Modelling the urban propagation path

Fundamental to the radio planning process is the ability to predict the path loss between two prescribed locations, and in the context of local access radio, this involves modelling the urban propagation path. However, this modelling process must not be seen in isolation, since a propagation model is only part of a radio planning algorithm which in totality may be required to provide coverage predictions, frequency re-use distance estimates, frequency assignment plans, etc. In this analysis, the author is mainly concerned with antennas mounted at, or near, roof top level, so that propagation is assumed to take place principally along a great circle path which joins the transmitter to the receiver and passes over the tops of intervening buildings