Digital mapping products

3D Models Development Technology for Wireless Networks Planning and

Optimization

http://www.galantis.com/maps/

I. Introduction
According to market researches, market demands for 3D models is
expected to grow constantly, because of fast spreading of new
technologies like 3G/4G/WiMax/LTE.

For example: as for February 2012 – 91 wireless operators started

deployment of LTE networks in 53 countries.
There are several factors which are affecting on necessity and ability of
3D data in 3G/WiMax/LTE networks planning, such as:

 Growing of networks density. Distance between base stations,

having been approximately 0.5-1km in recent past, now is close
to 200-300m. LTE networks in many countries is planned to use
frequency 2.6GHz, and such frequency also cause reducing of
range between base stations because of technical requirements. For such high-density networks
planning and optimization, operators need high-accuracy 3D geodata.

 Propagation models became so accurate that they can simulate signal propagation with high accuracy
in the urban area taking in to account height and configuration of every single building, vegetation
block and other obstacles. Initial data for such models is 3D geodata.

 Accessibility of high accuracy satellite images (with resolution 0.5m and higher) – main data sources for
3D models producing.

 Present planning tools possess high potential for high accuracy data processing.

Communication’s quality and additional services range, costs reducing, possibility of rapid
project realization directly depends on quality of initial planning and optimization of the existing
network, which is connected directly to accuracy and detailing of region’s model, which can be
achieved only using 3D models.

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II. Comparison of signal level calculations based on 2D and 3D models.

During mobile communications network design phase it is necessary to optimize the location of base
stations in the service zones. The location which provides required signal level in any point of service zone with
minimum quantity of base stations – is considered to be optimal. The simplest solution of this task is the case
when earth surface can be approximated by plane. In urban build-up areas the task of signal quality definition
in the receive point is more complicated, because there are many reflected signals which should be taken into
account.

As the results of researches are showing, the best solution of this problem is usage of digital models
containing the building heights i.e. 3D models.

Example of signal level calculation around the base station using 2D model of Astana
Initial data for calculation is the terrain model and clutter model
with included signal attenuation factor for each clutter type. The
heights of buildings and other obstacles aren’t being taken into
account.

Example of signal level calculation around the base station using 3D model of Astana
For calculations in the propagation model with 3D model, all
possible effects which appear because of the multiradiate
propagation, wave refraction and diffraction are being taken into
account. This allows making more accurate modeling of wave
propagation in the urban area. Initial data for 3D calculations are
the terrain model and heights of buildings and other obstacles.

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Multiradiate signal changes in the direction off the base station depending on obstacles heights.

Clutter model of Astana city + Buildings and obstacles heights model

Signal level calculation with taking into account the building types and obstacles heights

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III. 3D models – ideal solution for accurate and effective planning

3D models provide accuracy range required by operators. Our own technological processes allow us to carry out
all the client’s uncommon tasks. Availability of big amount of off-the-shelf models allows us to make rapid data
supply for urgent projects realization.

Possessing more than 10 years of experience working on the telecommunication market, we always provides its
clients with:

• High quality and accuracy of provided data

• Competitive and flexible prices

• Preparation of model in any planning tool format

• Support of all out-of-the-box orders

• Careful following to all clients demands

• On-time delivery

• Off-the-shelf data packages

• Technical support and consultations before and after supply

• Work with the clients on the case-by-case basis

• Creation of models of any territories

Advantages of our technological processes:

1. We use the most actual satellite images with accuracy fitting to chosen type of model are used.

2. We exclude all the automatic procedures from the clutter and vector models producing processes for better
accuracy and quality.

3. Before and after every stage of model producing we implemented complicated quality control, which
provides maximum accuracy of data and provides on-time supply of the models.

4. Usage of own technological and manufacturing base allows to be flexible to all client’s demands.

5. Using own-created unique software, we can convert developed data to any planning tool format.

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IV. Possible options in 3D models development

Depending on client’s demands, we use different ways of 3D models development, which are resulting on the
data accuracy.

