Path ProfilerΒΆ
Cambium has produced the web based utility Path Profiler to create path profiles, which can be directly imported into LINKPlanner. When Use Clutter? is enabled the profile will include both the terrain height and the clutter type, when Use Clutter? is disabled the profile will only include the terrain height.
The file output by Path Profiler is complete in the sense that it includes the Latitude and Longitude. Most of the imports from other software do not address this problem and thus it is important to correct the Latitude and Longitude in the LINKPlanner for translated files.
LINKPlanner automatically generates requests and sends them to Path Profiler (either as soon as the link is created or from the menu options Project, Get Profiles). Path Profiler imports the path profile data automatically into LINKPlanner. See Obtaining Link Profiles.
When path profiles are loaded into LINKPlanner, verify them as described in Adjusting Link Profiles. The following questions must be answered:
- Has Path Profiler given the correct ground height at each end of the link?
- Has Path Profiler given the correct clutter type (if using) along the link?
- Has Path Profiler given accurate data for any sections of the path that pass over water? The method of survey, which is radar on board a satellite, may cause inaccuracies over water. The ground return is dispersive in angle, ensuring that some power goes back to the satellite. A water return in calm conditions can be reflected in one direction away from the satellite, introducing potentially large errors.