Viewshed analysis of federal University Of Technology Yola, wireless internet network

Abstract

This paper is concerned with rectilinear propagation of radio signals utilized by wireless internet platform. The topographic map covering the study area was scanned and saved as JPEG image on the computer. It was then exported to ILWIS environment where the segment map and the Digital Elevation Model (DEM) were created. The DEM was then exported to IDRISI 32 for line-of-sight and viewshed analysis. Viewpoints were selected on both high and lowland areas of the study area and the results compared. The results showed that viewpoints on high peaks produced remarkable visibility than on lowlands in the line-of-sight and viewshed analyses. It was recommended that Boaster transmitters be installed at locations where the height of the wireless signal tower be increased beyond the 30m average to improve signal coverage.