Assessment of the adequacy of USCGS data tapes for transmitter coverage area calculations

Abstract

This thesis describes the findings of research conducted as to the feasibility of using the U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey (USCGS) digital topographic database for the automated prediction of radio transmitter coverage area. The objective was to assess the adequacy of the USCGS database to support radio-frequency path-loss and terrain clearance calculations. The assessment was made by investigating the basic features of the tapes and of the coverage calculation process. From this investigation, a prototype computer program was developed which calculated coverage areas from sample data tapes. The computer code for the program is included.