to smooth. The context menu appears.
5. Select the Vertical Pattern or the Horizontal Pattern tab.
6. Right-click the graphical representation of the pattern. The context menu appears.
7. Select Smooth from the context menu. The Smoothing Parameters dialogue appears.
8. Enter the following parameters and click OK to smooth the vertical pattern:
- Max Angle: Enter the maximum angle. Smoothing will be applied to the section of the vertical pattern between
0° and the maximum angle (clock-wise).
- Peak-to-Peak Deviation: Enter the attenuation values to which smoothing will be applied. Atoll will smooth
all attenuation values greater than or equal to the peak-to-peak deviation with the defined correction factor.
- Correction: Enter the correction factor by which the attenuation values will be smoothed.
9. Click OK.

4.1.5 Printing an Antenna Pattern

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:
a. Right-click the Antennas folder.
b. Select 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.
4.2 Working With Equipment

Atoll can model the components of base station. You can define these components and modify their properties in their
respective tables. Atoll uses these properties to calculate the downlink and uplink losses and BTS noise figure of the trans-
mitter in UMTS, CDMA2000, WiMAX, or LTE. In GSM, Atoll calculates the downlink losses only. These parameters can
be automatically calculated by Atoll from the properties of the components or they can defined by the user.
Base station subsystems consist of the following components:
• Tower-mounted amplifier: Tower-mounted amplifiers (TMAs, also referred to as masthead amplifiers) are used
to reduce the composite noise figure of the base station. TMAs are connected between the antenna and the feeder
cable. To define a TMA, see "Defining TMA Equipment" on page 147.
• Feeder cables: Feeder cables connect the TMA to the antenna. To define feeder cables, see "Defining Feeder
Cables" on page 147.
• Base transceiver station (BTS): To define a BTS, see "Defining BTS Equipment" on page 148.
4.2.1 Defining TMA Equipment

The tower-mounted amplifier (TMA) is used to reduce the composite noise figure of the base station. Once you have
defined a TMA, you can assign it to individual transmitters.
To create a tower-mounted amplifier:
2. Right-click the Transmitters folder. The context menu appears.
3. Select Equipment > TMA Equipment from the context menu. The TMA Equipment table appears.
4. In the table, create one TMA per row. For information on using data tables, see "Working with Data Tables" on
page 50. For each TMA, enter:
- Name: Enter a name for the TMA. This name will appear in other dialogues when you select a TMA.
- Noise Figure (dB): Enter a noise figure for the TMA.
- Reception Gain (dB): Enter a reception (uplink) gain for the TMA. This must be a positive value.
- Transmission Losses (dB): Enter transmission (downlink) losses for the TMA. This must be a positive value.
4.2.2 Defining Feeder Cables

Feeder cables connect the TMA to the antenna. Once you have defined feeder cables, you can assign them to individual
transmitters.
To create feeder cables:
3. Select Equipment > Feeder Equipment from the context menu. The Feeder Equipment table appears.
4. In the table, create one feeder equipment per row. For information on data tables, see "Working with Data Tables"
on page 50. For each feeder equipment, enter:
- Name: Enter a name for the feeder cable. This name will appear in other dialogues when you select a feeder
cable.
- Loss per Length: Enter the loss per meter of cable. This must be a positive value.
- Connector Reception Loss: Enter the connector reception loss. This must be a positive value.
- Connector Transmission Loss: Enter the connector transmission loss. This must be a positive value.

