AutoCoverage Task Import
Q: How can I create a sample task in my AutoCoverage input file?
A: For TAP 5.0.1038 systems the AutoCoverage module includes the ability to import another TAP Task into the AutoCoverage input file.
The AutoCoverage module enables the user to create an ASCII comma-delimited (.CSV) or Excel (.XLS) file containing parameters for TAP coverage studies.
The import function enables you to read an existing Task (usually created with HDCoverage function) and use those parameters to create a new record in the AutoCoverage file. This function is intended to provide a model record that you can use when editing the AutoCoverage file. Since the Area Coverage Setup function includes considerable input validation and cross-checking, this import function enables you to create a record you can use as a model in the AutoCoverage input file.
For example, suppose you want to run several tile studies for the same area and the same parameters, but you want to try different base station transmitter antenna heights. You can create one study with the Area Coverage Setup function and import that Task into an AutoCoverage input file. Then you can edit the input file and copy that record and paste several copies to create new records. In each of the new records you can change only the antenna height as desired, leaving all the other parameters unchanged.
The import function is only available for Excel (.XLS) input files. If you create an ASCII comma-delimited file you can use the “Save As” function in Excel to save the file in the .XLS format.
To continue the example cited above, first launch the AutoCoverage program from the TAP Area menu:
The AutoCoverage form will be displayed:
You can create a new file by entering the desired file name:
(Note that only ASCII .CSV files can be created by AutoCoverage. This new file will have the data fields already written into the file.)
When you move the cursor from the Input File box you will be prompted to create the new file:
Click the Yes button to create the file.
When the new file is created, you will be offered the opportunity to edit the file:
If you want to import an existing Task, you can open the new .CSV file and use the Excel “Save As” function to save the file in the .XLS format. Click the Yes button.
The .CSV file will be opened in Excel:
Use the File|Save As menu, and change the file type to .XLS:
Click the Save button to create the new .XLS file.
Right-click on the sheet name at the bottom of the page and select Rename:
Rename the sheet to “Sheet1”, the name expected by the AutoCoverage function:
Close and save the.XLS file
When you return to the AutoCoverage form, note that because the file name is still shown as a .CSV file, the “Import Existing Task” button is disabled (since importing is not available for .CSV files).
Change the file extent to .XLS:
When the cursor is moved out of the input file box, the Import button will be enabled:
Click the “Import existing task” button. The Task to Import form will be displayed with a list of the available coverage Tasks:
The Task list will be sorted either alphabetically by the Task Description or by the Task ID. You can toggle between the sort orders by clicking the Re-Sort button:
Click on the Task you want to import and click the Continue button (or double-click the Task in the list) to import the Task into the AutoCoverage input file:
You can then click the Edit button on the AutoCoverage form:
You can then select the record, copy it, and paste it to create new records you can edit for variations on the study.
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