MAIN OPTIONS OF 3D MODELS:

 BASIC MODEL – is based on technology of processing of mono satellite images with accuracy 0.5-2.5m

 STEREO MODEL –is based on technology of processing of satellite images stereo pairs with accuracy 0.5-
1m

3D models data set:

 Digital Terrain Model (DTM)

 3D Heights model of obstacles

 Clutter model

 Vector model

 Text labels

 Orthoimage (optional)

Models features

BASIC Resolution (cell size): 5 m

Vertical accuracy in terrain model: 3-5m

Planimetric accuracy: 2-3m with GPS base points (without it – 5-7 m)

Heights accuracy in building model: 5-7m

Sources: satellite images with 0.5-1 m resolution

Obstacles heights are calculated, using measurements of shadows on the satellite images

STEREO Resolution: 2 – 5 m

Vertical accuracy in terrain model: 1-3 м

Planimetric accuracy: 2-3m with GPS base points (without it – 5 m)

Heights accuracy in building model: 2-3m

Sources: stereo pairs of satellite images with 0.5-1 m resolution

Obstacles heights are derived from stereo pairs of high-resolution satellite images by
stereo photogrammetric methods

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Data sets samples

Digital surface model Buildings heights model Clutter model

DTM Vector model Orthoimage

3D models features:

Two base technologies of 3D models preparation can be used separately as well as together, depending on
client’s demands.

All works is being performed using our own technological and manufacturing base and it allows us to be flexible
with clients and take in to account all his wishes, including limited budget.

STEREO MODELS – most accurate and completed models, as long as most expansive and complicated. They
are used for WiMax and 3G/4G networks planning on the high-density build-up areas with any complexity of
building and terrain.

 Because of high resolution (1-2m) stereo models reflecting all the terrain features with 90%
accuracy.

 Stereo models are describing all the elements of urban infrastructure, which can impede to signal
propagation: buildings, bridges, engineering objects, vegetation and other.

 High accuracy of all parameters and detailed object classification is provided by usage of satellite
images stereo pairs with resolution 0.5-1m.
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BASIC MODEL, according to our experience, is suitable for network deploying in cities with regular build-up
area with not very high density. But in big cities, with rapidly developing infrastructure – more detailed
refinement is required. Also, for the territories with highly complicated terrain standard approach to the basic
models development – terrain contour lines digitizing using 1:10000/25000/50000 scale topographic maps - can
appear to be deficient.

Combined approach to 3D models creation:

In this case we propose to combine BASIC and STEREO models advantages for most optimal
price/quality ratio, using following procedures:

 Basic model is being created for main city area

 Complex engineering constructions – bridges, pipelines, overpasses, buildings with complex roofs are
processed using satellite images stereopairs

 Terrain model is prepared, basing on the satellite images stereopairs Cartosat 1 (res. 2.5m), which
allows to gain 3-5m vertical accuracy and to make detailed shapes of all artificial terrain objects (dams,
bankings etc.).

This approach allows to

 Improve obstacles heights accuracy up to 4-5m, which results most on the signal propagation

 Improve terrain detailing and to improve heights accuracy in DTM up to 3-5m

 Considerably reduce model preparation term in comparison with Stereo model, because there is no
need in direct photo shooting for high accuracy stereo pairs gaining

And with it, cost of such models is comparable to basic models costs and still much lower than
cost of Stereo models

Usage of “additional model”

For both types of models we propose the Boundary Model. The main reasons to use this model are:

 Frame of model is usually created around the built-up areas, maximally repeating their contours. As a
result, high-complicity polygon appears (see pic. 1)

 According to our clients feedbacks, network planning on the edges of such model can appear to be
difficult. Smoothing model’s edges – makes model larger and its cost grows respectively. Meanwhile,
creation of full-scale 3D model outside the built-up area is unreasonable because of low-density of
buildings and obstacles in city vicinities.

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 For network planning process improvement and for taking into account signal propagation on the edges
of model, we propose Boundary Model of city vicinities around the frame of model polygon. (see pic.
2.)

Pic. 1 Pic.2

Boundary Model is prepared, using specification for the Basic model, but its cost is considerably lower,
because of lower job quantity. After these manipulations, both models are merged into one model.

Signal propagation calculation results made, using the additional model.

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Pre-design 3D models

For faster beginning of the network planning process we offers creation of Pre-design models:

During the first stage, models with low accuracy are supplied, but they, however, allow beginning general
network planning process and they can be supplied very fast (during 3-4 weeks). In Pre-design models we
use the information about number of storeys to calculate the building heights. In this case, vertical accuracy is
about 10m. Later customer changes that data with Basic or Stereo model to make more accurate calculations.
Pre-design models supply doesn’t affect on cost of project and its aim is only to allow customer begin
planning process faster.

Variety and combination of different approaches and technologies which we propose – provides
maximaly individual approach to every client’s project.

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V. 3D models production technologies

5.1. Production stages
1 stage - accurate definition of area of interest (AOI).

Model’s frame can be provided by customer as well as they can be created by our experts with compulsory
client’s approval.

2 stage – images selection for each AOI.

We use high accuracy satellite images and stereo pairs with resolution 0.5-2.5m. Type of image is selected in
accordance with 3D models accuracy requirements, suitable for customer. Always the most recent images are
selected.