Atoll User Manual
4.2.3 Defining BTS Equipment

The BTS is modelled for UMTS, CDMA2000, TD-SCDMA, WiMAX, and LTE. In GSM, only the downlink losses are
modelled.
Once you have defined a BTS, it can be assigned to individual transmitters.
To create a base transceiver station:
3. Select Equipment > BTS Equipment from the context menu. The BTS Equipment table appears.
4. In the table, create one BTS per row. For information on data tables, see "Working with Data Tables" on page 50.
For each BTS, enter:
- Name: Enter a name for the BTS. This name will appear in other dialogues when you select a BTS.
- Noise Figure (dB): Enter the noise figure for the BTS. This value is not used in GSM GPRS EGPRS docu-
ments.
- Downlink Losses Due to the Configuration (dB): Enter the losses on downlink due to the BTS configura-
tion.
- Uplink Losses Due to the Configuration (dB): Enter the losses on uplink due to the BTS configuration. This
value is not used in GSM GPRS EGPRS documents.
- Rho Factor (%): Enter the Rho factor, as a percentage. The Rho factor enables Atoll to take into account
self-interference produced by the BTS. Because equipment is not perfect, an input signal will experience some
distortion, consequently the output signal will be not be identical. This factor defines how much distortion the
system generates. Entering 100% means the system is perfect (there is no distortion) and the output signal
will be 100% identical to the input signal. On the other hand, if you specify a value different from 100%, Atoll
will consider that the transmitted signal is not 100% signal and that it contains a small percentage of interfer-
ence generated by the equipment ("self-interference"). Atoll uses this parameter to evaluate the signal-to-
noise ratio in the downlink.
This value is not used in GSM GPRS EGPRS documents.
4.2.4 Updating the Values for Total Losses and the BTS Noise Fig-
ure for Transmitters
Once equipment is defined and assigned to a transmitter, Atoll can evaluate downlink and uplink total losses and the total
noise figure.
Atoll uses the entry of the BTS as the reference point when evaluating total losses and the total noise figure. The BTS
noise figure used by Atoll is the one specified in the BTS properties. Transmitter reception losses include feeder reception
losses, connector reception losses, miscellaneous reception losses, antenna diversity gain, TMA benefit gain (as calcu-
lated using the Frii’s equation), and an additional loss modelling the noise rise generated from repeaters (if any). Trans-
mitter transmission losses include feeder transmission losses, connector transmission losses, miscellaneous transmission
losses, and TMA transmission losses. For more information on the total noise figure and on transmitter reception and
transmission losses, see the Technical Reference Guide.
You can assign equipment to a transmitter:
• Using the Equipment Specifications dialogue, available by clicking the Equipment button on the Transmitter tab
of the transmitter’s Properties dialogue, or
• Using the Transmitters table, available by right-clicking the Transmitters folder on the Data tab of the Explorer
window and selecting Open Table from the context menu.
When you assign equipment to a transmitter using the Equipment Specifications dialogue, Atoll updates the real values
when you click OK and close the dialogue. When you assign equipment to a transmitter using the Transmitters table,
Atoll does not update the real values automatically.
To update the real values (total losses and the BTS noise figure) with the computed values of all transmitters:
3. Select Equipment > Recalculate Losses and Noise Figure from the context menu.
To update the real values (total losses and the BTS noise figure) with the computed values of a group of transmitters:
3. Select from the Group by submenu of the context menu the property by which you want to group the transmitters.
The objects in the folder are grouped by that property.
4. Click the Expand button ( ) to expand the Transmitters folder.
5. Right-click the group of transmitters whose real values you want to update. The context menu appears.
6. Select Open Table from the context menu. The Transmitters table appears with the transmitters from the
selected group.

7. In the Transmitters table, select the values you want to update in the following columns and press DEL:
- Transmission Loss (dB)
- Reception Loss (dB)
- BTS Noise Figure (dB)
Atoll automatically recalculates and updates these values.
4.3 Defining the List of Manufacturers

In Atoll, the manufacturers of microwave radio equipment, waveguides, and antennas listed in the Manufacturers table.
To create or modify an entry in the Manufacturers table:
2. Click the Expand button ( ) to the left of the Microwave Radio Links folder to expand the folder.
3. Right-click the Links folder. The context menu appears.
4. Select Manufacturers > Open table from the context menu. The Manufacturers table appears.
5. To create an entry in the Manufacturers table, enter the following in the row marked with the New Row icon
( ):
- Name: The name of the manufacturer.
- Comments: Any comments.
6. To modify an entry in the Manufacturers table, modify any of the entries in the corresponding row.
4.4 Defining Antennas

In Atoll, each microwave antenna is identified by a name, and defined by the operating frequency band, manufacturer
name, horizontal and vertical antenna patterns, gain and antenna diameter.
The operating frequency band and manufacturer-related information are used as filtering criteria when defining compatible
antenna/equipment sets.
Four different antenna pattern diagrams are used in microwave antennas, i.e., horizontal and vertical plane diagrams for
horizontal and vertical polarization each. Each of these patterns can have co-polar and cross-polar patterns both defined.
Because an antenna can be horizontally and vertically polarized, Atoll uses the relevant antenna pattern diagrams when
determining propagation.
In this section the following are described:
• "Creating an Antenna" on page 149
• "Importing Microwave Antennas" on page 151
• "Editing Microwave Antenna Patterns" on page 151
• "Printing Microwave Antenna Patterns" on page 152.
4.4.1 Creating an Antenna

The microwave antenna is used to radiate or receive electromagnetic energy in the form of high-frequency radio waves.
Atoll models microwave antennas and provides default microwave antennas. As well, Atoll enables you to create new
antennas and set the parameters of each (i.e., name, manufacturer, gain, horizontal pattern, vertical pattern, and diame-
ter).
Tip: When you create a new antenna, you can copy the horizontal and vertical antenna
patterns from a spreadsheet or word processor.
To create an antenna:
2. Click the Expand button ( ) to the left of the Microwave Radio Links folder to expand the folder.
3. Right-click the Links folder. The context menu appears.
4. Select Antennas > New from the context menu. The MW Antennas New Element Properties dialogue appears.
5. Click the General tab. You can enter information in the following fields:
- Name: Atoll automatically enters a default name for each new antenna. You can modify the name Atoll enters
if you wish.
- Manufacturer: The name of the antenna manufacturer.
- Frequency Band: The frequency band that this antenna will be used with.
- Gain: The antenna’s isotropic gain.
- Diameter: The diameter of the antenna.
- Under Cross Polar Discrimination (XPD), displays the cross polar discriminations for horizontal and vertical
polarisations.

