Multiple Levels on Composite Study Plots
Q: How can I display multiple signal levels on a plot of a Composite coverage study?
A: With TAP6.0.2218 or later and a Maintenance Subscription date of February 28, 2008, or later, you can show multiple signal levels on a Composite coverage map.
Note that all values in this example are for demonstration purposes only. You should determine appropriate settings for your application.
The Composite Coverage function in TAP (and the Aggregate Coverage in earlier versions) is designed to use the computed results from multiple area coverage studies in TAP and to combine the studies. The “composite” signal level determined at each location can be the maximum value of the several signals, or a “Best Server” value, or other functions included in the Composite Coverage module.
For example, suppose you have a composite coverage based on 9 different base stations as shown below:
This example shows a different legend setting (color, fill, etc.) for each of the base stations considered in the study. The map shows which areas are served by which of the component facilities, as well as which areas are not served. An area may be marked as unserved because the combined signals from two or more of the base stations do not meet the criteria set by the Composite study. In this example, a capture margin of 6dB is specified for a Best Server study. At locations where the highest field strength does not exceed all others by at least 6dB, the capture margin specification is not met and no service is available at the mobile location. Or a non-served area may be the result of the fact that none of the base stations provide the required field strength level (30dBu in the example) at the location. The Composite study function allows you to specify one signal level to use on the Composite coverage map, and to show which of the several base stations provide the signal at each location.
Instead of displaying the source for the signal at each location, you may want to see a map showing multiple signal levels, without showing the source of the signal. To change the display, right-click on the legend entry for the Composite Coverage layer you want to change:
On the popup menu that is displayed, click “Show Composite as Multi-Level Plot”
When you click “Show Composite as Multi-Level Plot” the program will change to that mode. You will need to specify the field strength levels you want to show, so the program will automatically display the Layer properties form:
You can add levels to display by clicking the Add button, or if you have a template of levels you have previously saved you can click the Load button near the bottom of the form, in the center.
For example, suppose you have previously saved a template to display multiple field strength levels corresponding to desired dBm power input levels for your mobile units. Click the Load button:
You will be prompted to select the file containing the template you want to use:
When you open the template, the values will be loaded into the Layer properties form:
Click the Continue button to apply these settings to the Composite Coverage map to show the multiple field strength levels:
If you want to switch back to the Composite Coverage study showing a single level and the source of service, right click the legend entry again:
Notice now the “Show Composite as Multi-Level Plot” has a check-mark beside it, since the program is currently in that mode.
Click the “Show Composite as Multi-Level Plot” item again. The program will return to the single-level Composite source mode, and display the Layer properties form for that mode:
Click the Continue button to return these settings to the map.
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Copyright 2008 by SoftWright LLC