Mapping Hacks

Plot Wireless Network Viewsheds with GRASS #74

Chapter 6, Mapping on Your Desktop

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HACK

Again, we have to emphasize that analysis from elevation models is only the

beginning for building wireless networks. Even if the line-of-sight plot says

the network is marginal or it only barely can’t be done, you might want to

try to set up the link anyway; digital elevation models have been known to

be erroneous, or at least inaccurate. Further, no terrain model can properly

account for ground clutter, such as buildings and trees. In the end, all this

sort of analysis can do is help you prioritize your options to help to figure

out which ones are more or less likely to work—but, sometimes, that’s all

you need to get started.

See Also

• “Why You Can’t Watch Broadcast TV” [Hack #18]

• “Add Relief to Your Topographic Maps” [Hack #72]

• “Share Your GRASS Maps with the World” [Hack #75]

• “Analyze Elevation Profiles for Wireless Community Networks” [Hack #19]

Figure 6-45. Relief map with site labels