The analysis of radio wave propagation is a crucial part in designing an efficient wireless communication system. The Geographic Information System (GIS) can be incorporated into this procedure because most of the factors in radio wave propagation are geographic features.

In this research, a commercial wireless planning software is tested in a field driving test carried out in Montgomery County, VA. The performance of current wireless planning software is evaluated based on field measurement. The received signal strength data collected during this driving test are then analyzed in a GIS environment in a statistical approach. The effects of local geographic features are modeled in GIS by appropriate spatial analyses.