VIASAT GeoTechnologies - SiteAcq: Site Acquisition and Validation for Cell Phone Network Antennas

SiteAcq
Site Acquisition and Validation for Cell Phone Network Antennas

The SiteAcq solution is designed to speed up and optimize the process of acquiring and validating cell phone network antenna sites.

Through the careful, effective integration of geospatial information, SiteAcq dramatically cuts the time needed for this crucial phase in the planning of a new wireless network. Complementing RF coverage prediction tools, SiteAcq acts as a bridge between RF design and actual field conditions.

Use of Geospatial Data

SiteAcq lets you use geospatial databases (aerial photos, satellite images, municipal maps, geobases, etc.) to facilitate and confirm the quality of network planning. You can:

automatically find all potential sites satisfying the design criteria specified by the RF engineer;
analyze the visibility and clearance of chosen sites using accurate digital elevation models, which include buildings;
confirm the feasibility of physical placement on the building;
exclude protected areas (historical, military, etc. sites);
find street addresses for the chosen sites;
identify the coordinates of the building's owner;
produce a map for a site visit.

The chosen sites are validated for RF levels, both civil and regulatory, even before teams are sent into the field.

Advantages

Faster installation
More sites can be identified and validated using databases, with no need for field work, so selection time is faster.

Greater support for RF planning
Network planning is done through virtual visits to the chosen sites using digital elevation models, aerial photos and 3D images to study the sites' antenna coverage and visibility. This lets RF engineers eliminate some sites even before the acquisition team is sent to the field.

Easier negotiation planning
The proposed sites can be printed out on a map, an aerial photo or another type of medium to illustrate their possible impact right from the start.

Preliminary contact with owners
Pre-validating owners' interests cuts down on the number of site visits so the process is smoother and less irritating for the owners of the proposed sites.

Speedier design
The site designer can visualize the sector and select the best equipment for the situation right from his desktop. Maps can be produced to help with technical inspections or obtaining permits on the buildings.