Electromagnetic Battle Manager Verification Case Study

Verifying tools that perform terrain-dependent radio frequency (RF) propagation analysis is inherently complex due to the number of inputs required. This paper explores the approach and processes used to verify the Electromagnetic Battle Manager, EMBM, a software system developed to automate tactical spectrum management. The need for verification of this tool became clear after we observed changes in analysis results following an upgrade of the tool\´s component that manages the terrain elevation data. Verification was executed using a "Test -- Analyze -- Fix" approach that relied heavily on comparative analyses against other tools that calculated RF propagation using digital terrain elevation data. Using these top-down verification techniques showed that software modules within different tools apply differing approaches toward analysis and interpretation of terrain data. We discovered inconsistencies interpreting elevation data in terms of scaling and coordinate conversion, which led to a further investigation into propagation modeling sensitivity. The lessons learned during verification provided insight into the processes used to determine the accuracy and overall verification of the RF propagation modules within EMBM. These processes can be leveraged in future verification efforts to improve the consistency of the verification process for other tools performing similar engineering analyses.