NTIA Report TR-82-100

A Guide to the Use of the ITS Irregular Terrain Model in the Area Prediction Mode

April 1982

G.A. Hufford, A.G. Longley, W.A. Kissick

Abstract: The ITS model of radio propagation for frequencies between 20 MHz and 20 GHz (the Longley-Rice model) is a general purpose model that can be applied to a large variety of engineering problems. The model, which is based on electromagnetic theory and on statistical analyses of both terrain features and radio measurements, predicts the median attenuation of a radio signal as a function of distance and the vari-ability of the signal in time and in space.

The model is described in the form used to make "area predictions" for such applications as preliminary estimates for system design, military tactical situations and surveillance, and land-mobile sys-tems. This guide describes the basis of the model, its implementation, and some advantages and limitations of its use. Sample problems are included to demonstrate applications of the model.

Keywords: area prediction; radio propagation model; SHF; statistics; terrain effects; UHF; VHF

• Title Page; Table of Contents, List of Figures, List of Tables

• Report (no Appendices)

• Appendix A, pages 69-76

• Appendix A, pages 77-84

• Appendix A, pages 85-92

• Appendix A, pages 93-100

• Appendix B, pages 101-106

• Appendix B, pages 107-112

• Appendix B, pages 113-117

Disclaimer: Certain commercial equipment, components, and software are identified in this report to specify adequately the technical aspects of the reported results. In no case does such identification imply recommendation or endorsement by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, nor does it imply that the equipment or software identified is necessarily the best available for the particular application or uses.

To request a reprint of this report, contact:
Margaret Luebs, Publications Officer
Institute for Telecommunication Sciences
Voice: (303) 497-3572
info@its.bldrdoc.gov

For technical information concerning this report, contact:
Paul McKenna, Electronics Engineer
Institute for Telecommunication Sciences
Voice: (303) 497-3474 or (303) 497-5237
pmckenna@its.bldrdoc.gov