The output section's options do not affect propagation results beyond the resolution. They only determine the cosmetic formatting of the results when a calculation is performed, which can be important depending on your application.
- Output Example
- Terrain Resolution
- Colour Schema
- Radius
As with the other panels, you can expand and collapse the Output Panel by clicking on its title [1] or collapse it by opening any other panel. You will see the options for Terrain resolution [2], Colour schema [3], Radius [4], and Actual Output/Resolution [5]:
Output Example
Below is an example of a map that has green coverage overlaid from two transmitter sources with different resolution outputs. Low resolution is on the left [1] and high resolution is on the right [2]. Notice the finer details shown with the high-resolution output:
Terrain Resolution
Your options for terrain resolution in the drop-down will vary depending on the location of your current transmitter location. In general more densely populated areas will have higher resolution data available. Some options you will see include:
- 60m / 198ft (DSM)
- 30m / 98ft (DSM)
- 5m / 17ft (LIDAR)
- 2m / 7ft (LIDAR)
Under the drop-down menu, you will be told what is the best data available for your current site location.
The system has two primary sources of terrain data: SRTM and LIDAR. SRTM dates from 2000 and has global coverage at 90m and within the USA at 30m. These are 1200 and 3600 pixels per degree respectively. Resolution increases towards northern latitudes due to the way lines of longitude converge and SRTM tiles are bounded by degrees. An even lower resolution of 180m / 600 pixels is available for broadcasters performing regional studies.
Calculation time and map navigation speed are affected significantly by the resolution. LIDAR data is very high-resolution 3D data, usually sourced with lasers and is accurate down to 1m within CloudRF. This coverage exists only for select locations within the system and at varying resolutions (England is covered at 2m, New York and San Francisco at 1m, etc.).
Colour Schema
The output file's display color can be set here. 'Cellular' for example has five color bands representing the five signal bars seen on most mobile phones. For single colours like Reds, a range of dark and light reds will be used to denote strong and weak signals. A key is supplied with each layer for reference. Custom RGB schemas exist whereby you can define the limits for each colour. Alternatively, you can use automatic colour assignment based upon frequency. The number in brackets is the number of colours in that scheme.
Radius
This is the entire maximum area covered in kilometers or miles. The units can be changed in the Transmitter Panel. In general, this number should be no more than the length to the most distant station. A maximum value of 300km is allowed, but you may hit your account's mega-pixel calculation limit with high-resolution data and a large radius.
Actual Output/Resolution
Down below you will see the mega-pixel and actual resolution numbers change as you modify your output parameters. If your calculation output is limited by your plan's mega-pixel limit, you will see the words "Plan Limit" appear in parenthesis next to
And as always, if you have any comments or questions please reach out to us at support@cloudrf.com.