Atoll User Manual
- Horizontal: The ratio of power received in the cross-polar section to the power received in the co-polar
section, for the horizontal polarisation.
- Vertical: The ratio of power received in the cross-polar section to the power received in the co-polar
section, for the vertical polarisation.
- Comments: Any additional information on the antenna.
6. Define the co-polar and cross-polar sections for each plane of the antenna.
A microwave antenna is defined by 8 radiation patterns. On each of the four tabs of the antenna properties
dialogue, you can define the co-polar and cross-polar sections for each plane of the antenna:
- Horizontal polarisation - Horizontal plane:
- Co-polar section: Horizontal polarised port response to a horizontally polarised signal in the horizontal
plane.
- Cross-polar section: Vertical polarised port response to a horizontally polarised signal in the horizontal
plane.
- Horizontal polarisation - Vertical plane:
- Co-polar section: Horizontal polarised port response to a horizontally polarised signal in the vertical plane.
- Cross-polar section: Vertical polarised port response to a horizontally polarised signal in the vertical plane.
- Vertical polarisation - Horizontal plane:
- Co-polar section: Vertical polarised port response to a vertically polarised signal in the horizontal plane.
- Cross-polar section: Horizontal polarised port response to a vertically polarised signal in the horizontal
plane.
- Vertical polarisation - Vertical plane:
- Co-polar section: Vertical polarised port response to a vertically polarised signal in the vertical plane.
- Cross-polar section: Horizontal polarised port response to a vertically polarised signal in the vertical plane.
a. Switch to the document containing the horizontal pattern.
b. Select the columns containing the angles and attenuation values of the horizontal pattern.
c. Copy the selected data.
Figure 4.3: Copying horizontal pattern values
d. Switch to Atoll.
e. Click the upper-left cell of the horizontal pattern.
f. Paste the data in the table.
- If there are some blank rows in the data sheet, Atoll will interpolate the values in order to obtain a complete
and realistic pattern.
- When performing a calculation along an angle for which no data is available, Atoll calculates a linear inter-
polation from the existing pattern values.
g. Click Apply to display the pattern.
7. Click OK.
If some values are missing in the data sheet, Atoll interpolates the values in order to obtain a complete and realistic pattern
around the antenna. When you paste the data into the MW Antennas New Element Properties dialogue, Atoll removes
blank rows in the pattern table when you press the Apply button. When you calculate along an angle for which no data is
available, Atoll calculates a linear interpolation from existing pattern values.

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Chapter 2: Starting an Atoll Project

2.3 Making a Backup of Your Document

2.3.1 Configuring Automatic Backup

Figure 2.18: Automatic backup configuration dialogue

2. Select the Activate automatic backup check box.

Figure 2.19: Automatic backup prompt

© Forsk 2009 Unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this document is prohibited 101

2.3.2 Recovering a Backup

2.4 Making and Sharing Portable Atoll Projects

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

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

3 Managing Geographic Data

3.1 Geographic Data Types

© Forsk 2009 Unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this document is prohibited 105

Digital Terrain Model

Contours, Lines, and Points

Traffic Data Maps

Custom Data Maps

3.2 Supported Geographic Data Formats

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

3.3 Importing Geo Data Files

This section explains the following:

3.3.1 Importing a Raster-format Geo Data File

- DTM: Select Altitudes (DTM) from the Data Type list.

© Forsk 2009 Unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this document is prohibited 107

Figure 3.1: Importing a clutter class file

3.3.2 Importing a Vector-format Geo Data File

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

Figure 3.2: Population density (number of inhabitants/km²)

Figure 3.3: Population values (number of inhabitants per item – polygon/road/point)

Figure 3.4: Vector Import dialogue

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3.3.3 Importing MSI Planet® Geo Data

3.3.3.1 Importing One MSI Planet® Geo Data Type

Figure 3.5: Importing an MSI Planet® index file

3.3.3.2 Importing a MSI Planet® Geo Database

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

Figure 3.6: Importing an MSI Planet® database

3. For each type of data that you want to import:

3.3.4 Importing a WMS Raster-format Geo Data File

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Figure 3.7: The Web Map Services Data Import dialogue

3.3.5 Grouping Geo Data Files in Folders

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

3.3.6 Embedding Geographic Data

3.3.7 Repairing a Broken Link to a Geo Data File

Figure 3.8: Missing shortcut

To find the file yourself:

© Forsk 2009 Unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this document is prohibited 113

Figure 3.9: Problem with shortcut

3.4 Digital Terrain Models

3.5 Clutter Classes

3.5.1 Assigning Names to Clutter Classes

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3. Select Properties from the context menu.

3.5.2 Defining Clutter Class Properties

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3.5.3 Adding a Clutter Class

3.5.4 Refreshing the List of Clutter Classes

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

4. Select the Description tab from the Properties dialogue.

3.5.5 Displaying Total Surface Area per Clutter Class

3.6 Clutter Heights