If in supplier’s archive the recent images are unavailable, we order direct shooting of AOI. Expected new
images delivery time is from 2 week to 3 months, depending on weather conditions.

Satellite Images Types Being Used In Models Preparation Process

QuckBird GeoEye SPOT 5

Cartosat 1 WorldView 1,2 Ikonos

EROS-B Allos

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3 stage – data generation process.

Stereo pairs of satellite images with Mono satellite images with 0.5-
0.5 -2,5 m resolution, GCP 2.5 m resolution, GCP

Positioning of stereo satellite images

Picket and relief structure lines capturing

DTM creation

Quality control

Ortho-rectification of satellite images

Creation of satellite imagery mosaic

Quality control

Manual generation of satellite Extraction of buildings and

imagery-based vector data vegetation outlines by manual
digitizing from stereo pairs and
manual correction afterwards

Automatic creation of clutter data

Manual correction of clutter data

Quality control

Automatic generation of vector-based

building heights model

Quality control

Data conversion into the telecom format

Final quality control

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Visual interpretation of data generation stages

Structure lines and picket collection for DTM creation Building heights calculations using buildings shadows
measurements

Creation of objects contours from stereo pairs, using Extracting building heights using special
manual digitization in stereo model photogrammetric software and hardware for stereo
images processing

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Manual vectorization of contours and linear features from satellite images in MAPINFO, ERDAS,
ARCGIS or other GIS-environments

5.2. Digital Terrain Model creation technology

DTM describes all the features of earth surface, position and outlines of nature objects, which are preventing
signals propagation.

DTM can be created using three different methods:

 Digitization of terrain contour lines from topographic maps with 1:10000/25000/50000 scale (depending
on maps availability) – is used for basic 3D models

 Usage of satellite images stereo pairs with resolution 2.5m – is used for basic 3D models

 Usage of high resolution satellite images stereo pairs – is used for stereo models

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Vertical accuracy (Z) in DTM depending on usage of different initial data.

Maps 1:50 000 Maps 1:10 000, 1:25 Satellite images stereo pairs Satellite images stereo
000 with 2.5m resolution pairs with 0.5-1 m
resolution

3-5 m

Usage of stereo pairs provides

5m 3-5 m deeper terrain detailing in 1-3 m
comparison with data
extracted from topographic
maps

DTM examples, made using different initial data and technologies

DTM based on the maps with 1:50 000 scale DTM based on the maps with 1:10 000/25 000 scale

DTM based on stereo pairs with 2.5m resolution DTM based on high-resolution stereo pairs

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5.3. Clutter model producing technologies

Clutter model describes all the terrain and build-up area features, which are resulting on signal propagation.
Such models of earth surface are being unified in different classes: classes of buildings, classes of water
objects, classes of landscape objects and vegetation.

Main sources of data for clutter model creation are satellite images with resolution 0.5 – 2.5 m, depending on
model type – Basic or Stereo. For each type of model the most recent images are being taken for the maximum
data accuracy.

Types of images used for clutter models creation.

Model Type of image

BASIC Ikonos, QuickBird, EROS-B, WorldView, GeoEye, Cartosat 1, Allos

STEREO Ikonos, EROSB, WorldView, GeoEye

Clutter model is produced by photo interpretation of orthorectified satellite images.

Process is maintained in manual mode to gain the most precious correspondence of initial image
and classification result.

Manual processing technology provides considerable better result (in comparison with automated) because it
allows to classify clutters within many parameters, which are important for wireless networks planning, such as
build-up density, its specific features and widths of the streets.

Clutter model sample

16 clutter classes 20 clutter classes

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16 clutter classes are usually used in Basic model and 20 clutter classes – in Stereo model.

However clutters list can be extended or changed on client’s demand and for best fitting to territory
specification for which 3D model is created.

Example of clutter classification

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Below there are two samples of different methods of clutter model creation – automated mode -
not recommended and manual mode – best quality

Automated clutter generation Manual clutter generation

Quality of clutter model received by automated
satellite images processing depends on quality of
those images, quality of encrypting algorithms and
presence or absence of final visual quality control
procedures.
In contrast to automated mode manual generation of
clutter model which is currently recommended – is
based on high qualification and reach experience in
satellite images encrypting of our personnel. It allows
to take into account all specific features of working
with exact territory and with exact satellite images.

Galantis Inc
USA, Mexico: 1565 Scenic Avenue, Suite D, Costa Mesa, CA 92626,
Canada: 100 King Street West, Suite 350, Toronto, ONT, M5X 1C1E
e-mail: RonClevenger@galantis.com
http://www.galantis.com/maps/

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